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Should I do a Meth Test on My New Home?

By Micah Olson

Real Estate Agent with Effective Agent 5495616-AB00

April 17, 2014 03:14 AM

Meth use in Utah is becoming more common these days and with the increased usage more and more homes are becoming contaminated. This makes me ask a REALLY big question…

Why are Utah home buyers not having Meth tests done?

Probably the first reason is that they do not know enough about them . Which leads me to a second big questions…

Why are Real Estate agents in Utah not teaching their clients about these tests?

The answer? The Realtors don’t know enough about them.

The average cost of a Meth test in Utah is between $90 to $150 depending on the time required to get results back. Buyers can even save a little bit of money by doing the tests themselves, and bringing the kit back to the lab. The test is usually conducted by swabbing four areas in a home, one area ALWAYS being the return air vent (as all air in the home will eventually circulate through it). Contact an EffectiveAgent if you would like contact information for a meth testing company.

Meth use, or production, leaves not only meth residue, but mercury, lead, iodine, lithium, etc throughout the home.

For $90 isn’t it worth peace of mind that you are buying a clean home?

As your advocate in real estate EffectiveAgents will ALWAYS inform you of inspections, and tests, that can help keep you safe, healthy, and happy! That's one of the reasons our clients keep coming back, and refering their friends and family!

Want to buy a Meth Free Home in Utah? Start your search at www.EffectiveBuyer.com, and get a meth test prior to buying!

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Micah Olson

Effective Agent - Orem, UT

THE Effective Agent

Suzanne you are right! And isn't that a great value that an EffectiveAgent can offer!

Thanks Kathy! Agree 100%. Maybe my next post will be about remediation.

YES! Bette! How does $90 compare to the cost of a home, or even more importantly the potential health of whoever is living there!

Apr 17, 2014 07:57 AM

Chris Griffith

Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL

Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

I don't know if the local inspectors in this area even offer the test. I don't want to be naive and think we don't have the issue but dang. I didn't realize there was lead and mercury in the residue, plus the other stuff. That stuff is bad news!

Apr 17, 2014 08:43 AM

Micah Olson

Effective Agent - Orem, UT

THE Effective Agent

You are right Chris. And studies are showing that the Meth, and residue can even get into the wall board. In the past cleanup consisted of removing all carpet and pad, washing walls, cleaning and sterilizing ductwork, etc... But if it soaks into the actual wall board... VERY hard to get rid of. Well... maybe not hard, but expensive.

Apr 17, 2014 09:24 AM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Micah, I'm glad these tests are available. It's impossible to know the whole history of homes so those buyers who are in doubt or have reason to suspect, may choose to have this test done.

Apr 17, 2014 11:02 AM

Cathy Wolters

Wolters Realty & Property Management Company - Cocoa, FL

Your Brevard County Property Management Expert

Micah, I am surprised to hear how reasonable the test is. It is definitely worth it if you think there may be a chance.

Apr 17, 2014 11:11 AM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I had never heard of anything like this. Interesting.

Apr 17, 2014 11:19 AM

Praful Thakkar

LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA

Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Micah, like Joan, not heard of this - at least in New England. Well, we learn something new here at ActiveRain! Thanks for sharing.

Apr 17, 2014 03:13 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

As long as you don't end up breaking bad yourself, I support you. Love and light, Laura

Apr 17, 2014 04:29 PM

Jack O'Neal

HomeSmart Elite Group - Gilbert, AZ

I am glad these tests are available to do! Even if the home is in a "nice" area, you can never know what the teenagers who live in it could be up to! Better to be safe than sorry!

Apr 17, 2014 04:43 PM

Kat Palmiotti

eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT

Helping your Montana dreams take root

I think it's so sad that this is even necessary; however, since it is, that's a reasonable price to know.

Apr 17, 2014 09:37 PM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC

Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Yet another thing to worry about! And even though it might not be expensive, another expense for the home buyer!

Apr 17, 2014 10:29 PM

Amanda Christiansen

Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN

Christiansen Group Realty

I've never heard of a meth test. I have heard of a radon test, termite inspection, and a few others, but not this. Interesting too since Indiana ranks as one of the highest "meth states" as far as arrests go.

Apr 17, 2014 10:50 PM

Joe Pryor

The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK

REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

If I was selling homes in SE Oklahoma and in to that adjoining area of Arkansas this may be a viable idea. I would be cautious though if I was in a major metropolitan area like Oklahoma City doing nicer homes in the suburbs. Personally I have never been involved in any home in the lat 35 years that had a meth issue and one should be careful not to use fear mongering in their marketing.

Apr 17, 2014 11:22 PM

Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

Ignorance may be bliss in some circumstances...Tests exist for just about anything

Apr 18, 2014 12:04 AM

Micah Olson

Effective Agent - Orem, UT

THE Effective Agent

Richie... I will assume that you are trying to be funny. That attitude would be a serious breach of fiduciary duties, and is what has given so many agents bad names! :)

Apr 18, 2014 01:44 AM

Raymond Denton

Homesmart / Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA

Irvine Realtor®

If it's such a problem in your area, why aren't the tests mandated?

Apr 18, 2014 02:16 AM

Lyn Sims

Schaumburg, IL

Real Estate Broker Retired

This is ridiculous & paranoid I think. If I found out the house was just rehabbed I might suggest a test but really .... Utah the meth capital of the U.S.?

Apr 18, 2014 07:13 AM

Micah Olson

Effective Agent - Orem, UT

THE Effective Agent

Lyn, Interesting comment. I don;t think that anyone said Utah is the meth capital of the U.S. Where did you see that? ridiculous? To let a client know about a common source of contaminants? Wow... What do you consider your fiduciary obligation to be to your clients? I am glad that the agents working on my team do not write off options that their buyers may want to learn about so easily. :)

Apr 18, 2014 09:45 AM

Micah Olson

Effective Agent - Orem, UT

THE Effective Agent

Raymond, It is a problem all over the US, not just Utah. The point of the article was to educate buyers that they have an option to test their potential home if they are concerned.

Apr 18, 2014 09:46 AM

Stella Barbour

NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA

Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

I would propose it to my buyers to educate themselves on the issue. Our inspectors don't offer that test as part of a package.

Apr 18, 2014 11:11 PM