Scorching Real Estate and Orange County's Changing Housing Market

Lisa Mailhot  |  July 9, 2024

Buyers

Scorching Real Estate and Orange County's Changing Housing Market

 

As a realtor in Orange County, I've seen firsthand how climate change reshapes our local real estate market. Recent findings from the California Insurance Department have shed light on a silent killer affecting our communities more than we realize: extreme heat.

The Golden State has always been known for its warm weather, but the intensity and frequency of heat waves have escalated dramatically in recent years. According to a new report, extreme heat events in California have claimed more lives than wildfires and resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses over the past decade.

Here's what homeowners and potential buyers need to know:

  • Health Impacts: Extreme heat has led to hundreds of deaths, thousands of hospitalizations, and countless emergency room visits. This health crisis disproportionately affects low-income communities, older adults, and outdoor workers.
  • Economic Toll: The total economic impact of extreme heat events from 2013 to 2022 reached a staggering $7.7 billion. This includes lost wages, agricultural disruptions, power outages, and infrastructure damage.
  • Insurance Challenges: Currently, there's little to no insurance coverage available for many heat-related issues, such as lost wages due to extreme temperatures or damage to infrastructure like railways.
  • Property Values: As extreme heat becomes more prevalent, properties with cooling features, energy-efficient designs, and ample shade will likely become more valuable.
  • Community Planning: Cities and counties are beginning to invest in heat mitigation strategies, such as expanding green spaces and establishing cooling centers. These initiatives could influence neighborhood desirability and property values.

What can homeowners do?

  • Invest in Energy Efficiency: Consider upgrades like improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, and high-efficiency HVAC systems to keep your home cool and energy bills low.
  • Landscaping for Cooling: Strategically planted trees and vegetation can provide natural cooling for your property.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with local heat action plans and utilize community resources during extreme heat events.
  • Insurance Review: Regularly review your homeowner's insurance to understand what is and isn't covered related to extreme heat events.

As we navigate this changing landscape, staying informed and adapting is crucial. Orange County's real estate market is evolving, and savvy buyers and sellers understand and prepare for these climate-related challenges.

Bottom Line

Extreme heat is reshaping our communities and the real estate market in ways we're only beginning to understand. If you're considering buying or selling a home in Orange County, working with a knowledgeable realtor who understands these emerging trends is more important than ever. Let's connect and navigate this changing market together.

 

 

Reference: “Extreme heat in California: Hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, billions of dollars” by Levi Sumagaysay| Calmatters. Published on July 8, 2024.


RECENT BLOG POSTS

Navigating the Rising Tide: Protecting Your Home in Insurance Deserts

Explore the challenges and solutions facing homeowners in areas known as "insurance deserts" where escalating premiums and climate risks make obtaining affordable cove… Read more

Navigating Orange County’s Housing Market Amid Nationwide Trends

Housing starts in the US hit a 4-month low, with multifamily construction declining but single-family homes rebounding in storm-affected regions. Discover what this me… Read more

Embracing the Golden Age of Guest Bedrooms: A Trend Transforming American Homes

Explore the surprising trend of shrinking household sizes in the U.S. and how it has ushered in a golden age for guest bedrooms. With an all-time high in spare bedroom… Read more

AI Tools Revolutionizing Real Estate: How Tech Simplifies Industrial Real Estate Operations

Discover cutting-edge AI tools transforming industrial real estate by streamlining logistics, site selection, property management, and marketing. Let’s make your move … Read more

Southern California's Real Estate Landscape: Key Developments and Industry Movers

Stay updated with the latest shifts in the Southern California real estate scene for December 2024. From new divisions and leadership changes to significant industry a… Read more

Understanding Tax-Assessed Value vs. Market Value

Discover the differences between tax-assessed value and market value in real estate, and how these valuations affect your property transactions. Learn to navigate thes… Read more

A Model for Affordable Housing and Community Transformation of Hope Village

Discover Hope Village, a groundbreaking faith-based affordable housing project in Walnut Creek, provides safe, stable homes for the homeless. Learn how this initiative… Read more

When the Smoke Clears: Real Estate Resilience Amid Wildfires

Dive into the effects of the Malibu wildfires on California's real estate landscape. From safeguarding properties to tackling insurance obstacles, this blog offers ess… Read more

The Clash Between Progress and Community of Data Centers and Neighborhoods

Explore the growing tension between data center expansion and community well-being. Learn how these developments impact local neighborhoods, what they mean for residen… Read more

We are excited to assist you in finding your perfect home

Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most