As we all continue this journey together, everyone at Smith & Berg Property Group remains steadfast in helping to find housing solutions, navigating challenges, and assisting those impacted in moving forward with confidence. Your health and safety, and that of your loved ones, is priority number one. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out. We’re prepared with resources to guide you through the process of recovery.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of vital resources as you navigate insurance, property taxes, legal assistance and remediation, along with some actionable steps to help you continue to protect your family and property.
KEY RESOURCES FOR RECOVERY
YOUR PERSONAL RESOURCE — SMITH & BERG
Our team is in the fortunate position of having a direct line of contact to a wide variety of vendors that will be vital in the recovery and rebuilding effort. From reputable remediation companies, insurance brokers and adjusters, attorneys, appraisers, architects, contractors, and many more. We are willing and able to connect you directly with our contacts and pull any strings we can to be of service. Please reach out to us at (310) 500-3931 or [email protected]. We will speak to you about your specific needs and assist you personally to avoid any runaround.
— F. Ron Smith & David Berg
FURNITURE RENTAL & SALES
Our friends at Vesta are offering more than $500,000 worth of furniture to those in urgent need. If you or someone you know requires assistance with furnishing a new home, reach out to Vesta here for flexible short- and long-term rental options as well as furniture sales.
HELPING CHILDREN COPE
As wildfires impact our communities, it's not just physical safety that needs attention — emotional well-being is equally vital. Children’s Burn Foundation has compiled an excellent list of tips for parents to utilize when talking to children about the current situation and helping them process their experiences. From having honest conversations to creating routines that offer comfort, these strategies have the potential to make all the difference in ensuring our children are able to cope emotionally in these unprecedented times.
BE CAUTIOUS OF SCAMS & UNSOLICITED OFFERS
While the community has shown remarkable resilience, it’s important to be vigilant against fraudulent activity. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or offers related to your affected property. What to watch for:
→ Don’t send money to unverified sources.
→ Avoid signing contracts with unknown parties.
→ Always check with friends and family before making decisions.
Your safety and peace of mind are essential. Reach out to trusted sources, and together, we’ll navigate this journey.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF & RELATED RESOURCES
PROP 19: DISASTER RELIEF TAX BASE TRANSFERS (IMPORTANT 🚨)
If your primary residence was substantially damaged or destroyed by a declared natural disaster, Prop. 19 allows you to transfer your property’s tax base to a comparable property within the same county or another county in California. Your replacement property may be of equal or greater value. Any portion exceeding the value of the original affected home will be reassessed at the current market value.
How to calculate your potential new tax base: Visit the Proposition 19 page of the LA County Assessor website. Click on the Calculators Tab at the top of the page. Input your address into the Base Year Value Transfers calculator. If you need assistance with valuations, SBP is here to help.
Relevant Form: BOE-19-V / Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value to Replacement Primary Residence for Victims of Wildfire or Other Natural Disaster. To download this form, visit the Proposition 19 page of the LA County Assessor website. Click on the Forms Tab at the top of the page. Download and complete Form BOE-19-V.
Click HERE for general information, FAQs, calculators, and relevant forms.
MISFORTUNE & CALAMITY TAX RELIEF
If your property was damaged or destroyed by the fires, you may qualify for tax relief. To apply, file the Misfortune or Calamity form ADS-820 with the Assessor's Office within 12 months of the property’s damage or destruction. The loss must exceed $10,000 in current market value.
Relevant Form: ADS-820 / Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity. To download this form, visit the Disaster Relief page of the LA County Assessor website. Click on the Forms Tab at the top of the page. Download and complete Form BOE-19-V.
Click HERE for general information, fact sheets, FAQs, and relevant forms.
DECLINE–IN–VALUE REVIEW
If the current market value of your property is less than its assessed value, you can apply for a Decline-in-Value Review with the LA County Assessor. The annual filing period is from July 2 to November 30.
Relevant Form: RP-87 / Application for Decline-in-Value Review. To download this form, visit the Forms page of the LA Country Tax Assessor website. Use the search bar at the top of the page to locate and download Form RP-87.
Click HERE for general information, FAQs, and to monitor the status of a Decline-in-Value Review request.
MANAGING YOUR MORTGAGE DURING RECOVERY
It’s essential to contact your mortgage servicer to understand your options. You may still be responsible for mortgage payments, but inquire about the following:
→ Options to temporarily reduce or suspend payments
→ Forbearance options
→ Waivers for late fees
→ Special options if you have an FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac loan
CURRENT IMAGE OF YOUR PROPERTY & INITIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Use the LA County Recovers Interactive Map HERE (Palisades Fire) and HERE (Eaton Fire) to view a current photo of your property and an initial damage assessment. Enter your address into the map’s search bar to locate your property. Preliminary maps showing damage assessments have been posted, but are incomplete and being updated daily. If there is not a color icon on your address, it means it has not yet been inspected. Check back for updates.
BEST PRACTICES FOR RECOVERY & FUTURE PREPARATION
MAKE A SAFE RETURN
Visit the Post Wildfire Safety page on the Cal Fire website for important safety measures when returning home. Here you will find the Returning Home Checklist, general information on what to look out for, and information on local emergency managers, government bodies, and nonprofits that can assist you.
WILDFIRE PREPARATION MEASURES FOR THE FUTURE
Establish an Evacuation Plan: Visit the Cal Fire website for tips on how to plan for future wildfire events, including the Wildfire Action Plan, ‘Go Bag’ Checklist, and tips to Prepare Your Family.
Prepare Your Home: Living near California’s natural areas means facing a higher chance of wildfires. Knowing how to prepare is key to keeping your home safe.
Review these tips from Cal Fire on how to remain vigilant year-round:
→ Harden Your Home
→ Create Defensible Space
→ Fire-Smart Landscaping
HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW
DONATE TO LAFD
Your support provides vital resources to the Los Angeles Fire Department, so they can focus on saving lives and protecting our communities. Click the button below and donate to LAFD today.
VITAL SERVICES SUPPORT
If you're a business or service provider offering support to wildfire victims — such as a remediation company, architect, builder, or insurance services — we invite you to join our resources list. Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will set up a time to speak directly.
Additionally, if you’ve encountered any other particularly helpful resources,​ we’d love to hear from you.
Smith & Berg Property Group will continue updating our available resources list to meet the immediate and future needs of our community.
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We're in this together. Our community, where we live and work and raise our families, is who we are. If you have questions about rebuilding, reducing costs, or simply need advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at (310) 500-3931 or [email protected]. We are committed to being a personal resource for you and your family long after the news headlines disappear. Stay safe and take care.