"Grow Room"?

[PropertyEconomics]

Federal law does not recognize "growing" for any purpose to be legal.

 

[Mr Rex]

Hmm, could violate the ADA if you report it, could violate other laws if you don't. You're stuck. I would say, appraise the house as if vacant, we don't appaise or much care about their personal property. He showed you permits, leave him alone.

Interesting thought since ADA is a federal law and growing is against the federal laws.

 

[Smokey Bear]

Funny how right wingers always say they want less federal gov't until the gov't is backing their cause. This should be a state issue anyway.

 

[LadybugLover]

Okay - I guess I knew I would get a variety of answers - my gut says to just disclose it - include the picture - he took one bedroom, split it into two rooms, one being a laundry room and the other half is now the "grow room". Wish I knew how to post a photo and I would - that might help with any further advice! DH, who is also an appraiser says I should just state the facts, show the picture and say what it is and leave it at that.

Mary

 

[Mztk1]

Can the feds or the state seize your house over the swing? Have they ever? They have seized homes in CA for growing (that did have a permit).

Would you take the same attittude if it were a meth lab?

Absolutely. I am not in law enforcement. I'd state the potential for an environmental hazard due to chemicals noted on site but that's it. I am not a chemist. I am not a botanist. I am not a cop.

When people let me into their house it there is a certain level of privacy I feel is due to them. I don't look at personal pictures, I don't care how they decorate, I can care less if they are sloppy, and I don't care if there is a dungeon or a pot farm in the back shed. Personal items and personal judgements are not what I am there for, ever.

 

[Mr Rex]

Funny how right wingers always say they want less federal gov't until the gov't is backing their cause. This should be a state issue anyway.

Who brought up politics Smokey? I personally think pot and moonshine should be legal. Pot is the number 1 cash crop in NC and many fortunes have been made on 'shine. NC has some of the best homegrown agricultural products on earth, so I've heard.

 

[J L H]

As others have said there are (putting it nicely) disagreements between state and federal laws. If the fed's wanted to, they could quickly overturn an otherwise clear title. The underwriter has to make the call whether they want back the state or the fed. State the facts you know, don't interpret or predict.

Legality aside, what other risks does this grow room pose to the residence. Constant high humidity and warm conditions in a room that was not designed to be a greenhouse makes me worry about mold. Even if the grow room equipment were remove (cost to cure?), mold damage would still persist. Besides the business permit, I'd want to see the other building permits. They're not running all the lights and heat on the room's original light switch. Check the newspapers or with the police. Are "legal" places like this disproportionately targets of crime? If so, even if the grow room were removed, it may still be a target for ill-informed home invaders, basically creating a form of stigma (have fun on THAT paired sales analysis).

 

[The Dog]

"Marital aids" are illegal in my state, but I'm leaving the sex swing hanging from the ceiling in the master bedroom out of my photographs. It's not my business, no need to mention it.

Boy what a DULL state to live in. HAHA

 

[Craig Farr]

In Arizona one might find a closed door behind which sits a coyote holding a gun on 25 or 30 illegal immigrants. Stick your head in, look around for the proper spacing of electrical outlets and no ceiling stains, say "HOLA", and leave. When safely away from the place call the INS!!

 

[timd354]

Hmm, could violate the ADA if you report.

BULL...since growing marijuana is illegal under federal law, reporting it is surely not a violation of ADA or any other law.

That being said, I do not agree with the government making marijuana illegal, but the fact is that they have and they can seize the house if you are a manufacturer or distributor of a Controlled Dangeous Substance as defined by federal law (as a pot grower surely is). Thus, this surely can negatively affect the collateral and should be reported to the lender so they can make an intelligent decision as to whether or not to make the loan.....making an honest report about all aspects of the property go to the very basis of our job as appraisers.