New Wildfire Disclosure Rules for Home Sales

Wildfires are an increasing concern in many U.S. states, and new disclosure rules are changing the way real estate transactions are handled in fire-prone zones. Sellers must now provide detailed information about fire risks and mitigation efforts, while buyers need to evaluate properties more carefully. Understanding these requirements can help both sides navigate the process smoothly.

Wildfire Risks Reshape Real Estate Transactions

Wildfires have always been a natural hazard in the American West, but climate change and expanding development have intensified the risks and brought new responsibilities for homeowners. Several states, most notably California, have enacted stricter disclosure laws requiring sellers to inform potential buyers about a property’s vulnerability to wildfires and what steps have been taken to reduce that risk. These measures are not only about compliance with the law but also about creating transparency, protecting property values, and giving buyers the confidence to make informed decisions in areas where fire danger is a real and recurring issue.

What Sellers Must Disclose Under New Rules

For sellers, the new rules mean more than simply signing a form. They require providing buyers with documentation on defensible space around the property, fire-resistant building materials, and any recent upgrades intended to meet state or local wildfire safety codes. Sellers may need to prepare inspection reports, gather receipts for improvements, and even provide photographs or diagrams showing how vegetation has been cleared around the home. Failing to disclose or misrepresenting a property’s wildfire preparedness can result in delays, lost deals, or even legal disputes later. Proper preparation before listing a home in a fire-prone zone can streamline the sales process and reassure buyers that they are not walking into unforeseen dangers.

How Buyers Should Evaluate Fire-Prone Properties

For buyers, the disclosures are a starting point, not the final word. A smart buyer will still look beyond the paperwork to understand the property’s real resilience. This may mean hiring independent inspectors with expertise in fire safety, walking the perimeter to see whether vegetation management has been done consistently, and asking questions about local evacuation routes and fire service resources. Buyers should pay close attention to the age and condition of the roof, windows, and siding, as these elements can make the difference between a house surviving a wildfire or suffering catastrophic damage. Insurance is another critical factor, as premiums in high-risk zones have been rising sharply, and some insurers are retreating from the most vulnerable areas altogether.

Market Impact of Wildfire Preparedness

The broader real estate market is also being shaped by these requirements. Homes that are thoroughly documented and demonstrably prepared for wildfire are more attractive to buyers, who are increasingly conscious of the financial and personal risks posed by climate change. Sellers who invest in defensible space, fire-resistant retrofits, and transparent disclosures may find that their homes sell faster and at stronger prices than comparable properties without such precautions. Conversely, buyers who fail to consider wildfire risk could face unexpected costs, difficulty obtaining insurance, or challenges reselling the property in the future. As awareness spreads, wildfire preparedness is becoming not just a safety issue but a marketable feature.

The Bigger Picture: Safety, Transparency, and Value

These changes highlight the importance of proactive planning on both sides of a real estate deal. Sellers in fire-prone areas should approach disclosure as part of a broader effort to make their property safer and more marketable, while buyers should treat the information provided as one tool among many for evaluating risk. The rules may vary by state, but the underlying message is the same everywhere: transparency, preparation, and awareness are essential in today’s housing market. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more destructive, these new disclosure requirements are not just regulatory hurdles—they are a practical necessity for safeguarding investments and lives.

Scott Whitwam

Denholm Premier Real Estate

5235 E Southern Ave D106-425 Mesa AZ 85206

Email: scott@scottwhitwam.com

Phone: (480) 223-3858

Scott Whitwam, Designated Broker for Denholm Premier Real Estate for the State of Arizona. Scott is perennial multi-million dollar producer who expects excellence from himself and his team. This demanding approach to real estate focuses on the needs and benefits of the client. This VIP service makes the process of buying and selling puts more money in client’s pocks. Scott is committed to being prepared for the twists and turns that are contained in each real estate transaction. Scott holds over 13 certifications and continues to obtain skills and training that few agents have. Certifications: – National Association of Realtors (NAR) Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR) – Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) – Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) Residential Construction Certified (RCC), – Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS) – Harris Real Estate University Certified Distressed Property Designation (CDPD), Luxury Distressed property Designation (LDPD), Accredited Shortsale Designation (ASD), Certified Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Specialist (HAFA), REO Specialist Designation (RSD), CBS Certified BPO Specialist (CBS) – Accredited Platinum Real Estate Professional (APREP) – Titanium Solutions Home Resource Consultant Designation (HRC) – Military Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (MVAREP) Associations: – National Association of Realtors (NAR) – South East Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR) – Phoenix Association of Realtors (PAR) – Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors (SAAR) – Mesa Chamber of Commerce (MCC) – Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) – Past National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – Past National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – Past Gilbert Chamber of Commerce (GCC) My Team and I look forward to serving you.