Guide
Home Hazards Every Buyer Should Know About
Older homes in the Portland area have character, and a few things worth checking. Here is what to look for, in plain language, before you buy.
Know Before You Close
What a good inspection can surface
A home inspection is your chance to look under the surface. Most hazards are easy to manage once you know about them, and that is the point. When we find something during your inspection period, we still have room to negotiate, ask for repairs, or in some cases walk away. After closing, your options narrow.
These are the hazards I see most often in older Portland area homes. You do not need to be an expert in any of them. I help you order the right tests, read the reports, and decide what to do. For the full transaction side, see the buying process page.
The Hazards
Five things to check before you buy
Radon
A colorless, odorless gas that can enter a home from the ground, often through basements and foundations. A radon test during your inspection period tells you whether levels are high, and high levels can usually be fixed with a mitigation system.
Lead
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead based paint. Federal law requires sellers of these homes to disclose any known lead based paint. Look for peeling paint and ask about older pipes.
Asbestos
Often found in older building materials such as some insulation, floor tiles, roofing and siding. It is generally a concern when disturbed, so be careful during remodeling and use a qualified professional to test or remove it.
Stored Chemicals
Old paint, solvents, pesticides and motor oil left in garages, sheds or crawl spaces can be fire and health hazards. Ask the seller to remove them before closing.
Underground Oil Tanks and Groundwater
Older homes in the Portland area may have a buried heating oil tank. An oil tank sweep during your inspection period can find one before you buy.
My Role
Inspections, handled with you
I'll help you schedule the right inspections and understand every report. I am there on inspection day, I read the findings with you, and I help you decide what to ask the seller to address. Most issues are manageable when you find them in time.
“She kept fighting for me and would always be on top of stuff while we were waiting on repairs.”
— Ashyan R., Google review
Common Questions
Hazards, answered
Where I Work
My service area
Start Here
Let's get you into the right home
Knowing what to look for is half the battle. Read the full buying process or start with the first time home buyer guide. I serve buyers across Washington County and Multnomah County.
Let's Talk About Your Move.
Or call Jill directly: (503) 502-7787