HOME'S HISTORY AS GROW-OP NOT ONLY DANGER FOR BUYER

A recent SP article described the dangers of purchasing a home
previously used to grow marijuana or produce crystal meth.

While informative with regards to risks, the story stopped short of
offering the consumer the best advice to avoid making the mistake of
buying a grow-op property -- using the services of a Realtor when
purchasing real estate.

For about the past 10 years the Canadian Real Estate Association has
been informing and educating its members how to look out for
grow-ops. Through liaison with the RCMP, CREA has developed numerous
publications and held seminars, and regularly posts current
information on grow-op issues and consumer protection on its
members-only website.

Purchasing a former grow-op property could end up costing a buyer
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, this is only one of
many dangers that an uninformed consumer of real estate may
encounter. With ongoing issues such as grow-ops and emerging risks
such as mortgage fraud, astute consumers will recognize the value of
using the services of a professional when buying real estate.

Dale Ripplinger

Sask. Regional Representative

CREA Board of Directors