Learn & Earn / Due Diligence / Next Topic
Adverse Influences Adverse influences describe a wide range of characteristics that have a potentially negative effect on a property. No one wants to be surprised by last minute discoveries of the presence of easements and encroachments on a property or learn that a sex offender lives just down the street. Wise home buyers and their Buyer's Agents make every attempt to find out as much as they can before they buy a home.  Some of the characteristics are very noticeable, such as power lines. Although there is some recent controversy over findings of a researcher who has admitted falsifying data, there is still some negative association with homes near power lines. Values have been lower for homes near power lines because of the threat of EMF (electromagnetic fields). Some of the negative aspects of a home may not be noticeable. "Stigmatized" properties, for example, may not have any visible clues; the history of a property may cause some buyers to lose interest (murder, suicide, etc.).
Crime data can easily be accessed from the online services www.APBNews.com and Relocation Crime Lab. Also, a visit to the local Police Department may be helpful if a home buyer has concerns about crime in the area. Sex offender data can be requested from the police department as well. Massachusetts signed into legislation the states new sex offender registry in September 1999. There are three levels of classification. Level 1 offenders will have their personal information available to police only. Level 2 and 3 offenders information will be available to the public. To ensure due process for convicted offenders, who must register upon release from jail, a panel will hold classification hearings to determine the risk level. Police have the further responsibility to warn the public about Level 3 offenders through fliers and other media. Other get-tough measures include lifetime parole for some offenders, and prison sentences of up to five years for offenders who fail to register. Massachusetts residents are fortunate to have a truly informative site at the Danvers Police Department web site.A Buyer's Agent will also research the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database to check on the listing history for home buyers. Wouldn't you want to know if the home was listed before but didn't sell? While there could be valid reasons for it not selling, it is important to know that before starting negotiations and it might save you money. |
