New EPA Regulations and Their Effects on Buyers and Sellers 
If you're a buyer on the market for a beautiful vintage home in one of Austin's prestigious neighborhoods such as Hyde Park orTarrytown, or if you're preparing to list an older home, you won't want to miss this news. As of April 22nd, 2010 theEnvironmental Protection Agency or EPA has instituted new rules relating to how contractors and renovation professionals must approach issues about lead paint in existing structures.  Officially named the Renovation, Repair and Painting rules, or RRP, these new rules come out of recent amendments to the Toxic Substance Control Act. Specifically, the new regulations place more stringent requirements on contractors making changes to a residence built prior to 1978, where lead paint may be present. Read on to learn more about the new rules and how they affect homeowners, Realtors, and contractors.

The new changes essentially boil down to more rigorous enforcement of existing regulations governing lead based paint as well as new requirements in terms of safety and liability on the part of contractors. The most substantive changes include:

• Contractors must become EPA certified and employ lead-safe work practices (LSWP) before beginning work
• Contractors must register with the EPA and pay for additional equipment such as HEPA-filter vacuums.
• New disclosures are required before work begins.
• Homeowners can no longer sign a waiver allowing a contractor to proceed on a job without implementing LSWP.
• EPA fines are now up to $32,500 per violation, per day for violating the policies.

While these new requirements are mainly the responsibility of the contractors hired to do the work, understanding these changes is critically important for real estate professionals and for homeowners and buyers.

When a Realtor or other professional recommends a contractor they will now need to be sure that they are recommending certified professionals (not doing so could open them up to liability), and the changes also impact purchasing decisions and recommendations for properties that will involve renovation. It's likely that certain types of remodels or renovation projects will come with a higher cost as contractors attempt to offset the costs of the new training, equipment, and certification to be compliant with the changes.

The only exemptions for this rule are properties built after 1978, repairs that are minor (interior work disturbing less than six square feet or exterior work less than 20 square feet), if the owner is doing the work themselves, or if the house or components are tested lead free by a certified inspector or renovator.

You can check out the details with this Lead Paint Renovation Rules Video - it's useful for just about anyone who's involved in remodeling work or who is thinking of buying or selling an older property that needs substantial renovation. You can alsocontact us today to get connected with a compliant contractor to ensure that your work is being done safely and in compliance with the new regulations.

About Red Home Realty

Red Home Realty is a forward-thinking group of ambitious real estate professionals that look at real estate differently because the old way is broken. Traditional real estate brokers have had their fun, and now it's our turn - We're changing the game in Austin real estate.

We're Tech Nerds - While some Austin Realtors are struggling to sync their Blackberry, we live and breathe technology. From our powerful Austin Home Search tool for buyers to our online and social media marketing for sellers, we use technology and common sense to connect with the market.

20% Cash Back Rebate - We make it easy for savvy consumers to find their new home online so when you buy with us, you get 20% cash back. It's like one of those big bailouts you've heard about, except the money goes in your pocket, not to Wall Street.

It's all about YOU - You're not just a lead, you're a guest in our home where you can expect Ritz-Carlton level service. We are ladies and gentleman empowering ladies and gentleman with new tools on new platforms backed by market data and facts - good, bad, or ugly.

Connect with us at redhomerealty.com, or learn about the Austin market on our company blog. You’ve got questions - now you have help.