Realtor Pressure

[Liz South]

Several years ago had an older (1930's) home. Chipping peeling paint all over everywhere. (both interior & exterior) Can we say "LEAD BASED PAINT"?
1. No lead based paint disclosure had been given to the purchaser
2. Realtors tried to tell me that they had negoitated the cost of repainting as part of the contract
3. Other safety and health issues.
I told them, "I don't give a ______ ______ what you negoitated, I'm bound by HUD and FHA guidelines and these things must be repaired and the lead based paint abated prior to closing.
Purchaser agreed to scrape and paint dwelling against my advice to their agent. Went back to inspect - Lo and behold the ground now covered with paint chips. Now I'm requiring that the soil be tested as it is now contaminated. Soil test came back - had to remove top 8-10" of soil and replace with new top soil. Was that ever an expensive transaction for all concerned. Never asked to re-inspect that property. Wonder whether deal ever closed.
Needless to say - my name was MUD around most idiots (a.k.a Realtors) in the local market.
Don't worry the idiots will always pressure us to bend the rules. Its up to us to stand up to them, do our jobs professionally and let the "chips fall where they will" so to speak. (was that bad humor given my story?)

Liz S. :lol:

 

[Liz South]

Several years ago had an older (1930's) home. Chipping peeling paint all over everywhere. (both interior & exterior) Can we say "LEAD BASED PAINT"?
1. No lead based paint disclosure had been given to the purchaser
2. Realtors tried to tell me that they had negoitated the cost of repainting as part of the contract
3. Other safety and health issues.
I told them, "I don't give a ______ ______ what you negoitated, I'm bound by HUD and FHA guidelines and these things must be repaired and the lead based paint abated prior to closing.
Purchaser agreed to scrape and paint dwelling against my advice to their agent. Went back to inspect - Lo and behold the ground now covered with paint chips. Now I'm requiring that the soil be tested as it is now contaminated. Soil test came back - had to remove top 8-10" of soil and replace with new top soil. Was that ever an expensive transaction for all concerned. Never asked to re-inspect that property. Wonder whether deal ever closed.
Needless to say - my name was MUD around most idiots (a.k.a Realtors) in the local market.
Don't worry the idiots will always pressure us to bend the rules. Its up to us to stand up to them, do our jobs professionally and let the "chips fall where they will" so to speak. (was that bad humor given my story?)

Liz S. :lol:

 

[Charlotte Dixon]

Liz...About those paint chips. I've been caught in that also, a few times. Now, when my appraisal is subject to ______________to be scraped and painted, I try to remember to say: ....scraped and painted in good workmanlike manner and area to be free and clear of paint chips. One time it looked like it snowed around the house it was so bad!

 

[AC King]

Caution should be used when making requirements for lead-based paint abatement. If you require "scraping" you may be misleading the unsuspecting owner or buyer.

The EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" provides specific instructions on how to deal with possible lead-based paint. It states specifically "do not use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. The typical do-it-yourselfer would use a dry scraper or wire brush on flaking or peeling paint. According to the pamphlet "these actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes."

Providing a copy of that pamphlet is a requirement for FHA insured loans, both purchase and refinance for all residences built prior to 1978. It also includes information that "to premanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a lead "abatement" contractor.

So, when you make lead-based paint abatement a requirement, leave it at that; be very careful in making specific actions or you may be holding yourself out as an environmentalist or other professional with knowledge appraisers do not typically possess.

When the real estate broker or agent has a question, direct them to licensed professionals in whatever field their question concerns. It could save you money.