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Test for Meth? Found a bank-owned in a gd neighborhood that needs some work. Neighbors

say former owner used meth, but no one knows if he cooked it. I want this for primary home. Even if it's not this house, it seems to make sense to make purchase subject to clean inspection for meth. Has anyone done this? How can you test? Thank you!
Sun Mar 23 2008, 15:54 - Central Phoenix - Home Buying - 12 answers
 
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Kendra
Home Buyer
in Phoenix
Kendra, Home Buyer in Phoenix in Phoenix
Answers (12)
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Patrick Maho… was FIRST TO ANSWER Ann Heitland received BEST ANSWER
I would also be more concerned with who owns the property that may not be recorded necessarily. In many states, the police (the State) takes title automatically.

Tue May 27 2008, 16:27
 
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Ask the local police to come through with the dogs..The Dogs need practice...

Mon May 26 2008, 10:16
 
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I am glad you decided against purchasing this property. I have not come across a property that was used as a Meth lab or was foreclosed on due to a raid. We have heard about these properties in our meetings. Now that I know Haz Mat needs to get involved, I will instruct my clients to do a thorough investigation into the neighborhood with the police and neighbors as well. Thanks for sharing your story. It benefits everyone who reads about it. Good Luck in your search.

Tue May 13 2008, 06:59
 
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Good information. I never thought to check a foreclosure for meth.

Tue May 13 2008, 05:51
Web Reference: http://www.foreclosuremillionaires.com
 
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Unfortunately if no one has tested for a specific drug like Meth and there is no analysis to back it up then the seller has nothing to disclose. But, If you pulled out with the specific reason cited that it could have been a home where drugs were manufactured then the listing realtor does have a duty to report it to the seller and they should investigate. There are very specific signs if there was meth cooked, you can find it just by googling.

Sat May 3 2008, 09:25
 
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Thanks for the update..and you are smart to walk away!
Mary

Fri May 2 2008, 16:26
 
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Update - My offer was accepted. During the regular inspection, we found the furnace exhaust and chimney had been blocked (with fabric). I had a conversation with the police about this and the condition of the property in general and was told it was most likely a "drug house." To find out which drug, the police indicated I would need a haz-mat specialist (not an environmental specialist). In any event, I cancelled the contract; including the reason.

I wonder what the seller's responsibility is now that it is aware there is a strong likelihood of illegal drug use on the property.

This home is really NOT in a bad neighborhood. There are homes sold over $1M. Someone compared it to the show "Weeds."

Fri May 2 2008, 09:39
 
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Have you seen that show on AMC "Breaking Bad"?
its funny, you should check it out.

anyways, doesn't sound like a great neighborhood.
no hurry to buy in Phoenix
many houses for sale (or foreclosed).
wait, be patient
get a better neighborhood.

anyways

good luck

Mon Mar 24 2008, 14:46
 
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Have you contacted your insurance company to find out what the ramifications are "if prior ownere cooked meth?" -- will you be denied a policy? I have no experience in this, but I wonder if this is similar to having toxic mold -- then you see why I am suggest seeking out an answer in advance of inspection "data".
best of luck,
Mary

Mon Mar 24 2008, 11:12
 
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Call Dwight at mold medic. He has done several mold tests and is working on a meth lab bid for remediation right now. He is one of the best in the biz! (602) 369-5718

Mon Mar 24 2008, 09:00
Web Reference: http://www.moldmedicaz.com/
 
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BEST ANSWER
Yes, if you have any question, test. Whether the police caught them cooking or not doesn't seem to matter. They could have cleared away the major evidence before the police arrived. An environmental testing firm should help. While you are at it, have them test for mold. If the house has been empty and ill-cared for, that's worth considering also.

Mon Mar 24 2008, 08:04
Web Reference: http://BestFlagstaffHomes.com
 
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FIRST ANSWER
Hey Kendra,
Great thinking to test for Meth. Besides checking police records, and doing a search of the prior resident.
The property will only be a Hazard if the police actually busted the occupant "cooking"meth in the residence.
i have never used these guys, however they seem fairly priced. I don`t think you will get the results back before the 7 or 10 days is up.
http://www.inspection-perfection.com/main/pages/order%20test.htm
Good luck
Keep me posted.

Sun Mar 23 2008, 16:09
 
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