Property Disclosures

Which one of the following property features could contaminate the soil?

underground storage tank

Paul and Blake are touring an open house when they notice that the glass on the sliding patio door is very foggy. Is this a concern, and if so, why?

sign of a leaky seal which reduces efficiency

Which statement about lead-related health problems is true?

Lead may cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death.

Which of the following properties requires a lead disclosure?

duplex built in 1959 homes built before 1978

While conducting a property valuation site visit, Todd realizes that nearly half of the property has no improvements on it. There's no apparent reason why the land would be unusable, which indicates that it is _____.

excess land that could be separated and sold

Discoloration along walls and sagging or uneven floors can be signs of ______.

flood damage

What hazard do mining activities, landfills, or agricultural pesticides contribute to?

groundwater contamination

Which one of the following scenarios describes an adverse condition that would need to be disclosed?

hail storm damaged shingles last year

Your buyers love the 1891 Victorian they have under contract, but they want to get both the water and the paint tested as soon as possible. What are they testing for in both water and paint?

lead

Home inspector Maura was walking Thad through a property inspection. The frame house, on a slab foundation, had mulch piled up about 18 inches next to the house. Why was Maura noting this as a concern?

mulch next to wood siding may lead to wood rot

In full seller disclosure states, whose responsibility is it to fully disclose all items on a seller disclosure form and any known material defects not listed on the form?

seller

Your home inspector Mason found some discoloration in the attic and near the windows on the second floor. Why does he think this may be a concern?

sign of fire damage

Mike relocated for work and learned that the region in which he planned to buy a home had many old underground mines. In fact, Mike might even need to purchase mine subsidence insurance. What might a home inspector flag for Mike if there are any concerns about undermining?

sinkhole on property

Which type of pest may make mud tubes—tunnels that run along your walls—or shed tiny wings?

termites

While walking around the exterior of a rural home she's inspecting, Juanita noticed a metal vent pipe sticking out of the ground 25 feet from the house. She documents this because it may be a sign of what potential environmental hazard?

underground storage tank

Jared wants to purchase property. One of the properties his agent shows him was formerly zoned for commercial use. It has a steep drop off at the back of the property, as well as some soft spots and mounds. Should Jared's agent recommend that he have a home inspector investigate it?

yes, clues that property may have been used as a waste disposal site

who is most at risk with the presence of lead paint

children

Seth is a licensee working for a buyer, Britney. Britney wants to make sure the seller accepts her offer on a charming Cape Cod, so she tells Seth she wants to make a full-price, non-contingent offer right away. How should Seth respond?

"I highly recommend a home inspection contingency with your offer to protect yourself in the event there are major defects with the house."

Seller Jason is giving listing agent Rebecca a tour of his house and pointing out all the features, even the spot in the attic where a previous owner's ghost likes to come back and visit. Jason asks Rebecca if buyers should be told about this. Which response is best?

"The presence of spirits stigmatizes the property. Many states don't consider this a material fact requiring disclosure, but this is my first ghost encounter, so I'll check our laws."

Which one of the following could be a clue that a property was formerly a waste disposal site?

Soft spots, mounds, and discolored soil

All of the homes on Elm Street are currently on septic systems. However, the county plans to extend the sewer lines to Elm Street within the next two years. What's the biggest reason why it's important for your buyers to know this?

The county will likely impose an installation fee on Elm Street residents to cover the costs.

why is it a problem to have a bathroom without vents installed?

The lack of air circulation in a moist room can lead to mold growth.

Your buyer clients have access to property tax information for each listing that you've given them. Why are they asking you about county tax assessment schedules?

The property taxes may change drastically after reassessment.

Why are galvanized pipes a problem in older homes?

They can rust and cause leaks and low water pressure.

The fibers of ______ are dangerous when inhaled because they can lodge in the lungs and intestines, causing cancer.

asbestos