Your four main paths

Options after the Eaton Fire

Every family’s situation is different. These four paths are designed to help you think through what may be possible.

01

Rebuild and Stay

For families who want to remain in the community and rebuild on the same property.

Rebuilding can preserve your connection to the neighborhood, but it usually requires patience and coordination. Homeowners may need to work through insurance claims, debris removal, architectural plans, permits, contractor bids, construction timelines, and financing gaps if insurance proceeds are not enough.

What may be involved

  • Insurance claim review
  • Temporary housing
  • Plans, permits, and inspections
  • Contractor selection
  • Construction financing if needed

Who to consult

  • Insurance company or public adjuster
  • Licensed contractor
  • Architect or engineer
  • Mortgage loan originator
  • Attorney or CPA when needed
02

Buy Another Home Before Rebuilding

For homeowners who need stability now and want to decide what to do with the original property later.

Some families do not want to wait years before feeling settled again. Buying another home may provide immediate housing stability while preserving flexibility. Depending on income, assets, insurance proceeds, and the existing property situation, financing options may be available.

What may be involved

  • Mortgage pre-approval
  • Reviewing income, assets, debts, and credit
  • Understanding how insurance proceeds may be treated
  • Choosing whether to keep, rebuild, or sell the lot later
  • Coordinating real estate purchase timing

Who to consult

  • Mortgage loan originator
  • Licensed Realtor®
  • Insurance company
  • CPA or tax professional
  • Attorney when ownership issues exist
03

Explore Your Options After Fire Damage

For families who feel a fresh start somewhere else may be the right decision.

Choosing not to rebuild is not giving up. For some homeowners, selling the land or damaged property can bring closure, reduce stress, and free up equity for the next chapter. The sale process should be handled carefully, especially when insurance claims, mortgage balances, title issues, or tax questions are involved.

What may be involved

  • Determining current lot value
  • Reviewing as-is sale options
  • Understanding market demand
  • Coordinating sale timing with insurance matters
  • Planning the next housing move

Who to consult

  • Licensed Realtor®
  • Insurance company or public adjuster
  • CPA or tax professional
  • Attorney if needed
  • Mortgage professional for replacement home financing
04

Keep the Lot as an Investment

For homeowners who are not ready to decide and want to preserve future options.

Some families need time. Keeping the lot may allow you to wait until emotions settle, insurance issues become clearer, construction costs stabilize, or family circumstances change. This option can preserve flexibility, but it may also involve ongoing property taxes, maintenance, insurance considerations, and market uncertainty.

What may be involved

  • Holding the property while delaying a final decision
  • Tracking property tax and maintenance obligations
  • Monitoring rebuild costs and market value
  • Considering future family or estate plans
  • Revisiting the decision later

Who to consult

  • CPA or tax professional
  • Financial advisor
  • Estate planning attorney
  • Licensed Realtor®
  • Insurance professional