How crazy would this be? (house buying)

[momofkhm]

I casually look at houses for sale on my iPad. I found a house that would work for us, if needed. It has an in-ground pool. It needs updates but for the price $209K, we could take care of those over time. But every time I look at an satellite picture of the house, I wonder what the thing next door is. It looks like farm type fields. But almost too big to be a personal farm. Maybe not. I mean I don't know how big it would be in a photo like that. But anyway...

 

I found out today that it is owned by BASF corporation. Something says it is closed. But I can't find anything definitive. So how weid would that be? Is that why the house is priced the way it is? I figured it was because it was a foreclosure. I did find something that seems definitive about it being a foreclosure. So as a farm, sure why not. As long as it's not a stinky farm. But as a chemical corporation? It definitely gives me pause. And it means that pond I see in the satellite photos would not be useful if the zombie apocalypse happens.

 

Not a perfect house by any means and we're not looking seriously anyway. Call it a hobby. I'm thinking this is another one to just let go.

[Night Elf]

Could you contact the realtor and ask them what it is?

[sbgrace]

Do you mean you think the surrounding land was/is used for a chemicals storage or production?

[besroma]

A realtor should be able to tell you. Another option would be to check with someone in your town/city at the register of deeds.

 

If there were chemicals used on the property, I personally would not purchase the house you are considering buying. It would take a lot of work to discover the types of chemicals used on the site, and whether or not there had been any spills.

 

Not only would it cause concern regarding the health of your family, you are correct that it would likely be diffcult to resell.

[speedmom4]

I have no advice on your current situation but wanted to share that I have the same hobby. I love looking at houses. We are definitely not buying. We have a kid going to college in the fall and expenses will be high. BUT I still look, still dream, still plan. I think it's a sickness!

 

Hope you can get some good info. I wouldn't want to live next to chemicals.

 

Elise in NC

 

[Chocolate Rose]

I have no advice on your current situation but wanted to share that I have the same hobby. I love looking at houses. We are definitely not buying. We have a kid going to college in the fall and expenses will be high. BUT I still look, still dream, still plan. I think it's a sickness!

 

Hope you can get some good info. I wouldn't want to live next to chemicals.

 

Elise in NC

 

Thank you!! So glad to know I'm not the only one. I check local real estate every night after work and several times over the weekend. At first, it was just because I really wanted to buy a house. Then, it was to make sure we really did indeed get a good deal. Now, 5 years later, it's because...well, I'm not sure. I still want to know we got a good deal, and I still want to know what is available out there. And, I just like looking. I think you may be right about it being a sickness. But, that won't motivate me to stop.