Buy a Safe Home

Was Your Home Once a Meth Lab? In Austin, our seller's disclosure actually has a question asking if the home was once a meth lab. If you were running a meth lab out of your home would you admit it? If you bought a home that was once a meth lab would you admit that you knew about it?

Sometimes it's hard for the seller to understand or figure out how to correctly fill out the seller's disclosure and I've seen a lot of innocent errors. Recently, a buyer client of mine received a disclosure where that box was checked "yes." It was an obvious error but the buyer wanted confirmation from the sellers. He did buy the house and we joke about the meth lab.

According to a recent article in "The Residential Specialist," the publication I receive as a member of Certified Residential Specialist, it's no laughing matter. I feel confident my buyer's house was never a meth lab but apparently meth labs are a growing problem in homes in the United States and in some parts of the country two out of 100 homes were once meth labs and it's not just in the seedy side of town but across the board economically. From low- income to luxury properties, homes are being turned into meth labs.

The consequences for the buyer is that it is a huge health risk. The process of "cooking" meth creates vapors and gases that permeate the homes walls, HVAC system and flooring and may linger for years. The process is also highly combustible.

Warning signs of contamination include burned countertops and a strong smell similar to cat urine.Burn pits or dead spots in the grass may indicate where the chemicals were dumped. Garbage containing cold medication, lithium batteries, empty containers of anifreeze, paint thinner or drain opener may also be a sign.

Prior to buying a home you may suspect of illegal activity, you can contact local law enforcement to find out if there have been any reported problems, talk to the neighbors and if necessary you may hire a reputable inspection company.

Buy a safe home and be safe.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

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