Real Estate Q&A

Q.  So many homes in my price range were built before 1978… Should I worry about lead-based paint?

A.  Across Maryland and the United States, there are many homes which were built before 1978  - the year when lead-based paint was banned in residential property. 

Federal and State regulations exist to protect occupants of homes where lead-based paint may have been used prior to 1978.  For example, sellers and landlords across America are required to provide home buyers and tenants with a booklet produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.  All parties to a sale or lease of any home built before 1978 must sign the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards.  

Home InspectorIn Maryland, buyers of homes built before 1978 have a 10–day window to obtain an assessment or inspection by someone certified by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Maryland REALTORS use a Lead Based Paint Inspection Addendum and a disclosure regarding the Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program as part of the offer to purchase/contract for these older homes.

When a client asks me whether they should be concerned about lead in a Crofton area home built before 1978, it would be foolish for me to do anything other than refer them to these official documents and suggest they obtain a lead inspection. 

Most home buyers are apparently satisfied with the results of their inspection, since older homes change hands every day, but that alone is not adequate justification for waiving the opportunity to have an inspection.

Better to be safe than sorry, when it comes to the well-being of your family!

Samples of the publications mentioned in this post are available for download on my website, MargaretWoda.com.

Posted originally to FocusOnCrofton.com on May 4, 2012 by Margaret Woda

Copyright 2006-13. Margaret Woda. All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

________________________________________

Margaret Woda, Crofton Realtor


Margaret WodaMargaret Woda, REALTOR & Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114
Direct:  (410) 451-6245 or click on EMAIL

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7 Comments on Should I worry about lead-based paint?

MAY
20
2012
133,583 Points 18 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Margaret ~ Good post! Lead Based Paint and Asbestos in the older Insulation are the top two items that should be inspected.
8:48am • #1
337,500 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Hi Margaret, 

Most of my clients have never gotten very excited or concerned about the lead base paint issue, however they are always appreciative to be told about this issue.
8:48am • #2
538,591 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I always disclose, but frankly most buyers eyes start to glaze when I pull out the yellow "protect your family for lead paint" pamphlet. Mold on the other had gets their attention!
9:48am • #3
827,699 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jon, it still catches me by surprise when someone raises this issue, but maybe it shouldn't.  Most of the homes in my community ARE pre-1978, so it makes sense that people might have questions or concerns.

Kathy, I find that most people don't seem to be overly concerned about lead-based paint, but perhaps they should be.  The effects of lead poisoning are permanent and serious.

I haven't had that experience, Doug.  Admittedly, I'm in the D.C. area so maybe people are less overwhelmed by the idea of government regulations than people in other parts of the country.  (Heck, many of them help write government regulations!) 

 
5:46pm • #4
MAY
22
2012
570,239 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Margaret,  what a great blog.  This is probably the single biggest question I get asked in working with Baltimore City row homes and investors. 
9:21am • #5
MAY
28
2012
827,699 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

June, I even get this question regarding Crofton area homes... I can imagine it must be a big issue for Baltimore city, where homes are pre-1955.  
4:36am • #6
MAY
29
2012
1,542,487 Points 116 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Homes in my neck of the woods are much newer, but I've run into a few times this summer as I travel closer "in."
11:09am • #7


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Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services, Margaret Woda (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD 21114) Ambassador_large

Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Margaret Woda

Crofton, MD

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD 21114

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

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Real Estate and community information for home buyers and sellers, military transferees, and rookie agents in the greater Crofton area, including Bowie, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

EHO



Margaret Woda




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