Navigating Homeowners Insurance in California: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

October 2, 2024

California homeowners and future buyers! If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, there’s something big you need to know—homeowners insurance in California has changed, to say the least, and it's getting trickier to lock down!

With insurance companies tightening their belts due to wildfires and other risks, it's becoming tougher & more expensive in some cases, to find the coverage you need, especially if you wait until the last minute. But don't panic—I’ve got some tips to help you stay ahead of the game!

Buyers, here’s the deal: don’t wait until the eleventh hour to start shopping for insurance. Long gone are the days of waiting until a few days before the close of escrow to get a quote or two. Seriously, as soon as you make an offer on a home, start reaching out to a few trusted insurance agents and get those quotes rolling in. Shopping around early will save you the headache of scrambling at the last minute or getting stuck with higher rates, or even worse, that the property isn't insurable.

Sellers, don’t think you’re off the hook either! Want to make your home even more attractive to potential buyers? Do them a favor— get connected with a great insurance agent before you list. Having an insurance agent recommendation in your back pocket is a huge bonus for buyers and can smooth out the process, making your sale even easier.

Bottom line: whether you're buying or selling, navigating these new insurance hurdles can be easy breezy with the right team in your corner. And hey, if you need a recommendation for an awesome insurance agent, I’ve got you covered. I’m Amber Johnson with Pillar Real Estate, and together, we’ve got this! Let's make your real estate journey as smooth as possible—insurance and all!