What do you know about radon, electromagnetic fields, lead paint, wetlands, zoning, and a host of other environmental and potential legal issues?

According to the two authors of a new book, "The Real Estate Guide to the Environment", most Realtors don't know nearly enough. Written by environmental planner Barry Chalofsky and Realtor/real estate appraiser Joel Finestine, the Professional Education Associates publication addresses issues beyond the typical concerns surrounding the real estate transaction.

"Real estate professionals are under increasing pressure to understand the implications of these environmental issues," Finestine says. "We have provided information on 50 environmental issues, their effects on real estate values, and where to look for further information." The illustrated book also provides a comprehensive statewide list of environmental agencies, a sample disclosure form, and statewide disclosure requirements.

Chalofsky and Finestine point out that recently, in New Jersey, a Superior Court found a major national real estate firm liable under state law for misleading buyers about badly built homes. Several families sued when homes for which they paid from $360,000 to $450,000 had problems ranging from leaking windows and buckling floors to laundry water bubbling up onto the front lawn. The authors warn that in this circumstance, residents sued not only the builder, but the real estate agents, as well. The court found that the agents mislead the buyers by not disclosing information about the condition of the homes. According to Chalofsky and Finestine, "While it is unclear how much this case relates to others around the country, it is clear that real estate agents need to be much better informed about environmental conditions."

Chalofsky, author of "The Home and Landbuyers Guide to the Environment," his first book on environmental issues, was approached by Finestine to collaborate on a similar book which would be written specifically for the real estate professional. Using his own experience as a Realtor as well as information gathered in a series of informal surveys, Finestine concluded that Realtors were uninformed about many basic environmental and developmental issues. Realtors responded in the survey that there wasn't enough information available about these issues. The two men confirmed the complaint when they performed extensive searches on the Web and were only able to find information on radon and lead paint.

Coincidentally, the appraisal institute advertised that they wanted someone to write a course on environmental issues, which indicates that these issues are relevant in related industries, as well. "We chose to develop the information for Realtors first, and then develop more specific information for appraisers at a later date," Chalofsky says. "Our next step is to approach NAR and NAR affiliates about designing a course that would result in a certification or designation for Realtors."

The authors indicate that real estate agents have been well-trained to understand and provide information on neighborhoods, schools, social amenities, and housing values. But "very few have been trained, or are familiar with, more specialized concerns like environmental hazards. And many times, buyers don't uncover the environmental concerns until after the house or land is purchased. "Often a buyer will 'fall in love' with a house or property," Finestine says, "but an agent can play a more valuable role in the home-buying process if they have the right tools to help clients identify the appropriate concerns on their property."

"Most people worry about whether they can afford to buy a house or whether they will get a mortgage. In many cases, however, the environmental considerations of home buying can be more crucial than the price," Chalofsky concludes.

Chalofsky and Finestine suggest that the book will provide agents with critical skills that will pay off in increased referrals, repeat customers, and greater sales. They observe that in this age of litigious consumers, real estate professionals need to have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips. The 160-page book is available for $29.95 (plus postage and handling) by calling Professional Education Associates at (800) 460-8602 or by accessing the Web site at www.erols.com/bchalof.

Published: May 26, 1998

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