When you hear the term "home inspection," you're likely to think of the electrical system, plumbing, roof and foundation, and smaller items like cracked windows or drafty doors.  However, it's the elements in the home that cannot be seen that demand special attention on the part of buyers and sellers and the inspector they choose.

First, there's radon, a colorless and odorless gas that seeps up from the ground and has been labeled as a cause of cancer.  Any home, but particularly those with basements, should be tested for high levels of this gas.

Next is asbestos, a fibrous material once used for insulation, but banned in 1985.  Homes built before then should be tested, and care should be exercised not to disturb this material when remodeling these older homes.

Another threat is lead, a toxic metal that was widely used in paint, pipes, and other materials.  Any home built before 1978 should be tested for its presence, and any lender offering HUD-insured mortgages will require a lead-safe certification for these older structures.

Another culprit is groundwater contamination, a particular concern for homes with older septic systems or underground oil tanks, or homes near industrial facilities.  Also search for hazardous products stored in and around the home, making certain that they are removed before transfer of the property to new owners.  Be smart and be safe!

Larry has over 15 years of experience in Bank Repos and Short Sales and non foreclosed real estate, my clients include General Electric Mortgage, Home Savings, Associates Finance, Transamerica. Current clients include Bank of America, Ocwen Financial Corporation, Countrywide and Keystone Asset Management to name a few. Larry is President of Weichman Associates located in Costa Mesa California. He has sold real estate since 1976 and is a 3rd generation Real Estate Broker. Larry has closed escrow on over 1,000 properties; from townhomes to commercial buildings. Please be sure to visit us on the Internet at www.TeamWeichman.com, www.OCHomeTracker.com or www.OCRepoBroker.com or you can call me at 714-241-4532