California Condo Owners: Did You Miss This Balcony Inspection Law?
A little-known California law now requires all condo buildings to inspect balconies and other elevated structures. The deadline has already passed—and if your HOA didn’t act, your next real estate transaction could hit a legal snag.
If you own a condo in California, there’s a good chance your balcony, deck, or walkway needs to be inspected under a law you’ve never heard of—SB 721 (for apartments) and SB 326 (for condos/HOAs). These laws were passed in response to a tragic balcony collapse in Berkeley that killed six people.
The deadline to comply with this inspection law? It already passed.
If your HOA hasn’t completed the inspection, and you’re thinking of selling—or even just maintaining your home—this could become a serious issue.
1. What Is SB 326 and Who Does It Apply To?
SB 326 requires all condo associations (HOAs) in California to inspect “Exterior Elevated Elements” (EEEs) such as:
Balconies
Walkways
Staircases
Railings
Decks or any structure that is 6+ feet off the ground and supported by wood
Applies to:
All condo buildings with 3 or more units
Built before 2019
With common-area elevated wood components
Deadline:
January 1, 2025 for inspection completion
But disclosures are already required when selling, regardless of inspection status
2. What Happens If Your HOA Missed the Deadline?
If you’re a seller, you are now legally required to disclose:
Whether the required inspection has occurred
Whether any repairs were recommended
Whether those repairs have been completed
If your HOA hasn’t started the process? That becomes a red flag to buyers—and can delay or derail your sale.
Potential consequences:
Appraisal issues
Buyer hesitation
Lender concerns
Legal exposure due to nondisclosure
3. What Do These Inspections Cost (and Who Pays)?
Inspection costs vary widely based on the size and age of the building, but most range between $500–$2,000 per unit. If repairs are needed, the HOA may need to levy a special assessment to cover structural upgrades.
Owners should ask:
Has the HOA scheduled the inspection?
What were the results, if already completed?
Are reserve funds available if repairs are needed?
Will this impact future dues or assessments?
4. Why This Law Matters for Buyers and Sellers Alike
If you’re buying a condo, you want to know:
Has the building passed inspection?
Are any major structural repairs on the horizon?
If you’re selling, being proactive can:
Improve buyer trust
Prevent surprises during escrow
Protect you legally
In competitive markets like Walnut Creek, a completed inspection gives your listing a clear edge.
5. What Should You Do Now?
Condo owners:
Contact your HOA board or management company
Ask for documentation of the SB 326 inspection
If they haven’t acted, pressure them to schedule it—you’re legally exposed
Thinking of selling?
Talk to a Realtor who understands this law
Include the inspection status in your disclosures
Consider timing your sale around completed repairs or assessments
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for This to Cost You
California’s new condo inspection law isn’t just paperwork—it’s a legal and financial necessity that’s already affecting real estate transactions. Whether you're planning to sell or simply want to protect your investment, now is the time to get informed and take action.
Need help navigating SB 326 or preparing your condo for sale?
Contact the 5 Star Team for expert local guidance on selling, buying, and staying compliant in California’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.
2026 Real Estate Forecast: Will Prices Rise as Rates Fall?
Economists predict a slow and steady shift for the 2026 real estate market. With interest rates expected to fall, demand will rise—and so will home prices. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know now.
What does the 2026 housing market have in store?
If you’re a buyer or seller hoping for dramatic shifts, here’s the honest outlook: it’s going to be a slow burn—not a sudden spike. In this video, I break down what the smartest economists are saying about where home prices and interest rates are headed—and why California's housing crunch isn't going away anytime soon.
Spoiler: it’s not going to be a buyer’s market.
1. Interest Rates Will Likely Fall (But Not Crash)
Experts agree: rates are expected to gradually decline in 2026.
We’re not talking about a plunge back to 3%, but you might see rates drop into the 5–6% range
This slight shift is expected to unlock buyer demand, especially from those who’ve been waiting on the sidelines
More buyers = more competition = upward pressure on home prices
Key takeaway: Waiting for rates to drop significantly might backfire if home prices rise faster than your buying power.
2. Home Prices Will Keep Rising—Slowly
The days of double-digit annual price jumps are likely behind us, but modest appreciation is still on the table.
Expect ~2% growth per year in most East Bay markets
That means buyers hoping to “time the market” may find prices have inched up while they waited
Supply remains tight—especially in areas like Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Moraga
Local angle: We simply haven’t built enough homes in California for decades. Even with rate relief, demand will continue to outweigh supply.
3. Why It Won’t Be a Buyer’s Market Anytime Soon
Many buyers are holding out for a better deal. But in California, that strategy might not work.
Here’s why:
Inventory is low and builders aren’t catching up
Millennials and Gen Z buyers are still entering the market
Prop 13 and Prop 19 are keeping many would-be sellers in place
Unless there's a dramatic economic shock, sellers will still have the upper hand
Reality check: It’s not about waiting for the “perfect time.” It’s about getting the right home, at a rate you can afford, before prices move further up.
4. What Buyers Should Do in 2025 to Prepare
If you’re planning to buy in 2026, don’t wait until January to get serious.
Here’s your game plan:
Get pre-approved now so you’re ready to act
Track neighborhoods you’re interested in
Work with a local agent who knows off-market inventory
Ask about rate buydowns and seller credits—they’re still out there
5. For Sellers: Opportunity Is Still Strong
Sellers: you may not get 15 offers in 3 days like in 2021, but you’re still in a strong position.
If rates fall and demand picks up, 2026 could be a sweet spot for selling
Prepare now: clean, stage, and make minor updates
Price realistically, and work with an agent who understands shifting buyer psychology
Conclusion: 2026 Is About Strategy, Not Timing
The 2026 market won’t be dramatic, but it will reward buyers and sellers who are prepared. Lower rates will bring more movement, but not enough to turn the tables completely.
Whether you're buying or selling, the key is working with a local expert who understands both the data and the nuance.
Have questions about how to prepare for 2026?
Contact the 5 Star Team today. We’ll help you make smart moves, no matter what the market throws our way.
Why Your California Property Taxes Are So Low — Thank Proposition 13
California’s Proposition 13 caps property taxes at 1% of assessed value with annual increases limited to 2%. Learn how this landmark law affects homeowners, buyers, and local communities.
Few California laws have had as much impact on real estate as Proposition 13. Passed by voters in 1978, it fundamentally reshaped the state’s property tax system and continues to influence homeownership today.
Whether you’re a long-time homeowner, a first-time buyer, or planning to sell, understanding Proposition 13 is essential for making informed financial decisions.
What Is Proposition 13?
Proposition 13, officially the “People’s Initiative to Limit Property Taxation,” amended the California Constitution to limit how property taxes are calculated and when properties can be reassessed.
Key elements include:
1% Tax Cap: General property taxes are capped at 1% of a property’s assessed value (plus any voter-approved local assessments).
Base-Year Value: A property’s assessed value is set when it is purchased or newly constructed.
Annual Increases: Assessed values can only increase by a maximum of 2% per year, regardless of market conditions.
When Does Reassessment Happen?
Under Prop 13, reassessment to full market value occurs only when:
The property changes ownership.
New construction or major improvements are completed.
Otherwise, taxes remain based on the original purchase price, adjusted by up to 2% annually.
Why Proposition 13 Matters
For Homeowners: Predictable property taxes make it easier to budget long-term, even as home values soar.
For Buyers: Taxes are based on the purchase price, meaning new buyers may pay significantly more than neighbors who bought decades earlier.
For Sellers: Prop 13 can create “lock-in” effects, where homeowners hesitate to sell because moving would reset their tax base.
For Cities & Counties: Local governments sometimes struggle with limited tax revenue growth, influencing public services and infrastructure funding.
Key Benefits of Proposition 13
Protects long-term homeowners from being taxed out of their homes.
Provides stability in property tax bills.
Encourages community continuity by reducing turnover.
Criticisms of Proposition 13
Creates inequities between new buyers and long-term owners.
Limits funding for schools and local services.
Discourages mobility, as homeowners resist moving to avoid higher taxes.
Recent Updates: Proposition 19
In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 19, which adjusted some Prop 13 rules:
Homeowners 55+, disabled, or wildfire/disaster victims can transfer their low tax base to a new home (up to 3 times statewide).
Inherited properties used as primary residences may keep their low tax base, but investment properties no longer automatically qualify.
Conclusion
Proposition 13 remains one of California’s most influential real estate laws. It keeps property taxes stable for homeowners but also creates challenges for buyers, sellers, and local governments.
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply stay put, knowing how Prop 13 works—and how it interacts with newer laws like Prop 19—is crucial for making smart housing decisions.
🏡 So You Wanna Buy a House? Here’s the No-BS Guide You Actually Need
Thinking about buying your first home? Congratulations — and welcome to a wild ride. Before you start stalking open houses or diving into Reddit homebuyer threads at 2AM, take a breath. Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and if you do it with the right mindset and the right information, it can change your life for the better.
In this post, we’ll bust myths, drop truth bombs, and walk you through exactly what you need to consider before signing on the dotted line.
🎯 First: Ask Yourself Why You Even Want to Buy a Home
Before you talk to a lender or set foot in an open house, get brutally honest with yourself.
Are you buying because your friends did?
Because your mom said renting is “throwing money away”?
Or because your landlord Chad still hasn’t fixed the garbage disposal?
None of those are good enough reasons. You should only buy a home if it supports your lifestyle, your financial goals, and your long-term plans. Not because TikTok told you it’s time.
💰 Myth Busted: You Don’t Need 20% Down
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in real estate. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to put 20% down to buy a house.
Who’s putting 20% down? Tech bros. Not most first-time homebuyers.
Here are your real options:
✅ 3% down conventional loans
✅ 5% down with low PMI
✅ VA loans with 0% down (for veterans)
✅ First-time buyer programs & grants (many are local!)
The key is to work with a broker who understands these options and can match you with a loan that fits your income, credit, and goals.
📈 Stop Trying to Time the Market
Trying to buy at the “perfect” time is like trying to win the lottery. You might get lucky — but probably not.
Instead, ask yourself:
Can I afford this home now?
Will this improve my quality of life?
Am I staying in this location long enough to build equity?
If you can say yes to those questions, that’s your green light.
🧠 Buying a Home is a Strategy — Not a Trend
You’re not just buying a roof over your head. You’re locking in housing costs, building equity, and taking control of your future.
Even if it’s a “starter home,” real estate is a long-term play. Think about your next 5–10 years, not the next market headline.
“Owning isn’t about winning. It’s about stability. It’s about equity. And yeah — it’s about being able to hang stuff on the walls without asking permission.”
🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right agent (👋 hi, that’s me), the right plan, and the right mindset, it’s totally doable — even in a competitive market.
📩 Want help buying your first home?
The California Law That Could Leave Condo Owners on the Hook for Costly Repairs
California’s new balcony law requires condo HOAs to inspect and maintain exterior elements like balconies and decks by 2025. Here’s what owners and associations need to know about compliance, costs, and safety.
Balconies and decks are prized features of California condos, but they also pose serious safety risks if not properly maintained. Following high-profile structural failures, the state passed a new balcony law requiring condo owners and homeowners associations (HOAs) to conduct regular inspections and address safety concerns.
If you own a condo or serve on an HOA board, understanding this law is crucial—not just to stay compliant, but to protect property values and ensure resident safety.
What Is the New Balcony Law?
California’s new law, often referred to as SB 721 and SB 326, requires inspections of “exterior elevated elements” such as:
Balconies
Decks
Walkways
Stair systems
These inspections must be carried out by licensed professionals to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Key Requirements for HOAs
For condominium HOAs under SB 326:
Initial Inspections: Associations must complete their first inspection by January 1, 2025.
Frequency: Inspections must be repeated every 9 years.
Scope: A statistically significant sample of balconies and exterior elements must be inspected.
Reporting: Results must be documented and shared with the HOA board, with repairs scheduled promptly if issues are found.
Failure to comply could expose HOAs to liability, fines, or lawsuits if structural failures occur.
What Condo Owners Need to Know
If you own a condo in California, here’s why this law matters:
HOA Dues May Increase: Inspection and repair costs are shared among owners. Budget for possible special assessments.
Disclosure Obligations: When selling your unit, inspection reports may need to be disclosed to potential buyers.
Peace of Mind: While compliance comes with costs, it also enhances safety and preserves property values.
Financial Implications
HOAs should plan ahead by:
Updating Reserve Studies to include inspection and repair costs.
Communicating with Owners early to avoid surprises when special assessments are needed.
Seeking Competitive Bids from licensed engineers or architects to manage expenses.
Why This Law Matters
California’s climate accelerates wear-and-tear on wood and concrete structures. Balconies, in particular, are vulnerable to water damage that can remain hidden until it’s too late. This law ensures:
Safety of residents and guests
Preservation of property values
Reduced liability for HOAs and owners
Conclusion
The new balcony law in California represents a significant shift in how HOAs and condo owners must manage their properties. While compliance requires planning and investment, it ultimately protects lives and enhances the long-term value of your community.
If you’re a condo owner or HOA board member, now is the time to get educated, schedule inspections, and budget for ongoing compliance.
Why Savvy Landlords Are Switching to 11-Month Leases
Most landlords default to a 12-month lease, but an 11-month agreement can give you more flexibility, better market timing, and easier rent adjustments. Here’s why it could be a smart move.
When it comes to leasing strategies, most landlords default to the traditional 12-month lease. But in certain markets and situations, an 11-month lease can provide surprising advantages. From legal flexibility to market positioning, landlords may find that shaving just one month off their rental agreements opens the door to smarter property management.
Here’s why an 11-month lease might be the right move for you.
1. Legal Simplicity and Flexibility
In some states, 12-month or longer leases may trigger additional legal requirements, tenant protections, or registration obligations. By keeping the term to 11 months, landlords can:
Avoid more restrictive rent control laws in certain jurisdictions.
Simplify the eviction process if disputes arise.
Retain more control over the terms when renewing or adjusting rent.
This flexibility is especially useful for small-scale landlords who don’t want to be tied up in lengthy legal obligations.
2. Strategic Market Timing
An 11-month lease gives landlords more control over lease expiration dates. Instead of getting stuck with vacancies in the slow rental months (often winter), you can time renewals or turnovers for peak rental seasons.
Ending a lease in spring or summer allows access to a larger tenant pool.
Properties tend to rent faster and at higher rates during high-demand seasons.
This can reduce vacancy risk and maximize rental income.
3. Faster Rent Adjustments
Real estate markets shift quickly, and long-term leases can leave landlords locked into below-market rents. With an 11-month lease:
You gain an earlier opportunity to adjust rent based on market trends.
Renewals can be negotiated more frequently, helping you stay competitive.
It’s a built-in safeguard against inflation eroding your rental income.
4. Tenant Screening Advantage
Shorter leases can act as a natural filter for serious renters. Tenants willing to sign an 11-month lease often:
Have flexibility in their own plans (relocations, work contracts, downsizing).
Are more willing to renegotiate or extend if the fit works out.
Give landlords an earlier chance to evaluate whether they are reliable renters before committing longer term.
5. Balance Between Short-Term and Long-Term Leasing
An 11-month lease provides a middle ground between a short-term rental and the standard one-year contract. It’s long enough to ensure stability but short enough to give landlords options.
For landlords who want to keep their properties adaptable—whether to sell, refinance, or transition into short-term rentals—this lease term is an excellent strategic tool.
Conclusion
While a 12-month lease is the industry standard, an 11-month lease offers landlords flexibility, control, and financial advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked. From timing vacancies around peak rental seasons to adjusting rents more frequently, this strategy can create real value in a changing rental market.
If you’re a landlord looking to maximize returns while minimizing risk, it may be time to rethink your lease lengths—and consider the smart move of going 11 months instead of 12.
The Data Doesn’t Lie: But Is a Bay Area Crash Coming?
Rumors are swirling: is the Bay Area housing market about to collapse? While rising interest rates, tech layoffs, and affordability pressures have cooled momentum, most experts argue a total crash is unlikely. Dive into the warning signs, counterarguments, and how you can position yourself wisely in uncertain times.
Every few years, the same question dominates Bay Area real estate chatter: Are we headed for a housing market crash?
In 2025, the question feels especially pressing. Interest rates remain elevated, tech layoffs are in the news, and affordability challenges weigh on buyers. Yet despite these pressures, home values across much of the Bay Area have held surprisingly firm. Why? A combination of limited supply, sustained demand in key submarkets, and California’s ongoing housing shortage.
Let’s dig into the facts, separate the fear from the fundamentals, and explore what buyers and sellers should really expect.
1. The Headlines vs. Reality
It’s no surprise that the word “crash” grabs attention. But looking past the headlines, the Bay Area’s market doesn’t match a classic crash profile.
In 2008, prices plunged due to loose lending, oversupply, and mass foreclosures.
Today, lending standards are stricter, inventory is historically low, and most homeowners have significant equity.
While cooling or modest corrections are happening in some neighborhoods, the fundamentals point more toward stabilization than collapse.
2. Interest Rates and Buyer Power
Mortgage rates have remained higher than many expected through 2024 into 2025, with 30-year fixed rates hovering in the mid-6% to low-7% range. This has slowed buyer demand in some price brackets—but it hasn’t frozen the market.
If the Federal Reserve cuts rates later this year, expect demand to heat up quickly. Many buyers are waiting on the sidelines, ready to re-enter once affordability improves, which could actually fuel competition rather than trigger a crash.
3. Tech Layoffs and Employment Trends
The Bay Area economy is heavily tied to tech. Headlines about layoffs spark fears of housing downturns, but history shows the connection isn’t always direct.
Many laid-off workers receive severance or quickly find new jobs.
Buyers in the upper price tiers often have stock equity or cash reserves, cushioning shocks.
Rental demand tends to remain strong, supporting investor confidence.
Layoffs can create hesitation, but they rarely cause the kind of systemic collapse needed for a market crash.
4. Inventory Shortage: The Biggest Factor
Here’s the game-changer: supply remains incredibly tight.
California has faced a housing shortage for decades, and the Bay Area is no exception. Even with affordability challenges, fewer homes for sale means competition persists.
Many homeowners with low locked-in mortgage rates aren’t moving.
New construction lags far behind demand.
Every time inventory creeps up, buyer demand absorbs it quickly.
This dynamic is the single strongest argument against a true “crash.”
5. Regional Hotspots and Soft Spots
Not every Bay Area city is behaving the same way:
Hotter Markets: Cities like Concord, San Leandro, and Richmond are seeing multiple offers thanks to relative affordability and transit access.
Cooler Spots: Some luxury neighborhoods in San Francisco and Silicon Valley have slowed, particularly for homes over $3M, where buyer pools are thinner.
In short: rather than a universal crash, the Bay Area is experiencing a patchwork of micro-markets moving at different speeds.
6. What Buyers Should Do
If you’re waiting for a crash, you might be waiting forever. Instead:
Think long-term: Even if prices plateau, real estate historically appreciates over time.
Target soft spots: Some luxury and suburban markets are offering better deals.
Get pre-approved now: Be ready to act if rates dip and competition surges.
7. What Sellers Should Do
Sellers need to be strategic in this environment:
Price realistically: Overpricing will push buyers away in a cautious market.
Highlight value: Focus on lifestyle, location, and unique property features.
Stay transparent: Be upfront about HOA dues, insurance, and property condition—buyers value honesty.
Well-presented homes in good locations are still selling quickly and often at strong prices.
8. Final Take: Crash or Stabilization?
So, is the Bay Area housing market about to crash? All evidence suggests no. While the market is adjusting to higher interest rates and shifting buyer dynamics, a true collapse is unlikely in 2025.
Instead, expect stabilization: moderate price corrections in some areas, steady growth in others, and continued competition in affordable segments. For buyers and sellers alike, the key is to stay informed, act strategically, and focus on the long view.
Thinking about buying or selling in the Bay Area? Let’s talk. I’ll help you cut through the noise, understand the latest market dynamics, and make the smartest move for your goals.
Want Big Gains? Watch These 5 East Bay Cities in 2025
The East Bay real estate market is heating up in 2025, with certain cities seeing standout growth in home prices. From Concord to Richmond, Oakland to San Leandro, buyers are competing for homes in the most in-demand areas. Here’s a closer look at the five hottest East Bay cities and why they’re leading the way this year.
The East Bay remains one of the most dynamic real estate markets in California. With shifting buyer preferences, tech-driven migration, and limited supply, some cities are seeing outsized price growth in 2025. Whether you’re an investor, buyer, or seller, knowing which cities are heating up gives you a strategic edge. Here are the top 5 hottest cities in the East Bay for home price momentum this year—and what’s fueling their rise.
What Makes a City “Hot”?
Before jumping into the list, here’s how we define “hot” in this context:
Year-over-year price appreciation relative to peers
Velocity of sales (short time on market)
Demand versus supply imbalance
Local drivers such as employment growth, transportation access, amenities, and new development constraints
Now, let’s count them down.
#5. Concord
Concord has been steadily gaining favor among East Bay buyers looking for a balance between affordability and access. Its location, transit options like BART, and relatively lower price base compared to more coastal East Bay cities make it a solid growth candidate.
New infill developments and transit-oriented projects are pushing demand.
As prices rise elsewhere, some buyers are “pushing out” to Concord’s neighborhoods.
Resale homes are moving faster, and multiple offers are increasingly common.
#4. Richmond / North Richmond Corridor
Richmond has often flown under the radar, but 2025 is putting it in the spotlight.
It’s one of Zillow’s “hottest real estate markets” in 2025. Axios
The city’s improving infrastructure, Bay access, and affordability relative to Alameda County core cities are drawing buyers.
Some redevelopment zones, especially around transit and waterfront areas, are catalyzing demand.
#3. Hayward
Hayward offers a compelling mix: proximity to the San Francisco Bay, access to Highway 92, and a diversified housing stock. In 2025, it’s seeing more buyer activity for mid-price and entry-level homes.
Buyers are willing to stretch a bit for homes closer to transit and job centers.
Some parts of Hayward are benefitting from spillover demand from San Leandro, Oakland, and San Mateo County.
#2. Oakland (Select Neighborhoods)
Although much of Oakland has experienced volatility, certain neighborhoods continue to attract strong buyer interest.
Much of the recent market pressure has pulled back in Oakland, but desirable and gentrifying corridors still see strong demand and price resilience. Wolf Street+1
Proximity to jobs in San Francisco, creative and tech sectors, and already-established neighborhood amenities give it an edge.
Investors targeting rental demand are showing renewed interest in well-located Oakland properties.
#1. San Leandro / East Oakland Border Areas
For 2025, the hottest zone is where San Leandro meets East Oakland. It’s not quite Oakland’s high-profile neighborhoods, but it’s benefiting from several converging trends.
Buyers are priced out of Oakland proper or Alameda but want access; thus, border areas are capturing that demand.
Infrastructure improvements, transit extensions, and re-zoning in some districts are helping boost confidence.
The combination of “bang for your buck” and upside potential is making these neighborhoods particularly attractive.
Caveats & Risks to Watch
Interest Rates & Credit Conditions: Even the hottest markets can stall if borrowing costs rise sharply.
Insurance / HOA / Financing Issues: Some condo or HOA communities may struggle with higher insurance premiums or funding.
Overbuilding Risk: In cities where many new developments are underway, oversupply in certain segments could dampen further gains.
Macro / Regional Shocks: Anything from tech job loss to regulatory changes can unbalance expectations.
What Buyers & Investors Should Do
Prioritize location and access over pure “speculation” bets.
Focus on supply-constrained submarkets (walkable corridors, transit zones).
Have financing in place—hot markets favor buyers who move quickly.
Do comparative comps cautiously—price acceleration means recent sales may lag the current market.
Diversify—you don’t have to bet everything on the “hot” city; some secondary areas may offer upside with less competition.
Conclusion
In 2025, the East Bay’s most dynamic price growth is happening in areas that balance affordability, transit access, and growth potential. While no growth is risk-free, cities like San Leandro border zones, Oakland corridors, Hayward, Richmond, and Concord are positioning themselves as leaders in this cycle.
Want help pinpointing which neighborhoods inside those cities are the most promising? I can map out micro-zones, comps, and risk/reward profiles for you.
Is Your Home at Risk with Rossmoor’s Insurance Crisis?
Rossmoor, Walnut Creek’s premier active-adult community, is facing an insurance crisis that’s raising HOA dues, complicating financing, and reshaping the local real estate market. Discover what this means for buyers, sellers, and anyone considering a move into Rossmoor.
A Growing Challenge in Rossmoor
Rossmoor, one of Walnut Creek’s most desirable active-adult communities, has long been known for its amenities, location, and lifestyle. But in recent years, the community has faced an unexpected challenge: a mounting insurance crisis.
Insurance companies are raising premiums, reducing coverage, or in some cases, pulling out altogether. For a community with hundreds of condominium associations and thousands of residents, this creates serious financial and logistical headaches.
For both buyers and sellers, these changes have significant implications.
Why Is Rossmoor Facing an Insurance Crisis?
Several factors are driving the issue:
Rising wildfire risk: Even though Rossmoor is not in a designated high-risk fire zone, insurers are tightening standards across California.
Statewide insurance pullback: Major carriers have stopped writing new policies in California or drastically reduced their offerings.
Aging housing stock: Many of Rossmoor’s condo buildings are decades old, making them more expensive to insure.
HOA budget strains: Insurance is one of the largest line-items for any HOA budget, and escalating premiums are forcing associations to raise dues or issue special assessments.
What Buyers Need to Know
If you’re considering purchasing in Rossmoor, here are key points:
Higher HOA dues: Expect monthly fees to reflect rising insurance costs. This can affect affordability, even if list prices look attractive.
Financing challenges: Some lenders may hesitate if an HOA lacks sufficient insurance coverage. Be sure your lender reviews the community’s insurance master policy.
Due diligence is critical: Buyers should request HOA documents, budgets, and meeting minutes to see how insurance issues are being managed.
In short: while Rossmoor remains a unique and desirable place to live, buyers need to be proactive about understanding the financial landscape.
What Sellers Need to Know
For current Rossmoor homeowners preparing to sell:
Expect buyer questions: Savvy buyers will ask about insurance coverage and HOA financial health. Be prepared with up-to-date information.
Pricing pressure: Rising dues can impact demand. Homes may take longer to sell if buyers factor in higher carrying costs.
Highlight the positives: Rossmoor still offers unmatched amenities, security, and lifestyle. Strong marketing should focus on those benefits while addressing insurance concerns transparently.
Long-Term Market Impacts
The insurance crisis in Rossmoor is part of a broader trend across California. As insurers recalibrate, many condo and HOA-based communities are grappling with similar challenges.
Resale values may fluctuate as insurance costs and HOA fees rise.
Cash buyers may become more common since financing can be trickier.
Policy reform may bring relief if California legislators create incentives for insurers to return to the market.
Final Thoughts
Rossmoor remains one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after active-adult communities—but the insurance crisis is reshaping the buying and selling landscape.
For buyers, it means sharper due diligence and factoring HOA insurance into affordability. For sellers, it means positioning your home strategically and addressing concerns head-on.
As always, working with a local expert who understands both Rossmoor and the East Bay real estate market is the best way to navigate these shifting dynamics.
Thinking about buying or selling in Rossmoor?
Contact me today—I’ll walk you through the latest HOA and insurance updates so you can make confident decisions in this evolving market.