Rebuild, Relocate, or Wait: How Do You Decide?
The recent wildfires - the most destructive and expensive natural disaster in California’s history - have left our communities reeling. From the Eaton Fire’s destruction of over 14,000 acres to historic homes in Altadena reduced to rubble, entire neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades are unrecognizable.
Thousands of families are displaced, unsure of where to turn. For many, this is more than just a loss of property - it’s a loss of history, memories, and stability. These homes told the story of our city, and now they’re gone.
Meanwhile, the questions mount faster than answers:
How long will it take to rebuild?
How do I navigate my insurance? What if I wasn’t directly affected - will my premiums still go up?
Who can I trust to clear debris and start the process?
Should I rebuild, or is it time to relocate?
Confusion over what comes next is paralyzing progress. Between stalled insurance claims, price gouging, and endless bureaucracy, it’s no wonder many are questioning if rebuilding is even worth it.
We understand how overwhelming this moment is, and we’ve put together a free guide [here] to help you take immediate next steps. Whether you’ve lost your home, know someone who has, or are watching your community struggle to rebuild, one thing is clear: navigating this crisis requires expertise, action, and clarity.
We’re here to help you, reach out to us with any questions and advice, and we’ll use all our resources to get you the answers and supply you with ‘of-the-minute’ information to get you on the road to recovery and rebuilding.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Clearing the Path
The rubble must be cleared before anything else can happen. We have recommendations of specialists who can work with your insurance company to clear the debris.
Insurance Realities
This is the time to fight for what you’re owed. Document every loss in detail, take photos, and insist on second opinions for any lowball estimates. Remember: your insurance company’s adjuster works for them, not you. Talk to us first before hiring a public adjuster who will fight for your full claim, but also takes a cut. Allow us to protect you.
The Rebuild Process
Permits, zoning laws, and rebuilding codes are changing fast. Historic neighborhoods like those in Altadena face unique challenges in preserving their character while meeting modern fire-resistant standards. Filing your rebuild plans now is critical to securing your place in line before the permitting offices are overwhelmed. There are also many options if you want to move away, before you accept any offer talk to us because you could be leaving a lot of money on the table.
How do I Find a Rental?
We’ve got a database full of available leases but they’re going fast. Many are price gouging so be careful. Lets explore your options together, and we’ll help find you a lease with no charge for victims of the fires.
Where Do You Go From Here?
If you’ve been asking yourself what to do next, here’s where to start:
Debris Removal: Get on the list for debris removal services today. Contact trusted professionals or government programs to handle the cleanup safely.
Secure Your Rights: Review your insurance policy and file claims immediately. Hire experts who understand the fine print and can negotiate on your behalf.
Plan Your Rebuild: Work with architects and contractors experienced in fire rebuilds. Reach out to your neighbors to coordinate efforts and reduce costs through shared resources.
Stay Informed: Local policies like Measure ULA and the Wildlife Ordinance could impact your rebuild. Stay connected to advocacy efforts pushing for streamlined rebuilding regulations.
Strength Through Unity: Rebuilding Together
Whether you’ve been directly affected or are supporting someone who has, the strength of our community will determine how we rebuild. This is a moment to come together, to share resources, and to ensure no one is left behind.
How I Can Help
There’s a lot of questions, and everyone's situation is unique. We all need a steady hand and a shoulder in times of crisis. That’s what we’re here for - for you.
Whether it’s guiding you through the insurance maze, connecting you with reliable contractors, or helping you plan for what’s next, I’m here to help make this less overwhelming and bounce back stronger.