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You’d Better Ask These 5 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS Before Buying a Home

You’d Better Ask These 5 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS Before Buying a Home

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No matter how many episodes of “House Hunters” or “Love It or List It” you’ve watched, buying a home inevitably comes with surprises. Though a sharp real estate agent will help you navigate these hidden challenges, before you start shopping for a house, you should take account of some important things that you probably haven’t considered.

Curious what you might be missing? Here are five questions you’d never think to ask yourself but totally should before buying a home.

You’d Better Ask These 5 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS Before Buying a Home

1. Have I checked my credit report?

When you apply for a mortgage to buy a home, lenders want some reassurance that you’ll repay them later. Of course they do! One way they assess this is to check your creditworthiness, by scrutinizing your credit report and score. Having a high credit rating or FICO score (named after the company that created it, the Fair Isaac Corporation) proves that you have reliably paid off past debts, whether they’re from a credit card, college loan, or other forms of debt.

Credit scores can range from 300 to 850; in general, what’s considered an excellent credit score is in the range of 750 to 850. A good credit score is from 700 to 749; a fair credit score, 650 to 699. A credit score lower than 650 is deemed poor, meaning that your credit history has had some rough patches.

The three nationwide consumer credit-reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—are each required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report annually if you request it. You can order all three at once, or stagger them throughout the year, from one central source: AnnualCreditReport.com.

You should closely examine each report before you meet with a mortgage lender. Why? Because even if you’re fairly sure you’ve never made a late payment, 1 in 4 Americans find errors on their credit file, according to a 2013 Federal Trade Commission survey. The simple truth is that creditors make mistakes reporting customer slip-ups.

If you discover errors, you can remove them from your credit report by contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion with proof that the information was incorrect. From there, they will remove these flaws from your report, which will later be reflected in your FICO score.

2. Who’s the best real estate agent for me?

Finding the right real estate agent to partner with can be a daunting task. A lot’s at stake, and there’s certainly no shortage of options. Should you go for a savvy veteran agent or eager newbie?

Veteran real estate agents can provide sage advice, based on the breadth of knowledge they’ve built up over the years. Having dealt with just about every issue that can affect a sale, they can help you navigate any complicated problems that may arise.

However, experienced agents are usually in high demand, working with several clients at once. Because their time is limited, they may not be available to show you as many homes in person, meet you for last-minute showings, or handle other pressing issues.

Rookie agents, meanwhile, bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to their job. And, because beginners usually have fewer clients than more seasoned agents, they may be able to spend more time with you than an experienced agent who’s juggling multiple clients.

In short, choosing the right agent boils down to what kind of customer service you’re looking for.

Related: 4 Downsides to Purchasing New Construction

3. If I get a new job, am I likely to have to relocate?https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-downsides-to-purchasing-a-new-construction-home/

Your career plans play a pivotal role in determining whether it makes sense for you to buy a house.

Indeed, according to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median tenure of workers of ages 55 to 64 is a whopping 10.1 years, more than three times that of workers ages 25 to 34, who stay at a job for 2.8 years on average.

Changing jobs won’t be a big deal if your new gig is in your current city, but if there aren’t a ton of job opportunities in your industry in your area, you may find yourself having to relocate a year or two after you bought your home—in which case you may not be able to recoup the amount of money it cost you to purchase the house.

If you’re considering buying a house but already know you are likely to move in that time frame, remaining a renter may be your best choice.

4. Can I afford to pay closing costs?

Other popular questions is on closing costs. Getting a mortgage comes with a number of closing fees, which borrowers have to pay when they reach the settlement table. These are out-of-pocket expenses that you need to budget for.

Although buyers and sellers both typically pitch in to cover closing costs, buyers shoulder the lion’s share of the load (3% to 4% of the home’s price) compared with sellers.

Typical closing fees include the following:

  • Closing fee ($300 to $600): A representative from the title company will come to your closing to supervise the transfer of title, and you’ll have to pay for the service.
  • Lender’s title insurance (usually 0.5% of the purchase price): This protects your lender if something was missed in the title search. The cost depends on the size of the policy and is set by the state.
  • Title search ($300 to $600): Your lender will do a search to ensure there are no liens on the property or anything that could prevent you from purchasing it. Sometimes this will be bundled with other title fees in your closing document.
  • Wire or courier fees ($30 to $100): If documents need to be sent overnight or money needs to be wired, you’ll pay these fees at closing.
  • Document recording fees for the deed and mortgage ($125 on average): Every time a home is sold, the government must record the change of ownership; this fee is typically paid by the home buyer.

Under federal law, borrowers must receive what’s called a “loan estimate” form (previously called a “good-faith estimate”) that outlines their approximate closing costs from their mortgage lender. When you obtain this information, you’ll be able to gauge whether you can pay for closing costs and truly afford to purchase a home.

5. Am I dead set on finding my ‘dream home’?

If your list of “must-haves” is immensely long (you’re looking for great schools, affordable home prices, easy access to public transportation, good walkability, and lots of shops and restaurants) but you’re not willing to budge on anything, shopping for a house may wind up being a waste of your time.

This is why it’s important to sit down and identify your housing criteria in order to get a better picture of what it is you’re looking for—and whether that kind of home exists.

Also look at When is a good time to buy?

You’d Better Ask These 5 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS Before Buying a Home

SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Better prepare for the home inspection

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You’ve got a contract on your home for sale—congratulations! But before you pop the cork on the champagne, you’ve got to go through an ordeal that could make or break that sweet deal: a home inspection. SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Better prepare for the home inspection.

The home inspection is a contingency written into most offers, meaning that if the buyers aren’t happy with the result, they can cancel the sale without losing their earnest money deposit, or reopen negotiations and ask for a price reduction.SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Better prepare for the home inspection

But most buyers who are planning to live in your home want to know what they’re getting into. They want to know which systems work, and which don’t. They want to know how much money they’ll need to plow into the purchase, and which items you, dear seller, are willing to fix or replace to seal the deal.

The results of home inspections can give buyers peace of mind, or a tool they can use to bargain down the price. In the worst case, people with buyer’s remorse will use results of a home inspection to back out of the deal without penalty.

Sound scary? Don’t fret just yet. That first home inspection will let you know everything that’s wrong with your home. Armed with that information, you can fix problems before the next buyer shows up, adjust the price to reflect necessary repairs, or simply have a ready response when the issue comes up again.

Inspectors will look at everything
A home inspection is no quick once-over. Inspectors have a 1,600-item checklist, according to the National Association of Home Inspectors. Yep, you read that right—1,600.

“If we can get to it, we’ll inspect it,” says Frank Lesh, executive director of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Here are just some of the areas of the home your inspector is checking, and what a home inspector is looking for:

  • Grounds: Standing water, faulty grading, sick or dying trees and shrubs, crumbling paths and walls
  • Structure: Foundation integrity, rotting or out-of-plumb window and door frames
  • Roof: Defects in shingles, flashing, and fascia; loose and hanging gutters; defects in chimneys and skylights
  • Exterior: Cracks or rot; dents or bowing in vinyl; blistering or flaking paint; adequate clearing between siding and earth
  • Window, doors, trim: Rotting frames, peeling caulk, damaged glass
  • Interior rooms: Water-stained ceilings, adequate insulation, and sufficient heating vents
  • Kitchen: Proper venting, no leaks under the sink, and cabinet doors and drawers operate properly
  • Bathrooms: Toilets flush properly, showers spray, and tubs are securely fastened
  • Plumbing: Drains flow properly; water has proper temperature and pressure
  • Electrical: Proper electrical panels and working light switches and outlets

How can you prepare?
The home inspection isn’t a test that you need to study for. But there are some things you can do before a home inspection to make the process go more smoothly.

  • Clean and de-clutter your home: Yes, inspectors will look way beyond the superficial sparkle of a clean home. But you want to make sure they have easy access to attics, basements, and electrical panels—and aren’t tripping over your kids’ toys while trying to do their job. Think of it as an early start to your packing.
  • Get your paperwork together: You should create a file with documentation of all maintenance and repairs you’ve done on your home. If you’ve had an insurance claim on your house, keep those papers together, too, so you can prove that you took care of the problem.
  • Provide complete access to your home: Make sure you unlock gates and doors to a shed or garage that doesn’t have lockbox access.

You could consider getting a pre-inspection to eliminate any surprises; some sellers choose to hire their own inspector to give the house a once-over and point out any problems, so they can fix them before the buyer’s home inspector arrives on the scene.

But be careful with this tactic.

If you have five different inspectors inspect the home, you’ll get five different lists of items they’re concerned about. Just because your inspector didn’t have a problem with something doesn’t mean the buyer’s inspector won’t.

More important, if your inspector points out a problem, you’re obligated to disclose it to buyers.

This could be a potential turn-off to buyers.

Do yourself a favor, and leave

Unless you’re a glutton for punishment, give the inspector your cellphone number, grab your car keys, and go to a movie or out to lunch when the home inspector shows up. Your anxiety will only make everyone uncomfortable, which isn’t a productive atmosphere during an inspection.

Inspectors and buyers are not at all comfortable with the seller being present during an inspection. They need to be able to freely inspect and discuss any and everything they come across. You may think you are being helpful by being present, but you are not; you are impeding the process.

And don’t play eager hostess. You don’t need to set out cookies and drinks; or provide ladders and other tools the inspector needs. He’ll bring his own.

Check your ego at your own door
Buying and selling a house is a competition: Sellers want to get the highest price, and buyers want the lowest. It’s not personal—it’s business. Remember that when a home inspector presents list of problems with your home as long as your arm.

A home inspector’s job is to point out each and every deficiency and safety violation they see,” Golden says. “Arguing with the buyers about an inspector’s findings is not helpful.

Keep your head in the game, and solve the problem with the buyer.

It may be agreeing to fix an item, it may mean giving them some money toward a repair, or it may simply be providing documentation.

And that’s where an experienced real estate agent earns his or her commission. Agents know how to interpret inspection reports, which issues are vital to address, and which are red herrings designed to reopen price negotiations.

How To Buy A Home: 3 Concessions That Are Better Than A Price Cut

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How To Buy A Home And Pay The Least Possible Amount
When you purchase property, everything’s up for negotiation. That includes the price, contingencies, closing costs, inspections, timing, financing, repairs and other considerations. It isn’t always easy knowing how to buy a home and what to push for when negotiating.
Focusing solely on the price may not always be the smartest strategy.

Before You Buy Ask These Questions

Check with my Lender Dean Wong for Best rates Now!
Closing Costs
If you’re a cash-strapped buyer, closing costs are not welcome. In fact, for some programs, closing costs can outstrip your down payment!
There are two ways to avoid paying closing costs out of pocket — getting the lender to cover them, in exchange for paying a higher interest rate, or getting the seller to pay them.
4 Ways To Keep Mortgage Closing Costs Low
Closing costs include lender charges, third party fees for things like inspections and appraisals, and homeownership expenses like prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance. They range, according to many experts, between two and five percent of the property value.
Lets assume that your seller is willing to discount the sales price by four percent to $192,000. Using today’s rate sheet, we’ll analyze the savings of a price cut and having the lender cover your costs vs seller-paid closing costs and a full-price offer.
Loan Amount Rate Payment Down Payment Total Cost
Full Price With Seller-Paid Closing Costs $190,000 3.625% $866.50 $10,000 $321,939
Discounted Price With Lender-Paid Closing Costs $182,400 4.625% $937.79 $9.600 $347,205
The bottom line is that your monthly payment and lifetime cost are all higher if you choose a 4.0 percent price discount over the same amount in closing cost help. And the seller’s bottom line is nearly identical either way, so he or she should not have a problem with this.
Mortgage Insurance (MI)
Mortgage insurance, if you put five percent down, runs .37 to 1.37 percent of your loan balance each year. Your rate depends on your FICO score.
You can also pay MI upfront at a cost of about two to four percent, depending on your credit rating.
Avoiding PMI Is Costing You $13,000 Per Year
For this analysis, we’ll assume that your credit rating is not-so-good (costing four percent), and we’ll compare the benefit of seller-paid mortgage insurance with that of a four percent price cut. Because you don’t have additional money for closing costs, we’ll assume the lender is covering them in exchange for you accepting a 4.625 percent rate.
Loan Amount Rate Payment Monthly MI Total Payment
Full Price With Seller-Paid Closing Costs $190,000 4.625% $977 $0 $977
Discounted Price With Lender-Paid Closing Costs $182,400 4.625% $938 $208 $1,146
Your monthly payment is much lower if the seller pays your mortgage insurance upfront. That can help you qualify for a larger home loan and a more expensive property than you’d otherwise be able to.
Before shopping for a home, if you put less then 20 percent down, ask a lender what your monthly MI would be, and also what upfront seller-paid MI would cost. This way, you know what you’re negotiating for.
Financing
Seller-provided financing can be a major benefit for those who don’t have at least 20 percent down or qualify for the best rates and terms.
Suppose you have a seller willing to finance 15 percent of the sales price so you can avoid mortgage insurance. He or she will probably want a slightly higher interest rate than you’ll pay for the first mortgage. We’ll say six percent in this case.
5 Ways To Borrow Your Down Payment
Again, we’ll assume the lender covers other costs because you don’t have the money to do so. So the rate is 4.625 percent.
1st Loan Payment 2nd Loan Payment MI Total
With Seller Financing $823 $180 $0 $1,002
No Seller Financing $977 0 $80 $1,057
Notice that the cost with seller financing is still lower than that of no seller financing, even with a four percent price reduction.
That’s a total of a first and second at $1,057 a month, versus a total of $1,146 with a smaller price but carrying mortgage insurance.
There are many ways a seller can help you afford the home you want. If your seller wants anything special from you, like a long escrow, an early closing date, contingencies waived, or other conditions, you may want a favor of your own.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Seller Concessions: How Much Can They Give You?
Most mortgage programs limit the amount of seller concessions you can have without reducing your loan amount. Here’s a quick run-down of most common loans, from conforming (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to government-backed.
Program Use LTV Costs Allowed
Conforming Primary & 2nd Home >90% 3%
Conforming Primary & 2nd Home 75% – 90% 6%
Conforming Primary & 2nd Home <75% 9%
Conforming Rental Any 2%
FHA Primary Home Only Any 6%
USDA Primary Home Only Any 6%
VA Primary Home Only Any Customary + 4%
What Are Today’s Mortgage Rates?
Today’s mortgage rates, as you have probably figured out, depend on the pricing structure you choose, as well as the strength of your application and the program you select.
If closing costs are an issue, or if you’d like to buy yourself a lower interest rate, run some numbers and see if a full-price offer with some seller concessions is a better deal for you.

Try the Mortgage Calculator
Thomas Ray, M.S. – Realtor

Was August the Turning Point for Home Prices?

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There were further indications in August that home price gains are beginning to slow. The appreciation rate of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA’s) House Price Survey (HPI) retreated slightly on both a monthly and an annual basis while the various S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price indices either slowed or remained unchanged on an annual basis.
See my full Mortgage Newsletter here: Was August the Turning Point for Home Prices?
Was August the turning point for home prices??
Was August the turning point for home prices??

How to Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates to Buy Your Dream Home

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How to Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates to Buy Your Dream Home

How to take advantage of low interest rates

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted financial markets worldwide. Although that might seem like a negative, there is a silver lining: Interest rates are extremely low right now. What’s more, Forbes reports that the Federal Reserve has pledged to keep interest rates near zero until the year 2023.

This makes the present moment perfect for buying a house. Fox Business suggests seizing this opportunity to pay down debts at reduced rates. If you take out a mortgage now, you can enjoy minimal interest as you pay back your home loan.

If you’re looking for an abode somewhere sunny and close to the coast, LA Exclusive offers premium listings in Santa Monica, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades. These are popular areas where you can enjoy being near the beach — and thanks to low-interest loans, these properties are more accessible than ever before. Read on to discover how you can take advantage of the current market’s low interest rates to find your dream home.

Figure out how much money you need

Before you start searching for real estate, create a budget. To avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance and to secure favorable terms for your mortgage, you should make a down payment of at least 20 percent. If you already own a home and are looking to sell it and move, you can use the income from your sale for your down payment. You can figure out how much you can expect to get from the sale using a property value calculator. Although this isn’t 100% accurate, it should give you an estimate of what to expect.

Define what you need in a home

In addition to figuring out your finances before you start searching real estate listings, you should also write down exactly what you’re looking for in a property. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a garden for your pet? Are school districts a consideration? If you’re thinking of starting a home-based business, you probably want room for a home office. Before you start, set up your business as a limited liability company. An LLC offers tax advantages and protects you personally in case of liability issues. It will also be easier to write off expenses related to your home office. Use an affordable business formation service instead of a pricey lawyer to save money when setting up your LLC.

Apply for financing

Once you know what type of property you’re looking for and where, you can further determine just how much you can expect to pay for a new property. You can then use this information to apply for financing. When approaching realtors or buyers, it’s best if you already have a pre-qualification letter from your lender. This demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you the power to make a legitimate offer quickly when you find a place you love. How do you get this valuable paper? Once you’ve identified a lender, contact them and request pre-qualification. They will give you an application to complete.

This step-by-step guide explains how you can take advantage of current low interest rates to get a house you love. That said, buying a new home is a major investment and should never be rushed. Don’t stress. As mentioned, interest rates are expected to remain low in the years to come. Start the home-buying process now by following the above steps and you will be able to reap the rewards of this unique financial situation.

For help buying or selling a property in the Santa Monica area, trust LA Exclusive. Find out more about working with us on our website.

Essential Resources for Every Step of Your California Move

Essential Resources for Your California Move

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Essential Resources for Your California Move

Lucrative job opportunities, endless outdoor getaways, exciting cities with no shortage of things to do – these are just a few of the many reasons that people choose to move to California! Whether you’ve decided to head out to the Golden State for your career, education, or artistic enrichment, you can rest assured that you’ve made a great decision. However, moving to another state can be a time-consuming, emotionally taxing process. These resources will help you get ready to tackle your big move to California!

Planning Your Move

Preparing for a fresh start is a lot of work, but these informative guides will make it easier!

  • Working with a fantastic real estate broker in your preferred city, like LA Exclusive, is the best way to find the perfect property.
  • Follow these tips to get pre-approved for a mortgage and find temporary accommodation if necessary. 
  • Research the average cost of living in California and begin planning your monthly budget accordingly. 

Tips for Moving Day

From packing up properly to finding a trustworthy moving company, these resources will help you with the nuts and bolts of relocating. 

  • Stay organized while packing – label all of your boxes and use a spreadsheet to keep track of the contents. 
  • Search online to find long-distance movers with positive reviews, then make appointments with several representatives to decide who to hire.
  • Start unpacking as soon as you arrive so that you’re not digging through boxes for essential items in the coming weeks. 

How to Settle In

Once you’ve unpacked, you can take steps to decorate your property and show off your own unique sense of style. 

  • Give the interior of your home a fresh coat of paint to personalize each room.
  • Hang your art pieces and photographs in a creative way to design an attractive gallery wall. 
  • Spruce up your outdoor space, too – the sunny weather in California makes it possible to start a garden in your backyard at any time of year!
  • If your home has carpeting, you may want to spend some money on a professional cleaning.

Local Adventures

The best thing about moving to an entirely new state? Exploring your new backyard! 

Every year, countless people pack up and move to California to experience all the incredible things this massive state has to offer. But even if you’re excited to move, you might feel overwhelmed by your extensive to-do list. With these resources available for reference, you can say goodbye to your stress and embrace this new chapter in your life!

LA Exclusive Property can help you find the right property! Contact Tom today by visiting the website or calling 310-420-1149. I am more than happy to help you with the essential resources for your California move.

Home search in Santa Monica | Pacific Palisades | Malibu | Palm Springs

Additional Essential Resources for Your California Move and more Home Tips:

Photo via Pexels

6 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Painting Indoors_

6 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Painting Indoors?

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Stuck indoors and running out of things to do? Nooooo. Paint. Paint. Paint! You can transform a boring old room in no time with a quick coat of paint. Just make sure you do it like a prop and avoid these mistakes when painting indoors.

1. Using the Wrong Brush

Natural bristle brushes work best with oil-based paints and synthetic brushes work best with water-based latex paint. If you’re going to be cutting in, by a good-quality, angled sash brush. You can easily cut in perfectly into the corners, edges, and around the doorframe with the right brush.

Also, people tend to use their brushes over and over and they simply don’t last forever. A good paintbrush can have the ability to spread paint on the walls with an even and rich coat every time so it really pays to buy the best paintbrush for the job. If you’re planning on painting several rooms or need to several different angles, finding a pro-grade pack of three or four brushes in various sizes and angles is really the best option. You’ll want thick, synthetic filament to hold more pate and insurer a smooth finish.

2. Leaving that Funny Blue Painter’s Tape Up too Long

You’ll need tape if you’re painting indoors. Don’t let it sit too long or else! Yes, it might be painter’s tape but if you let it stick for too long, it could peel off the paint underneath. Don’t let that painter’s tape wrap around door frames, windows, and other items for too long. No more than about 24 hours. If you did leave it on too long, try a blow dryer to heat it up to ease removal.

3. Not Watching the Weather.

Summer is typically the best time to paint for a variety of reasons. Warmer weather means less moisture in the air making the paint more adhesive. Higher temperatures will allow the paint to dry quicker as well. With more moisture in the air, the paint will feel tacky even after several hours of drying. If you are going to paint in the cooler seasons, and let’s face it, it doesn’t get that cool around here, try doing it on at least a sunny day with lower humidity.

4. Not Using Primer

Unless you want to see that old color shining through, it’s best to use a primer. Can you use a primer that’s built into the paint? Yes, but cheap paint is exactly that… Cheap paint. If you’d like it to stick, last, not give streaks and not show the old paint through, it’s time to pony up a little bit more money and go for a higher quality paint. When talking paint, you definitely get what you pay for.

5. Roller Marks on the Ceiling

roller marks on the ceiling… I’m sure we’ve all lived in a house where we’ve laid down on the bed only to see the evidence of a previous poor paint job. Avoid this by leaving yourself some room at the top and then go back later and paint that strip. Use window cleaner to clean up wet paint spots.

6. Trying to Cover Wall Paper With Water-Based Paint.

No. No. No. You must use Oil-based paint for this. Seriously, don’t do this. You will regret it and it will be a pain to try to take off later on. It’s best to use heat, moisture, steam, or other methods to take off the wallpaper ahead of time and then put up the right type of paint. Yes, you can use oil-based paint to cover up wallpaper, especially old wallpaper that simply is not going to budge, but it’s best to remove it, scrape it, and start all over if possible.

If you are working with an older home prior to the 1970s, this might be a little more tricky as most paint may have led base materials in it. You may want to enlist the help of a professional to remove the paint or any asbestos or popcorn ceilings before painting.

Paint is really one of the best things to give you a good bang for your buck when it comes to staging or to simply changing the look and feel of a room. However, don’t cut corners. You’ll regret it.

Looking to buy or sell your home in Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades or anywhere throughout Los Angeles County? Give me a call. I’d love to help price your home correctly, get it sold quickly, especially in today’s hot market, or negotiate on your behalf to buy the property of your dreams.

Contact Me Today

Additional Home Tips:

Is Your Home Kindling for Wildfires in Napa or California?

Is Your Home Kindling for Wildfires in Napa or California?

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How do most homes ignite during a wildfire?

A floating ember or piece of burning wood touches down on a roof, gutter, in a vent, under a deck, or on a porch and ignites leaves and debris, says the National Fire Protection Association. Or else, a surface fire simply takes the fast lane to your home via dry vegetation.

With that in mind, fortify your home like the castle it is with these 14 wildfire-repelling steps. But keep in mind that no product or technique is a failsafe against a raging fire.

Keep the Basics Handy

1. If you don’t already have working smoke detectors or haven’t tested the batteries recently, make that your No. 1 job. Now.

2. Have an easily accessible bucket, shovel (to dig a trench to protect against encroaching ground fire), and connected garden hose to help you defend the area around your home, plus one or two working fire extinguishers.

Remove Debris

3. Keep gutters, porches, and the lawn free of debris, leaves, and fallen branches. If a fire threat is imminent, remove furniture and decorations from decks and porches, including welcome mats.

Landscape Against Flammability

4. Invest in rain barrels to capture rainwater you can use to help douse flames.

5. Use water from your rain barrel or installed sprinklers to keep plants well-irrigated and green. Green plant materials are less likely to catch fire from embers, says NFPA’s Michele Steinberg. Plant fire-resistant plants and shrubs, like irises, rhododendrons, hostas, and lilacs, which have high-moisture content. Your local Cooperative Extension Office can advise you on appropriate species for your area.

6. Remove tree branches lower than 6 feet — fires tend to start low and rise. For that reason, don’t plant shrubs directly under trees; they can combust and cause the fire to rise up the tree. By the way, spacing out all plants and shrubs is a good practice, too.

7. Remove tree limbs that extend within 10 feet of any chimney opening.

Set Up a Protective Perimeter

8. Create a 100-foot perimeter around your home, free of dry leaves, grass, and shrubs that fuel wildfires. Keep petroleum tanks, cars, and woodpiles outside of this safe zone.

9. Rethink your love of wood mulch, or at least don’t spread it directly against the house. Instead, lay a six-inch swath of decorative rocks closest to the home and then use mulch from there. This also helps repel insects, like termites, (bugs like wood) and facilitate rain water drainage.

10. If you have wood fencing around your home, replace any three-foot sections that attach to the home with metal or other nonflammable fencing material. A metal gate or decorative fencing piece is stylish as well as fire-unfriendly.

Shore Up Home Systems

If major home systems are due for replacement, it’s an opportunity to choose materials that do as best a job as possible fending off fire.

11. Cover chimneys and vents with flame-retardant mesh, available for a few dollars from hardware or home improvement stores.

12. Windows should be double-paned or tempered glass, if possible. Such models resist cracking, which could allow embers and flames into your home. Wood frame windows are also more vulnerable to fire, but replacing them with vinyl can be pricey. The “2015 Remodeling Impact Report” from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® estimates the national median cost of replacing all wood windows on an average 2,450-square-foot house with their vinyl equivalents at $15,000, of which you’ll recover about 80% of that cost at resale.

13. Wood shingle roofs are the most flammable, but most roofs are made of materials like asphalt, metal, tile, stone, or other fire-resistant materials that provide good protection as long as they’re in good repair. Some metal roofing materials are very attractive. Although they’re much more expensive than asphalt, they can last as long as 50 years.

Some experts recommend spraying homes with fire retardants, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the product, region, and size of the project. But recent reports and studies have questioned the efficacy and raised possible health issues, particularly about the chemicals used in flame-retardant fabrics. Although you might have less exposure to chemicals used on your home’s exterior than those inside, toxicity issues could still be a factor.

14. Fire-resistant or non-combustible sidings like stucco or brick provides the best protection against fire. Make sure your siding, whatever type, is in good repair because if the plywood or insulation are exposed, the home is more vulnerable to flames.

Most importantly, if a wildfire is on its way, evacuate. And have an evacuation plan worked out with your family before the worst case scenario.

#ThomasRayAgent – Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica Agent

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