Selling & Buying a Home In A Fire Zone

The Recent Wildfires In Malibu Are Reminiscent of Other Wildfires in Montecito

Selling and Buying in a Wildfire-Prone Area: What You Need to Know

Few places capture the beauty and allure of coastal living quite like Montecito, CA. With its Mediterranean climate, breathtaking ocean views, and stunning mountains, it’s no wonder so many people dream of calling Montecito home. However, as with many other parts of California, Montecito is also known for its wildfire risks. If you’re looking to sell or buy a home in a region affected by frequent wildfires, here are key insights and strategies to keep in mind.

For Sellers: Preparing Your Home for the Market

1. Highlight Fire-Resistant Upgrades

   • If your home has been retrofitted with fire-resistant materials (such as Class A roofing materials, ember-resistant vents, or fire-retardant siding), make sure to highlight these features in your listing.
   • Potential buyers are increasingly aware of the importance of “home hardening” when it comes to wildfires, so showcase any improvements you’ve made.

2. Create a Defensible Space

   • Most fire agencies recommend maintaining a “defensible space” around your property. This typically includes removing or thinning combustible vegetation, clearing leaves from gutters, and ensuring branches are trimmed away from the house.
   • A well-maintained landscape can signal to buyers that you’ve taken wildfire risk seriously.

3. Obtain a Wildfire Disclosure Report

   • In California, sellers are typically required to disclose if a property is in a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Work with your Realtor to ensure all necessary disclosures are completed accurately.
   • Providing a thorough, transparent disclosure builds trust and demonstrates that you’ve proactively addressed any wildfire-related concerns.

4. Review Insurance Availability

   • Home insurance in wildfire-prone areas can be a challenge. Before listing, reach out to your insurance company or a local insurance broker to confirm coverage details and potential costs.
   • Having insurance information on hand can streamline the process for buyers, eliminating surprises that could derail a deal.

5. Emphasize Community & Local Resources

   • Montecito and other coastal California towns often have strong community networks and robust emergency preparedness resources.
   • If your neighborhood has active fire mitigation programs, neighborhood watch groups, or evacuation plans, highlight these in your listing. Buyers will feel more comfortable knowing the community works together to manage wildfire risk.

For Buyers: Key Considerations When Purchasing

1. Location, Location…Fire Zone

   • First and foremost, confirm if the property is located in a “High” or “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Your Realtor should provide fire hazard maps and related disclosures.
   • Understanding the home’s position—whether it’s nestled deep in a canyon or perched on a ridge—helps you gauge potential wildfire exposure.

2. Evaluate Home Construction & Materials

   • Certain construction materials are more fire-resistant (e.g., stucco exteriors, double-pane windows, metal or tile roofs).
   • Ask for a list of any retrofitting projects completed by the seller to fortify the home against embers and flames. Inquire about the age and condition of the roof, siding, and windows.

3. Insurance and Risk Assessment

   • Securing homeowners insurance can be more complicated (and expensive) in high-risk areas. Be sure to shop around with multiple carriers to find the best coverage and rates.
   • Request a copy of the property’s past insurance claims history if possible. This can offer insight into the home’s wildfire risk and give you valuable information on any past damage.

4. Defensible Space & Landscaping

   • Look closely at the surrounding vegetation: Are there large trees too close to the home? Are leaves and debris cleared from the yard and roof?
   • If the property is not already in compliance with recommended defensible space guidelines, figure out the cost and effort required to bring it up to standard.

5. Community Wildfire Preparedness

   • Investigate local firefighting resources, evacuation routes, and community alert systems.
   • Many wildfire-prone areas have neighborhood or citywide initiatives—like brush-clearing projects or emergency alert apps—that help residents stay informed and prepared.

6. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

   • Owning a home in a wildfire-prone area requires ongoing vigilance. Budget for regular roof cleaning, gutter clearing, vegetation management, and other maintenance tasks.
   • Being proactive about home care in these regions can significantly mitigate wildfire risks.

California Wildfires Are A Risk, But This Risk Can Be Mitigated

Selling or buying a home in a wildfire-prone area like Montecito, CA involves an extra layer of diligence, education, and preparedness. For sellers, improving fire resistance, maintaining defensible space, and providing transparent disclosures can help your property stand out and instill confidence in prospective buyers. For buyers, understanding insurance costs, property materials, and local emergency resources will ensure you’re making a well-informed investment.

While wildfires can pose a serious risk, Montecito’s beauty and lifestyle advantages remain strong draws for many. By properly preparing and staying informed, both sellers and buyers can successfully navigate the real estate market in areas at higher risk for wildfires—and ultimately find peace of mind in their coastal California home. Our thoughts are with those living with the threat of the current wildfire outbreak in Malibu.