Home Safety Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Real Estate News and Commentary

June 10, 2016

Vacation home preparation

Summer vacation home preparation is much like preparing it for the winter or severe weather. Much of the plan is conventional wisdom and incorporates penny pinching advice intended to prevent a potential hazard. The goal is to anticipate and minimize problems while your away by safeguarding the home’s systems and implementing a security plan.

Many electrical items we use are considered to be “zombie” appliances; meaning they use electricity even when not in use. Unplugging such items as the toaster, Keurig, and other small appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away will conserve energy (and may save you a few pennies). More so, shut down (and unplug) your computers and printers to not just conserve energy, but to also thwart hackers while your away.

Some people play with their home’s thermostat to save some money. The thought is that by setting the thermostat temperature much higher than usual, the air conditioner will not run as much (or at all). However, if you have a basement or cellar, you might consider setting the thermostat temperature to a more reasonable temperature to prevent mold from growing in your dark and humid basement.

Some shut off the water to the house to prevent a water hazard. However, shutting off valves at faucets, fixtures, or appliances may be a better plan if your home has a sprinkler system. And to prevent someone taking advantage of your absence and wash a car or two in your driveway, you might also consider shutting off the valves to the exterior hose bibs.

Besides protecting your home’s systems, think about home security too! First, refrain from posting your plans on social media. Although you may want to inform your Facebook friends and Twitter followers of your itinerary, broadcasting vacation plans in such a way could also get the attention of a would be criminal looking for their next break-in.

Although storing your valuables in a safe place could minimize loss, consider implementing crime deterrents as well. Installing motion activated lights on the home’s exterior may deter activity around the home at night; while electronic devices, such as the camera-doorbell, can notify you if there is any activity around the house during the day.

You may also consider implementing some common tactics to make it seem as if you never went on vacation. Having a few lights on a timer will appear as if someone is turning lights on and off. Besides having a neighbor pick up the mail and newspaper (many stop their paper and mail while they’re away), have them park in your driveway to make it seem as if someone is coming and going to and from the home. Additionally, have a neighbor or friend check in on the home regularly to ensure it is secure. Depending on the length of your vacation, they may drop in a few times, picking up any packages left at the door and adjusting the thermostat as necessary.

A summer vacation home preparation idea if your home is on the market – consider restricting showings to be by appointment only to ensure the house remains secure. Talk to your agent about how to contact you in case of an emergency, your agent may check in on the home regularly too. Don’t worry about missing out on a great offer on your home – if you will have email access, your agent can send you any offers and have you sign them electronically.

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

February 25, 2016November 23, 2021

What’s the controversy with laminate flooring?

Since my last installment of How your Home is Making You Sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released and revised their analysis of certain types of Chinese laminate flooring. The initial release was found to have used an incorrect value for ceiling height, which calculated airborne concentration estimates about “3 times lower than they should have been.”

The increased interest in health concerns over certain types of Chinese laminate flooring was due in part to an exposé by CBS’ 60 Minutes (which aired March 1^st, 2015) that investigated California home owners’ claims that certain types of laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators was making them sick. The investigation alleged that the Chinese laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators did not meet California Air Resources Board standards for formaldehyde emissions in wood flooring. Lumber Liquidators questioned the testing methodology and results (Lumber Liquidators; cbcnews.com; August 16^th, 2015).

In a May 2015 press release, Lumber Liquidators stated that “Initial results of the indoor air quality testing program for certain laminate flooring customers – conducted by independent, accredited laboratories – indicate that over 97% of customers’ homes were within the protective guidelines established by the World Health Organization for formaldehyde levels in indoor air.” However, sales of the products in question were discontinued; and company has offered air quality test kits for those who have purchased laminate flooring from the company.

reduceformaldehyde — from “Laminate Flooring Test Results – Health Issues and Solutions” (cdc.gov)

Since the 60 Minutes exposé, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) tested samples of Chinese laminate flooring and along with the CDC issued “Laminate Flooring Test Results – Health Issues and Solutions”. The consumer handout states that formaldehyde is found in many home products; and levels typically decrease after 2 years of installation. Recommendations in reducing health risks are also listed (cdc.gov/nceh/laminateflooring/docs/nceh-atsdr_laminate-flooring.pdf).

The February 10^th CDC press release initial reported analysis conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) of the CSPC data “…found that formaldehyde levels observed in select laminate wood flooring products could cause short-term irritation for people in general and in some cases exacerbate asthma. The risk of cancer associated with long-term exposure to the observed formaldehyde levels is considered extremely small…” (ATSDR and CDC Analysis Finds Possible Health Effects Associated with Formaldehyde in Select Laminate Flooring; cdc.gov).

However, a correction to the analysis was made several days later indicated that that although “the final results are not yet available,” the estimated conclusions are to be close to these: Exposure to the range of modeled levels of formaldehyde in indoor air could cause increased symptoms and other respiratory issues for people with asthma and COPD; Exposure to the lowest modeled levels of formaldehyde could result in eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone; and The estimated risk of cancer is 6-30 cases per 100,000 people (increased from the initial “Low risk of cancer” 2-9 cases per 100,000 people). The CDC cautions that these revised results are “very conservative” and “the calculated risk is likely lower than our modeled estimate.”

Even though the results are revised, the CDC states that their recommendations will likely remain the same – “we strongly stress taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation.”

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2016

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October 9, 2014November 23, 2021

Real estate, a dangerous profession

If you asked anyone on the street to name the top dangerous professions, “real estate agent” is not usually considered. But the recent murder of Arkansas Realtor® Beverly Carter highlights, once again, the dangers of selling homes. Carter went missing in September after she planned to show a house, and her body was later found in a rural area.

Although the details of the murder is yet to be revealed, it feels reminiscent of the 2010 murders of two Ohio real estate agents killed in separate incidents within the same week. Vivian Martin was found on the floor of burning home, Martin’s death was found to be by strangulation. Andrew VonStein, was found shot in a vacant home (usatoday.com).

Dealing with the public on a daily basis puts real estate agents in contact with a wide range of personalities and potentially dangerous situations. And although reports of general crime may not grab our attention until we hear about a life being taken prematurely, other daily dangers that agents may face can include stalking, robbery, assault, and rape.

Here are a just few reports from this year:

Over the summer, a Pennsylvania real estate agent was allegedly carjacked at gunpoint, then allegedly sexually assaulted and forced to stay in back seat. While the alleged assailants drove her SUV, it lost control and ran into pedestrians a fruit stand. Two Philadelphia men were charged with the deaths of three children and their mother, as well as the kidnapping, aggravated assault and sexual assault of the real estate agent (cnn.com/2014/08/08/us/philadelphia-carjacking).

The Charlotte Observer reported May 14^th that a man was arrested and charged with rape, attempted rape, felonious restraint and kidnapping, and two counts of sexual assault. Police stated that the alleged assailant arranged to view a number of homes with the real estate agent the day before they met. The two drove together, and while in the first home the agent was choked and was threatened to be killed with a knife lest she comply. The agent was sexually assaulted in the home; the alleged attacker ordered her to take him to the second home, where she was assaulted again (charlotteobserver.com).

Earlier this year, ABC-7 WJLA reported that a Maryland agent was robbed in a New Carrolton home. Police stated that a man followed the agent into the vacant home, when a purse and other items were taken by threat of an alleged weapon (wjla.com/articles/2014/03/real-estate-agent-robbed-in-vacant-maryland-home-101466.html).

A recent story out of Arizona (kpho.com) tells of a buyer texting female real estate agents to see a home. Seemingly innocent, the would-be buyer would initially text the agents about a house listed for sale; however, quickly changing the topic to the agents’ feet and foot wear. As bizarre as this story may sound, one of the affected agents seemed to think that this foot-fetish pervert was harmless; she stated to in this CBS-5 KPHO story, “You very much have to trust your instincts and intuition…If something doesn’t seem right, ask questions…”

Most real estate agents are personable and service oriented, but don’t be surprised if your call to urgently see a home, with an agent whom you have never met, is answered with deliberate caution. The recent murder of Beverly Carter once again puts safety first in the minds of many agents and others in the industry.

By Dan Krell
© 2014

May 7, 2014September 29, 2019

Big brother is watching – surveillance cameras in home listings

Surveillance technology is everywhere these days; some are obvious and others covert. A growing awareness of government and law enforcement surveillance has become a major aspect of the growing debate of “reasonable expectation of privacy.” However, in a time when many are pushing back against surveillance, home sellers are increasingly turning to video cameras to protect their homes, valuables, and trust. And as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to use, the trend could become the norm.

The thought of the home seller remotely viewing your activity may seem creepy at some level; however, you might reconsider if you caught the recent ABC’s 20/20 segment “Caught on Tape: Real Estate Agents Gone Wild.” Highlighted were real estate agents who were caught on camera violating the trust of the seller; including: a Maryland real estate agent who was caught rummaging through a woman’s underwear drawer; the New Jersey agents who used their listing as a rendezvous point for sex; and a number of other agents caught stealing jewelry and prescription medicines from trusting home sellers. Real estate broker and author Brendon DeSimone, who was interviewed about how to protect your home during the listing period, suggested that the video camera can help you keep your agent honest; he stated: “just ‘cause they’ve done a lot of deals, it doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy.”

According to a Supercircuits.com infographic (The History of Video Security Cameras), the idea of “video monitoring” was first widely spread with the 1949 publication of George Orwell’s “1984.” Two years later, the first tape video recorder is operational. Since then, there have been mega leaps in technology making cameras smaller and easier to use. It wasn’t until 1992 when the “nanny cam” was introduced; before then, surveillance cameras were primarily used for law enforcement purposes and commercial applications. The “IP” enabled camera with onboard video analytics was introduced in 2005 as the internet technology and usage greatly expanded. Today, surveillance cameras can be placed almost anywhere and watched from any remote location.

Don’t get carried away with your voyeurism just yet; there are legal implications when using surveillance cameras, as well as possibly interfering with your negotiations. Rather than using the cameras for protection, there are some home sellers who are tempted to use the videos as a way of understanding the buyer by analyzing their gestures.

Does a home buyer have a reasonable expectation of privacy when viewing your home? After all, many sellers vacate the house so the buyer and their agent can view the home on their own; although sometimes they are escorted by the listing agent. Even though there has yet to be some ruling or professional opinion from a real estate board about the matter; an increasing number of home sellers are using obvious and observable cameras to monitor their homes. Aside from the “broker blooper reel” that was put together for 20/20, it seems as if the cameras have helped some home sellers go after rogue real estate agents.

For most people, a notice indicating they are being video recorded is enough to alter their behavior; sometimes a notice is enough to deter theft. However, there are some whose bad behavior is not deterred, even when looking directly at a camera. If you’re considering using surveillance cameras in your home during the listing period, you should consult an attorney about legal implications.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2014

January 1, 2014July 2, 2019

Can a home make you sick?

How safe are the materials that were used to build and finish your home?

There are a number of materials that were commonly used in the home that at one time were considered safe, but are now known to cause health problems. And although some of these materials have been discontinued in residential buildings years after production and use, some can be found in older homes. However, there are other materials that are of concern that are still used in building and furnishing materials.

Lead was used as a residential paint additive for many years to enhance the paints’ properties; it was thought to increase paint durability and speed up drying. Since the acknowledgement that lead has deleterious effects on the nervous system, especially in developing children; there was a push to “get the lead out” of paint and other consumer products. Lead paint was subsequently discontinued and banned in 1978 from residential paints. Today, there are numerous disclosures about the possibility of lead paint existing in homes that were built prior to 1978; homebuyers are provided the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment to determine lead levels in homes where lead paint may exist. Lead certified contractors must be used when making repairs and renovations to homes built prior to 1978 (epa.gov).

Before it was acknowledged that asbestos is linked to a number of serious health issues, including mesothelioma; asbestos was used for thousands of years. The ancients mined and found many uses for asbestos. Considered to be a “miracle mineral,” construction use of asbestos mushroomed in the late nineteenth century. Although there were government bans on asbestos products during the 1970’s and 1980’s, asbestos is still used in some commercial applications (asbestos.com).

There has been a longstanding grassroots concern about vinyl and PVC materials because of the linked health issues thought to be from the off gassing and leaching of phthalates (phthalates are a group of chemicals used in the production of plastics). Vinyl and plastic building materials have also been widely used in homes for decades: vinyl flooring has been used in bathrooms and kitchens; vinyl has been used in laminate flooring; and PVC piping has been used for plumbing. The EPA has been and continues to study the production, use and effects of phthalates (epa.gov).

Imported drywall is a more recent issue that was reported to cause severe respiratory ailments; oxidized jewelry and corroded pipes were also highlighted. Although the bulk of the reports of problems associated with the imported drywall emanated from Florida, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has collected hundreds of reports from eighteen states and the District of Columbia. A majority of the complaints reported that affected homes were built in 2006 and 2007; which coincided with a time when building materials were in high demand due to a considerable increase in construction and the rebuilding of hurricane-damaged states (cpsc.gov).

As a result of the increasing awareness of toxins in and out of the home, the “green building” movement has become popular. Besides helping maintain a healthy environment, a key feature of green building is to also maintain air quality in the home; green building uses natural materials to avoid off gassing of toxins. For example, formaldehyde based materials, which are can be found in some “manufactured” woods and some carpets are avoided.

More information about green building, air quality and safety of building materials can be found at the EPA and CPSC websites.