Illnesses Afflict Homes With a Criminal Past

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/us/14meth.html?_r=2&hp

I'd say that this is a pretty important article if picked up by additional news sources:

‘Meth lab home problem’ sickens new owners

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31901354/ns/us_news-the_new_york_times

As a listing agent, how would you involve yourself in a prospective listing of a former meth house?

As a buyer's agent, how would you involve yourself in a prospective purchase of a former meth house?

May I say, that I have had the most unpleasant task of being involved in a drug house listing and sale PLUS having the home involved with a reverse mortgage. What a mess.

A little history: relative was cooking meth in the basement without owner's knowledge; health department got involved and wound up condemning the house; house had to be 'cleaned;' owner was technically no longer living in the home as principal residence; reverse mortgage was called and foreclosure proceedings were begun; 'cleaning' bill was many, many thousands and thousands of dollars; bankruptcy filing came next; time was gained in attempting to sell property; property had a magnificent view; the view sold the property (two years ago); new owner is still messing with the place.....

Needless to say, I disclosed quite properly that the home was a meth house, had county condemnation, that is was subsequently 'cleaned' up and that it was then approved for occupancy.

Caveat emptor?