Consumer Concerns

Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building materials and products for its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health risk because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases including: asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.

Read more on asbestos on the EPA’s Web site

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center Web site

Chinese Drywall (NEW - 5/2009)
Drywall imported from China and used in new home construction and renovations in the United States has been associated with the release of toxic sulfur compounds, emitting an offensive "rotten egg" smell throughout the home, and causing extensive damage to residential wiring, air conditioning and other electrical appliances, as well as potential health risks for homeowners. In 2004-2007, the housing boom and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Wilma led to an increased demand for drywall products, leading some suppliers to import drywall from China to make up for the shortage. It is estimated that at least 550 million pounds of Chinese drywall has been imported into the United States since 2006 -- enough to build 60,000 average-size homes. Homeowners exposed to sulfur-based gases may also experience adverse health effects such as eye irritation, headaches, bloody nose, respiratory distress, and other symptoms resembling bronchitis and asthma.
Click here to read more about Chinese drywall

Flood Zones
As stated by FEMA, flood zones are geographic areas that FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area. For information on flood zones and to read more about low to high risk areas visit FEMA’s Web site.

Floodsmart.gov is a resource that helps homeowners identify flood risk in their area. Flood risk is based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.Click here for more information about flood risk.

Foreclosure Counseling
NAR studies show the housing boom led to a record homeownership rate of nearly 70 percent, but some homeowners now face problems making their mortgage payments and can't refinance their loans. This brochure (link) will help you understand your options and give you tips on how to avoid losing your home--regardless of what kind of mortgage you have.

To learn about HUD’s counseling program click here or download this brochure.

Polybutelene Pipes
The presence of polybutylene pipe can severely affect a home’s value on the real estate market. Poly pipe generally takes 10-15 years to begin to show signs of severe deterioration; therefore it is important to know what problems can be caused by its presence, and what can be done about it before it does pose a risk.

Radon
According to the EPA, radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. For more the EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller Guide to radon click here.

Septic Systems
Maintaining your septic system is easy to do and important for your home and your wallet. Failure to do routine check-ups of your septic tank could lead to costly damages that could have been prevented. According to an article from National Small Flows Clearinghouse, there are three reasons to make sure your septic system is running properly.

Replacing your septic system is very expensive.
Having a properly-working system protects your family’s health from harmful chemicals and other hazardous material.
Maintaining your septic system protects the economic health of your community.

Click here to learn more about septic systems and caring for your system.

Square Footage
Customers and clients often ask "How many square feet in the house?" and "Are there hardwood floors under the carpet?." Answering either question can pose significant risks for the licensee.

How do you determine the square footage of a house? Do you measure from interior wall to exterior wall? Do you include finished space, the carport or garage, heated space only? Do you measure the property yourself, rely on MLS data, rely on architectural plans rely on county tax records?

The answer to each of these questions is "it depends." For example, appraisers usually base square footage for appraisal purposes on exterior walls. Purchasers seeking to accommodate their furniture needs will base square footage on the interior walls.

Perhaps the best policy for real estate licensees is not to attempt to calculate square footage. If a customer raises the issue, the licensee should allow the customer to make his or her own calculations. If the licensee gives the customer square footage data from the MLS, architectural plans, or other sources, the licensee should carefully disclose that he or she cannot verify the accuracy of that data.

If a seller tells you that there are hardwood floors under the carpet and you wish to convey that information to perspective purchasers, you should make every effort to verify that information. Pulling up the carpet in the comer of each room or in closets may help you to verify that information. You can remove the grill covering a heating or air conditioning vent installed in the floor and check to see if there are hardwood floors beneath the carpet.

However, the best policy on answering the hardwood floor question is the same as the one on the square footage question. If hardwood floors are important to the perspective purchaser, let the perspective purchaser verify whether they are under the carpet.

The information contained in this article is believed to be current and accurate. The GREC staff reviews the contents periodically and updates it when appropriate. If you have questions or comments about this article, you may contact us at grecmail@grec.state.ga.us . Last reviewed August, 2006.

Synthetic Stucco
Like asbestos and radon before it, synthetic stucco, or EIFS (exterior insulation finish systems), rings loud alarms with anyone involved in buying and selling homes in certain parts of the country. The product has been linked to water intrusion behind exterior walls, which in turn rots sheathing, and other building components and makes many afflicted homes virtually unsalable (REALTOR^® Magazine 2004).

Termites
Termites are often called the silent destroyer because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your basement or attic without any immediate signs of damage. While each termite species thrives in different climates and eats different types of food, all termites require four things to survive – food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide these ideal conditions for termite infestation (www.termites101.org). Click here to visit this informative Web site with everything you need to know about termites.