Don't Make a Move Without Marlene!

Dear Marlene~
We are getting ready to put our house on the market. Our house is 60+ years old. What type of environmental issues might come up? Should we test for environmental hazards now, or wait? ~Rick S. in Greenwood.
There are several environmental issues that arise in residential real estate today. These issues have been around for a while, but better educated buyers and real estate professionals are now bringing these issues to the forefront. Some of the issues that might come up are: lead based paint (if your house was built prior to 1987), indoor air quality, radon gas, aspestoes, mold and even quite possibly electromagnetic fields. Each of these are serious issues, and, as a buyer’s agent, I would highly recommend having licensed professionals test any home you are wanting to purchase. As a seller’s agent, I wouldn’t really be able to suggest one way or another, as a blanket recommendation, for testing. As a home owner, I test for these hazards on a regular basis – for the health and welfare of my family!
If your home was built before 1987, lead-paint issues must be addressed. You need to check with your real estate agent about the specifics of your house. Radon is a completely odorless and sometimes deadly gas that comes in from the ground, sometimes through cracks in the foundation. If you test for it, and find elevated rates (I believe the EPA recommends 4 or lower), it can be mitigated (as can most of the environmental issues). However, it is my job, as a real estate professional, to educate my clients, and to be their advocate, NOT to actually assess a potential environmental problem – that should be left to environmental hazard specialists.
If you need additional information on this very important topic, you can log into my website, at www.MarleneAlley.com and find links to different agencies. If you don’t find the specific one you are looking for, just e-mail me and I can at least point you in the right direction.

TIP OF THE WEEK: If your house is on the market, and you have a fireplace – light it for a showing! When the weather is cooler, it’s always nice to experience a fire in the fireplace! Also, “pumpkin spice” air fresheners are great this time of the year, too!

For more information, e-mail me at: malley@infinityrealtysells.com or visit my website: www.MarleneAlley.com or your call is always welcome at 816-210-4212!

Until next time – happy house hunting!
~Marlene Alley