Environmental Hazards and Real Estate: What Every Buyer Should Know

When purchasing a property, it’s critical to consider not just the condition of the home or land—but also any environmental risks tied to it. Overlooking these issues can lead to costly surprises, liability, or long-term health concerns.

What to Watch Out For

Before making an offer, investigate potential environmental hazards in the area, such as:

• Registered underground storage tanks within several miles of the property
• Contaminated sites or brownfields in the neighborhood
• Nearby businesses or property owners who have been fined for violating environmental regulations

These factors can impact not only your health and safety, but also the property’s value, marketability, and future use.

The Good News: You Don’t Need a Costly Site Investigation

In the past, uncovering this type of information required an expensive, formal site analysis. Today, there are online environmental databases available that provide access to environmental records at a fraction of the cost.

With these tools, you can quickly gather details such as:

• Spill reports
• Hazardous waste violations
• Proximity to environmentally risky sites
• Government fines or enforcement actions

Reputable Environmental Data Resources

Two well-known providers include:

• VISTA Information Systems (San Diego, CA) – Offers a free registration to search environmental records
• E Data Resources (Southport, CT) – Provides easy access to nearby hazards and environmental violations

These services are relatively inexpensive but can offer priceless peace of mind and informed decision-making before you invest.

Final ThoughtWhen buying property, don’t just focus on what you see—look deeper. A small investment in environmental due diligence now can save you from big problems down the road.