01/22/2025
Ron Wynn’s Message of Heartfelt Sympathy and Support
Please Slow Down!
I write to you with a heavy heart, knowing the challenges so many of you are facing. I have seen the devastating impact that losing a home has on partners, families, best friends, and entire communities. We are all in this together, and I want to express my deepest compassion and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time.
Your decisions right now will have far-reaching consequences—not only for you and your family but for your neighbors and everyone within a 3-mile radius or more. I am deeply concerned about the pressure people are feeling, combined with misleading claims like:
• “Your lot is worth only half of its value.”
• “Insurance will never be available again.”
• “There are no buyers for the hills anymore.”
Please, breathe. Slow down.
Yes, we need places to live. Yes, we need to get kids back into their routines and schools. But making life-changing decisions under duress can lead to regret. There is no rush to sell, rebuild, or relocate until all the necessary information is in hand. Many claims being made are not only exaggerated but, in some cases, entirely false.
I’ve organized below some of the most pressing questions that I and other professionals are being asked every day.
Category 1: Questions with Probable Answers
These are areas where we have reliable information, based on experience from previous fires like Woolsey, Bell Canyon, and Malibu:
1. What are the current building costs?
• Building costs have risen due to tariffs and material shortages, but estimates for custom homes currently range from $400 to $1,200 per square foot, depending on finishes and materials.
2. What restrictions apply to rebuilding?
• Most rebuilds must comply with updated fire-resistant building codes, including sprinkler systems, defensible space, and specific materials. Local planning departments can provide precise guidelines.
3. Can I split my lot or build multiple units?
• Lot splitting and additional units may be allowed under SB 9 (California’s housing law), but zoning and neighborhood-specific rules will apply.
4. Are there delays in permitting?
• Yes, there are delays. After large-scale fires, permitting offices are overwhelmed, which can extend approval timelines.
5. What is the California FAIR Plan?
• The FAIR Plan is an insurance option of last resort for high-risk areas. While it provides basic coverage, supplemental policies may still be needed.
6. Can mortgage companies modify or freeze payments?
• Some lenders offer forbearance or hardship programs. Contact your mortgage servicer immediately to discuss options.
7. Is state disaster assistance available?
• Yes. State and federal programs, like FEMA and Cal Fire grants, offer resources to affected homeowners.
Category 2: Questions Without Clear Answers
These are important questions for which there are no definitive answers yet. The uncertainty can be frustrating, but we are working diligently to uncover reliable information:
1. Will insurance companies stay solvent, or will they go bankrupt?
• The financial stability of insurance companies is unpredictable. Some insurers are limiting coverage in fire-prone areas, and moratoriums are in place. Updates will come as the situation unfolds.
2. What are the long-term impacts of contamination?
• Soil and water contamination assessments are ongoing. Results will depend on the extent of the damage and remediation efforts.
3. Will there be a mass exodus of buyers from this area?
• This depends on factors like rebuilding timelines, insurance availability, and public sentiment. Historical patterns from past fires suggest some recovery, but trends are hard to predict.
4. What will the permitting process look like in 6 months?
• Permitting processes are evolving as counties adapt to the aftermath of the fires. Timelines and requirements will vary by jurisdiction.
5. Will future fires make rebuilding impractical?
• The risk of future fires is real, and mitigation measures are being studied. Long-term fire impact predictions require further environmental and structural analysis.
Why We Don’t Have All the Answers
These unknowns stem from the complexity of the situation, which involves multiple agencies, shifting policies, and evolving circumstances. Answers will likely come from:
• Local government meetings and updates.
• Insurance company statements and state regulatory decisions.
• Reports from environmental studies and planning departments.
The Bottom Line
There are far more questions than answers right now, but we are committed to providing clarity wherever possible. My advice comes not from self-interest but from experience and a deep desire to see you and your families thrive after this tragedy.
Please don’t rush into anything. Let’s take this one step at a time, together. Call me if you need support or guidance. I’m here to help, and I will continue gathering reliable information to share with you.
With heartfelt empathy,
Ron Wynn (310) 963-9944
Your Local Realtor and Advocate
