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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Real Estate and Landlording => Topic started by: solon on July 10, 2017, 05:08:44 AM

Title: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: solon on July 10, 2017, 05:08:44 AM
A house went up for sale near here, so I went out for a bike ride and stopped out on the street to look at it. The next door neighbor saw me and asked if I was looking at that house. I said, "Yeah, what can you tell me about it?" There was an uncomfortably long pause, and she said, "You want the truth?" Well, when you put it that way, of course I want the truth!

The former owners had been growing MMJ in it. They were only there "1-2 months", according to the neighbor. That neighbor is the one who called the authorities. The house has been empty for "6-8 months". I know from the online listing the house is only a year old.

She told me to look at the windows. The house has a stucco exterior, but around the corners of the windows, it looks like the stucco has been patched - it's a different color. She said there was a lot of moisture in there and the windows had to be replaced.

I know absolutely nothing about MMJ, its cultivation, and what problems it causes. If I was interested in buying this house, what kind of questions should I be asking? What problems should I be looking for? Could there be a health hazard for my family?

It's currently owned by an out-of-state realty company, it's been vacant for 6-8 months, and it's a former grow house. Can I use any of this in negotiations? Would the owner entertain a low-ball offer?
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: NoNonsenseLandlord on July 10, 2017, 06:09:54 AM
The MMJ would not bother me.  The moisture would.  Moisture issues can be fixed.  Make sure you have a good inspection.
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: Jon Bon on July 10, 2017, 11:11:37 AM
I think I saw a Holmes on homes on a grow house... put it this way I would rather buy a house on the low side of the levy in NOLA. I think that the numbers that I saw were that 1 plant puts out like 1/2 a gallon of water per day. I guess it depends on the scale and size of operations.  How comfortable are you with mold caused renovations?

Honestly 1-2 months it might not be terrible inside. Heck yes I would use this in negotiations, you also might be able to really get a deal because the house might not pass inspection for a traditional home loan.

Ok now I kind of want to buy it, where are you located? :)
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: solon on July 10, 2017, 11:17:06 AM
I think I saw a Holmes on homes on a grow house... put it this way I would rather buy a house on the low side of the levy in NOLA. I think that the numbers that I saw were that 1 plant puts out like 1/2 a gallon of water per day. I guess it depends on the scale and size of operations.  How comfortable are you with mold caused renovations?

Honestly 1-2 months it might not be terrible inside. Heck yes I would use this in negotiations, you also might be able to really get a deal because the house might not pass inspection for a traditional home loan.

Ok now I kind of want to buy it, where are you located? :)

Thanks for the info, but uh, nice try :)
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: sol on July 10, 2017, 11:35:26 AM
Get a good inspector, and bid according to the required repair costs.

I don't think it matters where the moisture damage comes from.  It's not like the gardening created a toxic health hazard the way a meth house does, so just deal with the moisture issues and you're probably fine.
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: solon on July 10, 2017, 11:45:57 AM
Thanks, sol. That's exactly what I was wondering.

So it sounds like I just need a thorough inspection and address any issues, but other than that there shouldn't be any problems related to the MMJ specifically.
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: tralfamadorian on July 10, 2017, 11:58:28 AM
...related to the MMJ specifically.

The fumes in a commercial grow facility can be pervasive but given that the house was only used as such for a month or two, it may not be an issue.  Worst case, the walls may need to be painted with kilz and the the ductwork addressed. 
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: Jon Bon on July 11, 2017, 05:21:13 AM
...related to the MMJ specifically.

The fumes in a commercial grow facility can be pervasive but given that the house was only used as such for a month or two, it may not be an issue.  Worst case, the walls may need to be painted with kilz and the the ductwork addressed.


Just Kilz you say?

Obviously not the house, but we cant determine the level of damage from here. Just have your eyes open and find pros to look at the house with you if you make a run at it.

Often those guys completely hack into the electrical, this is something that would be obvious with an inspector.  MMJ takes a ton of light so they often rig all kinds of crazy and dangerous custom electrical work.

And Sol is right, in the end its just some plants growing inside.
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: tralfamadorian on July 11, 2017, 08:14:06 AM
The fumes...Worst case...

Just Kilz you say?


Regarding fumes, yes, Kilz and possibly ozone machine for a ductwork would be sufficient.  Mold had already been sufficiently covered by previous posters.
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: solon on July 11, 2017, 12:29:22 PM
Here's a pretty good article on rehabbing a grow house. Mold is just one problem. There is also the potential for: rerouted water lines, additional electrical circuits, structural damage due to removed walls, etc. They suggest requesting an inspector who has specifically done grow houses before.

https://www.thespruce.com/remodeling-the-marijuana-grow-house-1822333
Title: Re: would you buy a 420 house?
Post by: solon on July 12, 2017, 01:50:43 PM
Missed it!

We were supposed to go look at it this evening, but it went under contract today!