GROW OP WARNING A BONUS

A website that lists properties condemned as grow ops would be a
useful tool homebuyers can employ to protect themselves before they
put in an offer on a house.

Real estate agents are required by law to disclose to prospective
buyers whether the house they're contemplating purchasing has ever
been a grow op.

The website proposed by the Calgary Health Region, which oversees the
condemnation and renovation of these properties, would provide a way
for people to double-check for their own peace of mind.

As houses change hands and realtors over the years, it is possible
such information could be forgotten, lost or overlooked with the
passage of time.

And, while the CHR's strict standards for renovation must be met
before the house is deemed habitable again, potential buyers who
don't want to live in a former grow op regardless of the quality of
repair work done need to be able to know if the house was ever used
to cultivate marijuana.

However, the website should not lull people into a false sense of
security. The site can only list homes known to be grow ops if police
and the CHR have been involved.

Grow op owners who have not been caught can do a slapdash paint and
repair job on the home and try to foist it off on an unsuspecting buyer.

That's why the website is not intended to be a substitute for a
proper examination by a home inspection firm. "Buyer beware" is still
the watchword. The CHR should get the site up as quickly as possible.