📝Zillow Survey: 80% of buyers & investors to consider climate risks with new tool

[AJ Wong]

Similar to Realtor.com the leading real estate company Zillow announced it will disclose climate risk features such as: flood, fire, wind, heat and air quality risks. The changes should be integrated into the website and application by the end of the year. 

Zillow will also offer climate history of a property alongside custom tailored insurance policies and carriers. 

The author and article suggests to utilize the climate risk data before committing to an investment and be familiar with specific risks in your area—whether it’s floods, wildfires or heat waves.

They recommend these valuable tools to assess these risks:

• FEMA National Risk Index – Provides a comprehensive overview of natural hazards across the U.S., including floods, earthquakes, and severe storms.
• USDA Wildfire Risk to Communities – Offers detailed insights into wildfire risks for homes in specific regions, particularly useful for properties near forests or dry areas.
• Risk Factor – Analyzes flood, fire, and other climate-related threats for individual properties, giving you a risk score.
• Climate Check – Delivers property-specific climate risk ratings, covering heat, drought, fire, and floods.

Do you consider environmental factors like flood and heat when investing?

We'e had several clients seeking a second home/rental refuge from harsher climates here to the Oregon Coast this year. Many investors have shown preference with avoiding tsunami zones and high risk flood areas as well as greater clarity on anticipated insurance costs as part of their search criteria and due diligence.