Wildfire & Fire Risk Preparation
What sellers must do
IHomes in San Diego’s inland and canyon areas may fall into Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Before listing, sellers should:
- Clear vegetation within 0–100 feet of structures (defensible space)
- Remove dead trees, branches, and flammable landscaping near the home
- Clean roofs, gutters, and attic vents
- Ensure vents and exterior openings are ember-resistant if possible
- Be prepared to disclose wildfire risk and mitigation efforts
Why this matters when selling
- Impacts insurance eligibility and cost
- Can affect buyer financing approval
- Required disclosure in many high-risk zones
Resources
- CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones
https://www.fire.ca.gov/fire-prevention/fire-hazard-severity-zones - Ready For Wildfire (home preparation checklist)
https://www.readyforwildfire.org - California Department of Insurance (fire insurance guidance)
https://www.insurance.ca.gov
Balcony, Deck & Exterior Structure Safety
What sellers must do
If the property is part of an HOA or multifamily structure, sellers should verify:
- Required balcony/deck inspections have been completed
- Any structural repairs or remediation are documented
- No active safety violations exist
- HOA has complied with inspection laws
For single-family homes:
- Inspect decks, balconies, stairs for rot, water damage, or instability
- Repair or disclose any known structural concerns
Why this matters when selling
- Lenders may require proof of compliance
- Buyers will request inspection reports
- HOA special assessments may reduce buyer interest or price
Resources
- SB 326 HOA Balcony Inspection Law Overview
https://www.davis-stirling.com/HOME/SB-326 - SB 721 Apartment Balcony Inspection Law (California Legislature)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB721 - Structural Engineers Association of California (inspection standards)
https://www.seaoc.org
Permits, Repairs & Property Records
What sellers must do
Before listing, sellers should gather:
- Permits for additions, remodels, ADUs, decks, or structural changes
- Records of roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, or plumbing/electrical work
- Any unpermitted work should be evaluated before listing
- Verify property matches public records (square footage, layout)
Why this matters when selling
- Unpermitted work can delay or kill financing
- Appraisers may adjust value downward if records don’t match
- Buyers often renegotiate after permit review
Resources
- San Diego County Planning & Development Services
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds.html - City of San Diego Development Services (permits & records)
https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services
Seller Disclosures (California Required Documents)
What sellers must do
California law requires sellers to complete:
- Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS)
- Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ)
- Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD)
- Lead-based paint disclosure (homes built before 1978)
- HOA disclosures (if applicable)
Sellers should also disclose:
- Known defects or past repairs
- Water intrusion or mold history
- Insurance claims related to property damage
Why this matters when selling
- Failure to disclose = legal liability
- Drives renegotiations during escrow
- Impacts buyer trust and offer strength
Resources
- California Association of Realtors Disclosure Center
https://www.car.org/riskmanagement/disclosure - Natural Hazard Disclosure Overview
https://www.nhd.com
Insurance & Risk Readiness
What sellers must do
- Home is insurable under current market conditions
- No major claims issues affecting underwriting
- HOA insurance coverage is adequate (condos)
- Property is not flagged for high wildfire or coastal risk issues
Why this matters when selling
- Buyers may be denied insurance (deal killer)
- Insurance costs impact affordability and pricing
- FAIR Plan reliance can reduce buyer pool
Resources
- California FAIR Plan (fire insurance coverage option)
https://www.cfpnet.com - California Department of Insurance – Home Insurance Guide
https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-residential/