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How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

As climate change intensifies, homebuyers and sellers are paying closer attention to how environmental risks affect property values.
Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and rising temperatures are impacting decisions in the real estate market. Here’s how:
female homeowner sitting on curb with a background of a home site after a natural disaster

Homebuyer Behavior

Many buyers now consider flood-risk data before making offers. Research shows that buyers viewing high-risk homes are increasingly shifting their focus to safer properties, with some even abandoning purchases due to flood-risk concerns.

picture of a new england home

Insurance and Costs

Rising disaster frequency has led to increased home insurance premiums, particularly for flood and wildfire protection. This added expense can influence home affordability and appeal.

man and woman homeowners standing with back toward camera, looking on a home site after a natural disaster

Adaptation Investments

Homeowners are investing in climate-resilient upgrades, such as fireproofing, flood barriers, and durable roofing, to protect property value and safety.

picture of a new england home

Regional Variations

Coastal and disaster-prone areas like Florida and California are seeing the most significant impact. Meanwhile, regions with fewer natural disasters, like the Midwest, remain less affected.

Governments and policymakers are encouraged to use climate data for better zoning and disaster mitigation strategies. These measures could help safeguard at-risk communities while maintaining the stability of the housing market.

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

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How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

How Climate Risks Are Reshaping the Housing Market

As climate change intensifies, homebuyers and sellers are paying closer attention to how environmental risks affect property values. Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and rising temperatures are impacting decisions in the real estate market....

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Home Affordability Reaches An All-Time High

Home Opportunity Index (2005-2012)Home affordability moved higher last quarter, boosted by the lowest mortgage rates in history, a rise in median income, and slow-to-recover home prices throughout Massachusetts and the country.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the quarterly Home Opportunity Index read 75.9 in 2011’s fourth quarter. More than 3 in 4 homes sold between October-December 2011, in other words, were affordable to households earning the national median income of $64,200.

Never in recorded history have U.S. homes been as affordable on a national level. Even on a regional and local level, affordability soared.

Affordability was highest in the (more…)