California investigates State Farm’s wildfire insurance handling

California’s Department of Insurance is taking a closer look at how State Farm General Insurance Company handled claims tied to the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. On Thursday, the Department informed Inman that it has launched an investigation into the… Continue reading

Insurance a top concern as experts predict higher premiums

Over 55 percent of agents who were recently surveyed by the California Association of Realtors said access to homeowners insurance was their No. 1 concern, more than double from last year. Continue reading

FEMA held back Direct Lease for LA wildfire survivors. Here’s why

Despite more than 13,000 homes destroyed in the January Los Angeles wildfires and many residents still trying to pick up the pieces, the program was never activated in Los Angeles. According to a FEMA spokesperson, housing data doesn’t justify the need… Continue reading

KB Home to build first wildfire-resistant community in SoCal

KB Home, one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, is breaking new ground with Southern California’s first wildfire-resilient new-home community, the company announced Thursday. The community is a game changer for homebuyers seeking safety in fire-prone ar… Continue reading

State Farm seeks double-digit rate hike in California in wake of LA fires

The insurer asked the California Department of Insurance to raise rates by an average of 22 percent “to help avert a dire situation” as the company pays thousands of claims related to the fires. Continue reading

2nd LA real estate agent charged with price gouging

Lar Sevan Chouljian of Team Rock Properties in Glendale allegedly offered a family who evacuated the Eaton Fire a rental whose asking price exceeded its original price by more than 50 percent. Chouljian has denied the accusation. Continue reading

2nd LA real estate agent charged with price gouging

Lar Sevan Chouljian of Team Rock Properties in Glendale allegedly offered a family who evacuated the Eaton Fire a rental whose asking price exceeded its original price by more than 50 percent. Chouljian has denied the accusation. Continue reading

Trump signs water order in California, seeks to add conditions

The president signed an executive order instructing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to direct more water through the Central Valley Project and potentially withhold federal aid if the state didn’t comply. Continue reading

Most wildfire victims won’t return to Palisades, Josh Altman says

Former “Million Dollar Listing” real estate agent Josh Altman predicts that nearly 70 percent of Pacific Palisades residents won’t return to rebuild following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Continue reading

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag sue LA over fires, water shortage

The reality TV stars along with 21 others are suing the city for its failure “to properly construct, inspect, maintain and operate its water supply system,” which, they allege, led to the loss of their home in the Palisades fire. Continue reading