Every home has hidden risks — flood, fire, earthquake, crime. RiskBeforeBuy calculates what they'll actually cost you over 30 years.
How it works
Stop googling FEMA maps and crime stats separately. We aggregate eight federal datasets and run the math for you.
We locate your property within one of 85,000 census tracts covered by our national dataset.
→Flood, fire, earthquake, and crime risk scores drawn from FEMA, USGS, NOAA, and FBI data — updated quarterly.
→One clear number: the risk-adjusted net present value cost of owning this property over a 30-year horizon.
Risk domains
Each domain is modeled independently using the best available federal data, then combined into a single NPV cost estimate.
FEMA flood zone classifications, NFIP claims history, and storm surge modeling for coastal properties.
FEMA / NFIP dataUSFS fire hazard severity zones, historical ignition data, and defensible space assessments.
USFS / CAL FIRE dataUSGS seismic hazard maps, soil liquefaction risk, and peak ground acceleration probability.
USGS dataFBI UCR violent and property crime indices normalized by tract population density and economic indicators.
FBI UCR / Census dataThe differentiator
Other tools give you color-coded maps and vague risk scores. RiskBeforeBuy translates risk into dollars — the actual expected cost discounted to present value so you can compare properties on equal footing.
Why NPV? A "high flood risk" rating is meaningless without cost context. A $140,000 expected 30-year flood exposure at a 6% discount rate is a fact you can act on. That's the number we give you.
What makes us different
Every competitor gives you a score. We give you a cost.
| Capability | Zillow / Redfin | Climate Check / First Street | RiskBeforeBuy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flood risk score | Basic | ✓ Detailed | ✓ Detailed |
| Wildfire risk score | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Earthquake risk | — | — | ✓ |
| Crime risk integrated | — | — | ✓ |
| 30-year NPV cost model | — | — | ✓ Core feature |
| Property comparison | — | Limited | ✓ ZIP vs ZIP |
| API access | — | Enterprise only | ✓ Pro plan |
Pricing
Less than a home inspection fee to know the real cost of risk before you sign anything.
Run your first county summary free. No credit card. No account required.
Check Your Risk — Free