If you’ve been following the Bay Area real estate market, you’ve probably noticed wildfire risk and home insurance costs are becoming major factors for buyers and sellers alike. As wildfires grow more frequent and insurers tighten their coverage criteria, these issues are reshaping the way people approach homeownership — especially in neighborhoods near the foothills like Almaden Valley, Blossom Valley, Los Gatos, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Why It Matters Right Now

In recent years, several major insurance carriers have scaled back or paused new policies in certain “high-risk” areas of the Bay Area. Homeowners in parts of Blossom Valley, Almaden Valley, and the East Foothills are seeing insurance premiums rise dramatically — sometimes thousands more per year — or facing non-renewals altogether.

For buyers, this adds an important question to the process: Can I get insurance for this home, and at what cost? For sellers, it means pricing and presentation must address risk mitigation and coverage availability early on.

How to Know If a Home Is in a Fire Risk Zone

CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) maintains maps identifying “Fire Hazard Severity Zones.” Homes in “High” or “Very High” zones are more likely to face insurance challenges or premium increases.

Pro Tip: Before buying or selling, check your property’s risk level on the CAL FIRE map. You can also ask your insurance agent to review your home’s current risk score and any new mitigation standards that might apply.

Smart Fire-Hardening Upgrades That Can Make a Big Difference

The good news? Fire mitigation steps not only make homes safer — they can make them more insurable and marketable.
Here are a few upgrades that buyers love and insurers reward:

• Class A fire-rated roofing (composition, tile, or metal)

• Non-combustible siding such as stucco or fiber cement

• Ember-resistant vents and attic screens

• Dual-pane tempered glass windows

• Defensible space: at least 100 feet of cleared vegetation around the home

Many South Bay cities, including San Jose, offer resources and rebate programs for defensible space improvements.

How Insurance Impacts Home Values

Homes in high-risk areas aren’t necessarily losing value — but buyers are getting smarter. They’re factoring insurance availability and long-term costs into their decision-making, especially in hillside or canyon neighborhoods.

Sellers can get ahead by:

• Highlighting recent fire-mitigation improvements

• Providing insurance quotes or broker recommendations

• Working with a local expert who understands how to market homes in these zones

For example, homes in Blossom Valley and Almaden Valley that show proof of hardening upgrades often attract stronger offers and more confident buyers — even if they’re in mapped risk areas.

The Bottom Line

From Los Gatos to Blossom Valley, wildfire preparedness and insurance availability are now part of every serious real estate conversation. Whether you’re buying or selling, knowing where your property stands — and taking proactive steps — will protect your investment and your peace of mind.

If you’d like help evaluating your home’s fire risk, understanding insurance options, or positioning your property for today’s market, our team is here to help.

📩 Contact us today for a complimentary home valuation and fire-safety strategy consultation.
We’re Almaden, Blossom Valley, and South Bay’s go-to real estate experts — ready to help you move with confidence.