10 Things First Time Home Buyers Need to Know About Lead
Design by Diana Walton- Houston First Time Home Buyer Specialist
Hello and welcome to Houston First Time Home Buyers Edition, formally First Home Houston (FHH), where we provide useful information to help Houston first time home buyers make the most informed decision when it comes to buying, decorating, and maintaining their first home. If you are in the process of purchasing a home that was built before 1978 here are a few things to know about lead based paint.
If you are buying a home that was built before 1978, chances are, it may contain lead based paint.
Home sellers must disclose known information on lead based paint before selling their house.
As a home buyer purchasing a house that was built before 1978, you will have up to 10 days to check for lead.
The federal government banned lead based paint from housing in 1978
Lead can be found inside and outside the house.
A paint inspection can tell you if the house has lead based paint and where it is located.
A risk assessment can tell you if the house currently contains any lead hazards.
If the house have plumbing with lead or lead solder, the health department will need to test the water.
You cannot see, smell or taste lead.
The health effects of lead are numerous and even low levels lead can severely harm children.
We know that in addition to your health, protecting your family’s health is most important. In children, lead can cause nervous system and kidney damage, as well as learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and decreased intelligence, just to name a few. In adults, it can cause fertility problems in both men and women, memory problem and increased illness during pregnancy.
As you begin your home buying process, should you choose to purchase a home that was build before1978, please take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your health and that of your family.
For more information, please contact the national lead information center by calling 1-800-424-5323 to speak with a specialist Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern time (except federal holidays) or visit www.epa.gov/lead.
We hope you enjoyed your visit with us today. As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Remember, if you are thinking of purchasing your first home, email us. We are here to help. We have been helping Houston first time home buyers since 2011 and we can help you. I hope you have an amazing day. Until next time...Diana.
