The wildfires are a big concern for local residents and Realtors who help clients buy and sell property in the mountains, which are classified as high-risk fire zone areas. At a recent Silicon Valley Association of Realtors virtual meeting, Scott Green, a Realtor with Compass with 27 years of firefighting experience, spoke on what Realtors need to know when a client wants to purchase property in a high-risk fire zone.
Green, who lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, said he would not trade living anywhere else. The fresh air, large tracts of land, privacy are major reasons why Green and other families love about living in the mountains, but the mountains are also prone to wildfires, said Green, and it is a risk property owners living there and potential buyers need to be prepared to take.
Realtors helping clients buy property in the mountains should be familiar with the area, or partner with another agent who is, said Green. They should know the routes to and from and in and around the vicinity of the property because GPS does not always work. A fire can strike anytime, so they should know alternatives routes when showing properties.
Realtors should have a conversation with their buyer about the risk, the responsibilities, and what it costs to live in a high-risk fire zone. They should have resources on hand, so they can respond to buyer questions.
Green said it costs to live in the mountains. Money spent on bringing a property in compliance with PR Code 4291 - Structures in Mountainous Areas; Flammable Materials, can add up.
A major concern is many lots are one way in and one way out. Green recalled that was a major reason for many deaths in the Paradise Fire. "People could not get out fast enough."
"When a fire is underway, it's a whole animal by itself. You can't predict what's going to happen," remarked Green.
In case a fire breaks out it is necessary for occupants of a home to move quickly. This would be difficult for families with children or an elderly person living with them. Families should have an evacuation plan and a communication plan and meeting place because cell phones will not work if communication towers are damaged.
There is also the expense of regularly clearing/cleaning the property. "If you bought it you need to maintain it," said Green.
Before even considering buying property, buyers should check on insurance because it takes longer to get coverage due to the risk. Alan Barbic, past president of the local Realtor group, also lives in the mountains and, like Green, loves it despite the risks. Barbic's house burned down in the 1985 Lexington Fire and he had to rebuild. He said these days insurance companies are wary of losses and may not renew a policy if it was destroyed by fire.
Barbic said buyers need to take steps to protect their property, like having a 10,000-gallon water tank, a fire hydrant, a fireproof roof. He warned when the electricity is off, the pump will not run, the water will be off, and the hose will not work.
Farmers Insurance agent Kyle Chuang, an affiliate member of SILVAR, noted, "Homeowners, especially buyers with loan contingencies, should be aware that certain conditions are indicators their insurance will be declined, or expensive and limited, like if there is uncleared brush within 100 feet, if there is no fire hydrant within 1,000 feet, if the nearest fire station is beyond five miles, if there is only one exit route to the major roads, or if the property is located in a high fire hazard area and has a wood shake roof."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.