The main factor that determines how an earthquake will affect your house is how well the foundation is constructed.  You could have a really well constructed house but if the foundation is weak it could shift in a big earthquake and then your house would suffer tremendous damage.  Let’s watch an illustration of this using a nice strong doghouse.  If the house is right on the ground no shifting or shearing can occur because the house is strong.  But, if you put the house up on posts, the house is still just as strong but all of a sudden you have a big heavy house being held up by tall skinny posts and your doghouse is suddenly vulnerable to a big earthquake.  It can shear.