Selling Real Estate - Respect Your Buyers' Intelligence

Never underestimate the intelligence of buyers even if they strike you as inexperienced, first time buyers. 

Since governments have stepped into the domain of real estate, they are now warning home buyers about potential environmental dangers lurking inside houses.  

So what aspects of home buying are governed by regulations? 

Ilyce Glink warns that most professional house inspectors are not qualified to do special tests for toxic substances, although more and more individuals are specializing in these types of home testing.

• Radon – the US government reported in 1989 that radon was the cause of 22,000 deaths per year and that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US after cigarette smoking.  Radon is an odourless, natural gas that comes from the earth and seeps through cracks in the house or its foundation.
• Asbestos – Glink says that if your home was built after 1980, there is no need to worry about asbestos.  This is a microscopic fiber that escapes to the air and is ingested by humans through their noses and mouths.  Buyers who have lingering fears about asbestos may demand a written report stating that the house is asbestos-free.
• Lead – Paints and water can contain high levels of lead that are harmful, particularly to children.  Their physical and mental development is affected when they are exposed to this substance.  Lead paint and lead in water are usually found in older homes (pre 70’s).  Pipes in older homes for example that were soldered together with lead can transmit lead particles into the water system.

Source: Ilyce R. Glink.  100 Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask.  Times Books (Random House).  USA. 1995.