As you explore the real estate market in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda (Lamorinda), we want to share relevant information regarding insurance and fire compliance —a critical consideration for buyers and sellers in our real estate market. 

The Lamorinda Fire Map below identifies all the real estate located in high-fire hazard areas in red. Unfortunately, this is much of our market, and it is a quick wake-up call to the importance of this topic. For homeowners in Moraga and Orinda, there is a Point-of-Sale ordinance that requires all sellers to obtain fire clearance before selling homes in these zip codes. In Lafayette, if you are in a High Fire Hazard Area, you must have a mandatory fire inspection prior to selling your property.

Did you know that in 2024, 31% of homeowners struggled to obtain insurance, compared to just 17% in 2023? As part of our commitment to providing exceptional service, when taking a listing or representing a buyer in Lamorinda, we first check if the address is designated in a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone on the CAL FIRE Hazard Zone website. This helps us assess the necessary steps for both fire compliance and securing appropriate insurance.

When buying a home, it’s essential to consider all monthly costs, as they can significantly impact your budget beyond just the asking price. These include: 

• Monthly Mortgage & Interest Payment
• Monthly Real Estate Taxes
• Monthly Maintenance Costs or HOA Fees
• Insurance Premiums 

In many parts of Northern California, including Lamorinda, insurance premiums are rising sharply, often outpacing inflation. Homeowners in areas prone to natural disasters, such as fires, face challenges due to factors like insurance fraud, litigation in claims, rising repair costs, and higher financing expenses. 

As a homebuyer, it's crucial to factor in your monthly insurance costs and understand what your policy covers. Be sure to consider deductibles and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover them. Additionally, verify that the property is fully insured for replacement value and update this coverage annually. 

Our team possesses real-time knowledge and resources to help you navigate these complexities beyond just opening doors. In fact, if you have any questions, have been dropped recently by your carrier, or would like to discuss the current market trends in our area, please don’t hesitate to reach out.