Flooding isn’t just a concern for people living near rivers or in coastal zones. It can happen in any city, in any neighborhood, without warning. And when it does, it reveals just how unprepared many homeowners truly are.

In late January 2024, San Diego and surrounding communities experienced one of the most devastating rainstorms in recent history. A state of emergency was issued as homes, roads, and entire blocks were swallowed by floodwaters. In our own backyard, a six-foot-deep sinkhole opened up overnight. It was a shocking reminder that no matter where you live, disasters can strike.

And yet, most people never stop to think about what they don’t know about their home—until it’s too late.

Your Property May Include Easements You Don’t Know About

An easement is a legal right for someone else—typically a utility company or city agency—to use a portion of your land for a specific purpose, such as power lines or stormwater drainage. In our case, we discovered that a storm drain had been leaking underneath our property, which caused the sinkhole. Because that section of our yard is a designated easement, the County of San Diego is now handling all repairs at no cost to us.

Had we not understood our property records and known who to call, the outcome—and the cost—might have been very different.

Mold Is a Silent Hazard That Can Emerge Overnight

After any flood, mold becomes a serious health risk. Many residents in hard-hit areas were eager to return home—but doing so too early can expose your family to mold spores that develop quickly in damp environments.

If you’ve had water intrusion, even from a roof leak or burst pipe, a professional inspection is critical. Mold can form behind walls or under floors, completely out of sight. The first clue is usually a musty smell or lingering dampness. Don’t ignore it.

Flood Zones Aren’t Always Obvious—And Flood Insurance Isn’t Standard

Flooding in San Diego hit neighborhoods where insurance coverage wasn’t required, leaving many residents with major damage and no financial recourse. Even if your home isn’t in a designated flood zone, you can still be at risk.

Most homeowners insurance policies don’t include flood protection. You must request it separately—and that conversation should happen before a disaster. Take time each year to review your coverage and weigh whether additional policies like flood or earthquake insurance are a smart investment for your property.

If Your Home Was Built Before 1972, Your Pipes May Be a Ticking Time Bomb

Cast iron plumbing was widely used in homes built before 1972—and it corrodes over time. One young couple in San Diego learned this the hard way when their newly purchased home flooded due to cracked pipes. Their real estate agent hadn’t suggested a sewer scope during escrow, and the repairs are now costing over $20,000.

The lesson? Always ask for a sewer inspection if you’re buying an older home. And if you already own one, consider scheduling a preventative inspection before disaster strikes.

Be Financially Ready—Because Disasters Don’t Wait

We advise every homeowner to keep a savings cushion equal to 1% of their home’s value. If your home is worth $600,000, that means $6,000 set aside for emergency repairs. Even with insurance, you may need to pay out of pocket for upfront costs or repairs not covered by your policy.

In our case, the County will handle the repairs because the issue fell within a documented easement—but that outcome required knowing our property history and taking action immediately.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

The storm in January 2024 was a wake-up call—but it shouldn’t take a disaster for you to start asking the right questions. Know your property. Know your coverage. Know your risks.

And if you’re a homeowner, having a trusted real estate professional by your side is essential. It’s not just about pricing and paperwork—it's about having someone who can guide you through potential pitfalls, connect you with the right experts, and help you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.

Need help assessing your home or connecting with trusted local pros?

Send a message to our team—we’ll point you to the right resources and make sure you’re not navigating this alone.