CD9: Home Inspection and Environmental Basics - 7.5 hours
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General Issues

• List at least two environmental hazards of which a real estate licensee should be aware for each consumer: residential, commercial, developers
• Explain why environmental concerns often surface during real estate transactions
• Discuss why clients expect assistance from their real estate agent
• Explain the value of seller property disclosure forms and what they do not cover
• List four rules to follow that can keep an agent out of trouble
• Compile a list of sources for gaining additional information

Lead-Based Paint

• Explain what lead is and identify the major health hazards of lead
• Discuss how children ingest lead and why children are more vulnerable than adults
• List three ways to test for the presence of lead in the home
• Explain at least three ways to clean up lead-based paint
• List five basic requirements for sellers/landlords
• Name at least three penalties for noncompliance
• Summarize areas of concern that contingencies should cover in the sales contract

Radon

• Define radon and describe the major health effects of exposure to radon
• Explain how radon enters buildings and why levels vary from house to house
• Define and explain the EPA's "action" level
• Describe the basic method of remediation and its cost range

Asbestos

• Identify what asbestos is and the health hazards it presents to humans
• Discuss probable sources of asbestos exposure
• Describe the differences between friable and nonfriable asbestos
• Explain the reasons why preventing exposure to asbestos is so important
• List three solutions to an asbestos problem and identify the one most recommended
• Describe federal EPA regulations regarding asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
• Recite important points to remember regarding ACMs and real estate transactions

Volatile Organic Compounds

• Describe formaldehyde and explain its hazard to health
• Identify probable sources of formaldehyde fumes and how a homeowner can avoid them
• Discuss urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and explain when it may be a problem to some people
• Identify what information you need to look for on your states disclosure form regarding formaldehyde
• Discuss the likelihood of formaldehyde emissions in both newer homes and older homes
• Discuss pesticides, who uses them, and their health hazards
• Summarize at least four concerns to think about before hiring a pest control company
• Discuss reasons for "sick building syndrome"
• Discuss federal guidelines regulating the registration and use of pesticides
• Identify important points clients or customers should consider when evaluating pest control services

Other Indoor Pollutants

• List three ways to prevent or eliminate biological pollutants
• Summarize what buyers and tenants should look for before moving in
• Identify possible sources and symptoms of biological pollutants that buyers or tenants should inspect prior to purchase or leasing
• Define combustion pollutants and explain how they are harmful to health
• List five ways to reduce combustion pollutants
• Describe the agent's role in helping buyers and tenants confront the issue of combustion pollutants

Water Supply

• Summarize the importance of clean water
• List at least five water contaminants and the health hazard of each
• Name the two most common methods of removing contaminants from water
• Emphasize that private wells are most at risk for contamination
• Discuss the importance of well water testing before any real estate transfer

Wetlands and Endangered Species

• Describe the importance of wetlands
• Summarize the problems of property owners when their land is designated wetland and explain "taking"
• Identify the agency that can help farmers determine wetlands in order to retain available farm program benefits
• Explain the role of the Army Corps of Engineers regarding wetlands
• Explain the role of the EPA regarding wetlands
• Discuss the expanded application of the Endangered Species Act and its impact on private Ownership
• Describe how an agent can best advise a client or customer regarding wetlands and endangered species issues

Underground Storage Tanks

• Describe the federal government's definition of an underground storage tank (UST)
• List three ways to test for leaking underground storage tanks
• Explain why the EPA has decided to let states monitor USTs
• Name the date by which all tanks must have spill, overflow, and corrosion protection
• List at least three types of tanks that are exempt from compliance
• Discuss why certain urban industrial areas (i.e., brownfields) became unmarketable and relate recent attempts to reverse the decline
• Identify information about USTs that is important for the agent to consider in the real estate transaction

Environmental Reports and Consultants

• Explain the difference between an Environmental Impact Statement and
• Environmental Site Assessment
• List several issues considered in an Impact Statement and its value to city planners
• List at least three methods that site assessment professionals might use to discover possible contamination from previous use
• Summarize the value of the site assessment to the seller, the buyer, and the lender
• List three points to consider when hiring an environmental consultant
• Describe how an agent can best advise a client or customer regarding discovery and disclosure of environmental concerns, and hiring of contractors

Introduction to Red Flags

• Understand the meaning of the term Red Flag
• Learn why Red Flags are present in a home
• Be aware of the most common conditions that cause Red Flags
• Know who to contact for advice in various Red Flag situations

Soil and Foundation Red Flags

• Understand the importance of knowing your area's soil composition and
• Basic geological characteristics
• Identify various different types of soil
• Explain the causes and effects of sinkholes, landslides, creep, and slippage

Exterior and Structural Red Flags

• Understand the significance of cracks in structures, driveways, sidewalks, patios, and basement floors
• Learn the importance of proper drainage, building ventilation, hillside instability, and fills as well as the Red Flags associated with the problems created by the improper conditions related to these situations
• Be aware of the problems arising from roof, window, and flashing leakage and the Red Flags present
• Understand where the areas in and around a structure are that can contain possible defects and the Red Flags associated with these types of defects

Red Flags in the House

• Be aware of and learn to pay special attention to the several areas inside the home that can contain Red Flags
• Learn the procedures for detecting Red Flags in areas of the home such as floors, doors and windows, fireplaces, stairways, and glass panes
• Learn possible locations for concealed Red Flags and be aware of the reasons for concealment
• Understand what the major mechanical systems in a home are and learn where to look for Red Flags in each of the systems

Environmental Red Flags

• Have a general understanding of the health hazards posed by the most common environmental Red Flags
• Understand the structure of government regulation of the environment and the names of various federal agencies that can provide additional information and guidance in detecting and dealing with environmental Red Flags
• Understand where hazardous materials may be located in a residential property
• Learn the Red Flag indicators identifying environmentally hazardous materials

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