Climate Risk & US Real Estate: 7 Critical Facts Every Buyer Must Know

Flood Insurance Is Becoming Unaffordable — or Unavailable

FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 dramatically raised premiums in high-risk zones. Many homeowners in Louisiana, Florida, and Texas now face insurance bills exceeding their mortgage payments.

Wildfire Risk Is Depressing Home Values in Western States

Studies show homes in high wildfire-risk areas sell for less and take longer to sell. As insurers pull out of California and Colorado, some properties are becoming functionally unmortgageable.

800,000 Coastal Homes Face Chronic Flooding by 2045

Union of Concerned Scientists research shows sea level rise will cause repeat flooding that makes daily life impossible — properties in Miami Beach, Norfolk, and Houston are especially exposed.

Heat Risk Is Reshaping Demand — Sunbelt Appeal Is Fading

Extreme heat is changing where Americans want to live. Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Dallas face months of dangerous heat that will affect outdoor work, outdoor recreation, and quality of life.

Climate Migration Is Creating Winners — and Losers

The Great Lakes region, the Upper Midwest, and New England are emerging as climate havens — drawing buyers away from Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Southwest.

Check Climate Risk Before Signing Any Real Estate Contract

Use FEMA flood maps, First Street Foundation's Risk Factor, and your state's climate disclosure laws. The property's 30-year climate risk is now as important as its school district rating.