Chic vs. Geek: Underwater Properties

With climate change heating up and sea levels predicted to rise, are California buyers setting themselves up for trouble by investing in beachfront homes?

CHIC (PEARL)

As the old saying goes, location is the name of the game in real estate, and that’s especially true here in the Bay Area, with long stretches of ocean and bayfront property constantly in high demand and fetching high prices. But coastal properties selling today could be the victims of flooding and sea level rise related to climate change before the end of a 30-year mortgage agreement. It’s clear from this report that homebuyers understand the risk of going underwater — literally. The question is how you measure the risk against the reward.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Did you know that about 20,000 properties in California alone could face routine flooding within the next generation? You’d think that would be enough to scare buyers away. But we’ve come a long way with technology to mitigate the impacts, like reinforced seawalls and flood control systems, and banks are still willing to finance and insure homes at risk from sea level rise. So the market for coastal properties has remained relatively stable. That could change if floods, fires, and other natural disasters become more regular occurrences.

Chic vs. Geek: Defensible Space

If you haven’t noticed, wildfires are becoming more of the norm than a random occurrence. So how can you create a barrier of protection around your home?

CHIC (PEARL)

CalFire uses the term “defensible space” to describe a buffer between buildings on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or other wild areas surrounding it. By creating a defensible space around your home, you can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and save your property from a tragic ending from embers, flames, or excessive heat. This space also provides firefighters a safe space to work while protecting your home. Learn more.

GEEK (KEVIN)

It’s important to keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home, but “home hardening” is also essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. A few ideas: re-roof with materials such as composition, metal, clay or tile; install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire; or remodel your walls with ignition resistant building materials. Get more tips from CalFire.

Chic vs. Geek: Backyard Summer Fun

Students are heading back to school, but it’s not too late to seize the waning days of summer — from the comfort of your backyard!

CHIC (PEARL)

I like to go romantic and relaxing! Bask in the warm summer nights with a movie under the stars. Make yourself comfortable and project a summer classic. Just don’t forget the popcorn! Want to treat yourself? Turn your outdoor space into a spa with relaxing mud masks and body scrubs. Detox and exfoliate while safely soaking up some Vitamin D. Or pitch a tent in the backyard and line it with pillows and blankets or a big air mattress for a romantic getaway — at home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

As you might’ve guessed, for me, everything is much better with food. Bring the gourmet to the great outdoors with campfire fondue! Gather around the firepit — real or gas — melt your favorite delicacies, and serve them alongside fresh fruits and veggies. Make the fondue sweet or savory using cheese or chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, three simple ingredients and an open flame add up to the summer's most iconic treat and my favorite outdoor dessert: s’mores!

Chic vs. Geek: Hardening Your Home

Drought conditions combined with summer heat make the upcoming fire season even more threatening for homeowners. How can you prep your home? We’ve got some tips!

CHIC (PEARL)

Things any of us can do:

GEEK (KEVIN)

Things not everybody should do:

Things that should be left to professionals:

Number Talk: Wildfire Market, Part 2

Last week, we showed you how sales activity in the Bay Area didn’t dip significantly during the recent wildfires, except in the few counties where the fires were concentrated. According to the chart below, listings going into contract in Santa Cruz County fell more than 30% during the height of the CZU complex fire, nearly reaching lows from the peak of the shelter in place.

Meanwhile, things weren’t much better in Monterey, Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties, all of which saw huge year-over-year declines in August activity.