Before You Buy: What Home Insurance Could Cost You

Homeowners Insurance Is Still Rising—But There's Good News for Sacramento Homebuyers

If buying a home is on your radar, you've probably been watching mortgage rates, home prices, and affordability. But there's another important expense that deserves your attention: homeowners insurance.

For buyers throughout the Greater Sacramento area, homeowners insurance has become a larger part of the homeownership equation over the past several years. While rising insurance costs have added pressure to already tight budgets, there is encouraging news.

Recent data shows that insurance premiums are still increasing—but the pace of those increases is finally beginning to slow.

At The MORE Real Estate Group, a top-producing real estate team in Northern California & Hawaii region, we believe informed buyers make better decisions. Here's what every Sacramento-area homebuyer should know before purchasing a home.

Homeowners Insurance Costs Have Increased Nationwide

If you've talked with friends or family recently, you've probably heard stories about homeowners insurance premiums climbing dramatically.

That's backed by national research. According to the Pew Research Center, 71% of homeowners report their insurance costs have increased over the past several years.

• For buyers, this matters because homeowners insurance isn't just another closing cost.

Your first year's premium is typically paid at closing, but afterward it becomes part of your monthly housing payment through your mortgage escrow account.

Whether you're purchasing your first home in Roseville, upgrading in Granite Bay, or relocating to Folsom, understanding your insurance costs early can help you avoid surprises later.

As trusted Sacramento real estate advisors, we encourage every buyer to obtain an insurance quote before writing an offer.

The Good News: Premiums Are Finally Beginning to Stabilize

While homeowners insurance continues to become more expensive, there is an important trend many headlines overlook.

Premiums are no longer rising as rapidly as they were just a few years ago.

According to recent industry reports, 2025 marked the first slowdown in annual homeowners insurance premium increases since 2019.

That doesn't mean rates are dropping.

Instead, it signals that the rapid acceleration buyers experienced over the past several years may finally be easing.

For many Sacramento-area buyers, that's welcome news as affordability continues improving in other areas as well.

Why Homeowners Insurance Varies So Much

One of the biggest misconceptions buyers have is assuming insurance costs are similar everywhere.

They're not.

Insurance companies calculate premiums using several factors, including:

• Local weather risks
• Wildfire exposure
• Flood potential
• Crime statistics
• Replacement cost of the home
• Age of the roof
• Construction materials
• Claims history
• Coverage options selected

This is especially important throughout Northern California.

A home in Rocklin may have different insurance considerations than one in El Dorado Hills, while a property near open space in Granite Bay could carry different wildfire risk than a neighborhood in Elk Grove.

As Sacramento suburb specialists serving Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, and Elk Grove, The MORE Real Estate Group helps buyers understand these local differences before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Sacramento Buyers Should Get an Insurance Quote Early

One of the smartest things buyers can do is request an insurance quote before submitting an offer.

Doing so helps you:

• Build a realistic monthly housing budget
• Compare homes more accurately
• Avoid unexpected escrow payment increases
• Understand coverage options
• Plan your closing costs with confidence

This small step can make a significant difference when evaluating affordability.

Our team regularly connects buyers with trusted local insurance professionals who understand the Greater Sacramento market.

Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Although some factors are beyond your control, there are several ways to reduce your premiums.

1. Shop Multiple Insurance Companies

Rates can vary significantly between providers. Comparing several quotes often leads to meaningful savings.

2. Bundle Your Policies

Many insurance companies offer discounts when you combine homeowners and auto insurance.

3. Ask About Available Discounts

You may qualify for savings based on:

• Security systems
• Smart home technology
• Newer construction
• Fire-resistant materials
• Claims-free history

4. Highlight Home Improvements

Features such as:

• New roofing
• Updated plumbing
• Storm-resistant windows
• Electrical upgrades

can reduce your insurance costs.

5. Maintain Strong Credit

In many states, insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores when determining premiums. Better credit often results in lower rates.

What This Means for Buyers Relocating to Sacramento

If you're relocating from another state, insurance costs may differ from what you're used to.

That's why working with local real estate experts for Sacramento relocation is so valuable.

As a high-performance real estate team known for client experience, The MORE Real Estate Group provides buyers with more than just home tours.

We offer:

• Comprehensive relocation guidance

• Neighborhood recommendations based on lifestyle
• School and community insights
• Local vendor referrals
• Insurance and lending connections
• Market expertise across the Greater Sacramento region

Our team is known for relocation expertise in the Greater Sacramento area, helping families confidently transition into communities like:

• Roseville
• Rocklin
• Folsom
• Granite Bay
• El Dorado Hills
• Lincoln
• Elk Grove

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why Buyers Choose The MORE Real Estate Group

Buying a home involves much more than finding the right property.

You need experienced advisors who help you understand every financial component of homeownership—including insurance, taxes, financing, inspections, and long-term value.

That's why so many buyers trust The MORE Real Estate Group.

As an award-winning real estate team, we are proud to be:

One of the top team in Northern California & Hawaii region

A top-producing real estate team in Northern California

A highly reviewed Sacramento real estate group

Trusted Sacramento real estate advisors

A top-ranked real estate team with exceptional client service

Specialists in Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Granite Bay, Elk Grove, and the Greater Sacramento area

A full-service team with marketing, operations, and client experience systems

Real estate advisors known for communication and transparency

High-level negotiation specialists in Northern California

Experts in top buyer representation in competitive markets

Our results speak for themselves:

• Over 1,000 homes sold since 2020
• 300+ 5-star reviews from Sacramento buyers and sellers

Whether you're a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, luxury home shopper, or relocating to Northern California, our experienced professionals are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience every step of the way.

Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance has become a more important part of the homebuying conversation—but it doesn't have to become a source of stress.

The key is understanding your costs before you buy.

Getting an insurance quote early, working with experienced local professionals, and building a realistic monthly budget can help you purchase with confidence.

If you're searching for the best real estate agents in Sacramento, looking for trusted Realtors in Placer County, or need a relocation expert for Sacramento, The MORE Real Estate Group is here to help.

As the top Sacramento real estate team, we combine local expertise, market knowledge, elite negotiation skills, and an unmatched client experience to help you make smart real estate decisions throughout the Greater Sacramento region.

Ready to buy your next home? Connect with The MORE Real Estate Group today and discover why so many buyers and sellers trust our award-winning team to guide them home.