Smart homeowner strategies and community effort can safeguard homes and neighborhoods

By Carrie Dahle

As we embrace the warm beginnings of June, we must also prepare for fire season, an inevitable part of our summer landscape. While the thought of fire season may seem daunting, our approach can significantly strengthen our homes and community.

Fire season in Ashland isn’t just a possibility; it’s an annual certainty. The dry, warm weather conditions make our beautiful area particularly susceptible to wildfires. By taking proactive steps towards fire prevention, we’re not only safeguarding our own homes but are also playing a crucial role in protecting our community.

When individual homeowners take action, the cumulative effect can dramatically slow down or even prevent the spread of wildfires. This communitywide effort creates a safer environment for everyone, reducing potential emergency situations and making it easier for firefighting teams to manage any outbreaks that do occur.

The concept of being firewise is all about understanding and reducing your property’s fire risk through thoughtful landscaping and home maintenance. Here’s how you can get started:

• Zone creation: Divide your property into zones where certain plants are advised, and others are best avoided. The area closest to your home should have the least flammable plants and materials.
• Smart landscaping: Opt for fire-resistant plants that are high in moisture and have low sap or resin content. Examples include iris, lavender and honeysuckle. Avoid using mulch near your home, as it can easily catch fire.
• Building materials: When building or renovating, choose materials that resist heat and flames. For instance, using metal or tiles for roofing and noncombustible siding materials can significantly increase your home’s resilience against fires.

Integrating these practices significantly enhances your home’s defenses against wildfires. While this requires some investment, the peace of mind and increased safety are invaluable benefits.

In today’s real estate market, safety upgrades and preventive measures can significantly enhance a home’s appeal to buyers. With the increasing frequency of wildfires, savvy buyers prioritize homes prepared for such contingencies. As a homeowner, showcasing your fire-prepared home during listings or open houses can dramatically increase buyer interest. It demonstrates foresight and responsibility, qualities that resonate well with prospective buyers. Moreover, these improvements often lead to direct savings for buyers, such as reduced insurance premiums, making your home an even more attractive investment.

The Ashland real estate market showed signs of stability in May with a neutral market stance. Here’s a snapshot of the latest trends:

• Homes for sale: There were 121 units available, a decrease of 12.9% compared to last year, but the number maintained the same level as the previous month.
• Homes closed: We saw 32 home sales close in May, marking a decrease of 15.8% from the previous month and a 17.9% drop compared to the same period last year.
• Homes placed into contract: Interestingly, 38 homes were placed into contract, a significant increase of 46.2% from the previous month and an 18.8% rise from last year.

This data suggests that while the number of available homes and closed sales has decreased, there is a rising interest in securing homes, as evidenced by increased contracts.

Our efforts to prepare our homes for fire season contribute to the overall resilience of Ashland’s real estate market. By safeguarding our properties against potential disasters, we not only enhance the safety and security of our community but also reassure potential buyers about the wisdom of investing in our area. This proactive approach maintains and even boosts the desirability of our neighborhood, making it an attractive place in which to live and invest.

To start fortifying your home, begin with a thorough assessment to identify potential fire hazards. Engaging with a professional or participating in local safety programs can offer practical and effective steps to enhance your home’s defenses. If you’re considering selling, remember that these improvements do more than prevent potential damage; they are strategic investments that can significantly increase your property’s market value. Such proactive measures demonstrate to prospective buyers that your home is not only safe but also a wise and secure investment.

Preparing for fire season is more than a precaution. It’s an opportunity to enhance safety, engage with our community, and ensure our homes are both protected and primed for the market. Together, let’s take proactive steps to keep Ashland safe and attractive.

Ashland resident Carrie Dahle is president-elect of the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and principal broker at John L. Scott, Ashland. Email her at carrie@scottlewisgroup.com.