Climate Change and Main Line Home Buying FAQ underscores the importance buyers are placing on sustainability.
re you adding climate hazard to your home buying checklist? As we begin to experience more dramatic shifts in weather, it obviously impacts our buying decision. Hi, Im Kimmy Rolph and I have lived my whole life on The Main Line. Thankfully it is not in an area where there have been catastrophic predictions, but as you are shopping and keeping climate change in mind, there are some basic questions that we are seeing come up. I am not a climate expert, but do have some information I gathered that helps address these.
First, Should you move? According to a report by Realtor.com, 78% of buyers took incidences of natural disaster into account when choosing where to buy their home. Further, it reported that 34% of existing homeowners have considered selling their houses and moving to a new location because of the changing climate. Since you cannot completely mitigate the risk of natural disaster, you can choose to move to a state or city that has solid disaster planning. Pennsylvania has a resilience program and funding for natural disasters and ways to improve our quality of life on The Main Line in the face of more bad weather. Flood plans, snow storms, you name it.
Second, Where should I buy now? I am going to go back and discuss this in the context of the area and city planning, the better a city is prepared for climate events, the easier it will be for life to return to relative normalcy after a storm. For routine buying remember to consider the three questions below when home buying on The Main Line
Does this city have a climate action plan?
Is this built on a flood plain?
Does this home have features to withstand climate events?
Your realtor will understand the neighborhood and if you have doubts, obtain a survey and examine the records relating to your home, or prospective home.
Is The Main Line High Risk for Climate Events?
According the the Department of Environmental Protection, The Main Line may see increased flooding, vector born illness, and poorer air quality, but overall these are less extreme than other areas of the United States and Pennsylvania has a comprehensive resilience program and climate action plan.
Should climate hazards be on your buying checklist? Absolutely, but buying on The Main Line is a smart decision. If you are thinking about buying on The Main Line PA, I am happy to show you the best neighborhoods, with the lowest climate hazards. Kimmy Rolph sells The Main Line and local areas.
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