The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains:

 “As the specter of climate change looms large, the world braces for unprecedented challenges. In the world of real estate, one of those challenges will be the effects of natural catastrophes on property portfolios, homeowners, and communities.”

That may be why, according to Zillow, more and more Americans now consider how climate risks and natural disasters can impact their homeownership plans (see below):

This study goes on to explain that climate risks affect where many people look for a home. That’s because homebuyers are interested in finding out if the house they want will be exposed to things like floods, extreme heat, and wildfires.

If you’re in the same situation and are thinking about what to do next, here’s some important information to consider as you start looking for a home.

 Expert Advice for Homebuyers To Reduce Climate Risks

The first thing to do is understand how to go about buying a home while thinking about climate risks. With the right help and resources, you can simplify the process.

The Mortgage Reports provides these tips for buying your next home:

•  Evaluate climate risks: Before buying a home, it’s important to check if it’s in a flood-prone area using the FEMA website, review the seller’s property disclosure for any past damage, and get an inspection for issues like cracks and mold to make sure it’s a safe investment.
• Consider future preventative maintenance costs: For areas that get tropical storms, you may need to purchase hurricane shutters and sandbags to protect the home. In wildfire-prone areas, you may want to clear plants five feet from the house, consider rooftop sprinklers, or possibly buy gutter guards to prevent fire hazards. Factor these future expenses in when touring homes that may need them.
• Take steps to avoid losing your assets: Getting the right insurance for a home in a high-risk climate area is crucial. You should shop around and talk to multiple insurance agents to compare prices and options before deciding to bid on a home.

Above all else, your most valuable resource during this process is a trusted real estate expert. They’ll always focus on your goals while keeping your concerns top of mind. Even if they don’t have all the answers about how your home can handle natural disasters, they can connect you with the right experts and information.

Bottom Line

If you want to buy a home, but you’re also thinking about climate risks, you’re not alone. Your home is a big investment, and if anything can impact that, you want to know. Let’s connect so you have someone you can trust to guide you as you find your next home.

Some Highlights

• Wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limited today? There are a few factors at play.
• Lack of building over time, the mortgage rate lock-in effect, and people staying in their houses longer are three of the main reasons why supply is low.
• But real estate agents know exactly where to look and what to do to make your dream a reality. Let’s connect so you have an expert on your side to help you successfully navigate the market and find your next home.

Freddie Mac today (09/28/2023) released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.31 percent.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has hit the highest level since the year 2000,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “However, unlike the turn of the millennium, house prices today are rising alongside mortgage rates, primarily due to low inventory. These headwinds are causing both buyers and sellers to hold out for better circumstances.”

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.31 percent as of September 28, 2023, up from last week when it averaged 7.19 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.70 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.72 percent, up from last week when it averaged 6.54 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.96 percent.

The PMMS^® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit.

Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^® (PMMS^®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.19 percent.

“Mortgage rates continue to linger above seven percent as the Federal Reserve paused their interest rate hikes,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Given these high rates, housing demand is cooling off and now homebuilders are feeling the effect. Builder sentiment declined for the first time in several months and construction levels have dipped to a three-year low, which could have an impact on the already low housing supply.”

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.19 percent as of September 21, 2023, up from last week when it averaged 7.18 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.29 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.54 percent, up from last week when it averaged 6.51 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.44 percent.

The PMMS^® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20 percent down and have excellent credit.

Jessica Lautz, National Association of Realtor  Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research says the newest data, released today, shows that the typical single-family existing home was $413,500 last month. For that home, the typical monthly mortgage payment would be $2,243.