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Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude (eXp Realty of California, Inc.)

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Rainmaker
3,988,144
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have had some listings where it was a problem. Many buyers bring up the concern of cancer being a side effect especially in children. They are ugly to look at too.

Aug 18, 2016 08:44 AM
Rainmaker
4,273,331
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I toured a house, under high tension lines, that actually had an audible buzz in most of the house from the overhead lines. When we went in the garage all the fluorescent bulbs were glowing but the power wasn't on. The hair on my arms was sticking straight out.

We ran!

Aug 18, 2016 04:16 PM
Ambassador
3,386,608
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

We have huge power towers running through a portion of our neighborhood and it is usually a dealbreaker for about 90% of the people that look at those listings.  The other 10% want to lowball you because of them.  

I think a lot of folks are just fearful of them.  

Aug 18, 2016 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,875,168
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes & they don't even have to be really close.

Barbara is right about the buzzing especially when it rains.

Aug 18, 2016 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeff Dowler I had a commercial property where high power tension lines went through the middle of the property from front to back. Between zoning restrictions and buffer zones, there wasn'much if anything that could be done with the property. A parking lot would work. I did sell it quire a while back. I noticed it is on the market again.

Aug 18, 2016 09:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,718,342
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Jeff, if the buyers are local, they don't question it, it's a great concern for out of state buyers though.

Aug 18, 2016 07:19 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,346
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Only after I have pointed the out.  The Buyers didn't really notice them.

Aug 18, 2016 12:18 PM
Ambassador
6,766,375
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have seen some of the effects and would never buy a home under one, and could not in good conscience sell one either.  Best to keep that land as parks or forests.

Aug 18, 2016 09:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,713,581
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Even in Oklahoma it is an issue.

Aug 18, 2016 08:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,057,359
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

We have a few electrical grids that certain people have shied away from, mainly for health concerns.  They replaced the electrical poles with huge ones.  People complained.  They said, you want electric, that's what we need to do. 

One town assessed everyone and installed underground lines.  Another builder built one section against high tension wires.  He offered free pools to sell the lots.

Aug 18, 2016 07:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,585,039
Barbara Todaro
Retired...Mentoring Newbies - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I had 37 lots in a subdivision that backed up to high tension wires.... large pedestals.... go in the backyard and get a perm for free!!!  that type.... I sold every one of them....and have had resales since....

my daughter had a home that was so close to the wires, you could hear the buzzing!!! it was on the market for one year and the price finally hit the right point....and that's the bottom line....PRICE IT COMPETITIVELY.... everything sells at the right price...

Aug 18, 2016 07:19 AM
Ambassador
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Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Have had several shy away for that reason for health concerns.

Aug 18, 2016 12:51 PM
Rainmaker
1,772,017
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I don't know Jeff Dowler but it sure seems scary.

Aug 18, 2016 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,259,413
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

RELO Co.'s won't let a transferring buyer buy near one !

Aug 18, 2016 12:37 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,832
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

No, that has not come up as an issue...but train tracks a couple of blocks away from a home caused concern for some buyers once.

Aug 18, 2016 12:37 PM
Rainmaker
2,234,865
Debbie Laity
CinaJones Real Estate - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County

It is a concern with a lot of buyers in my market. 

Aug 18, 2016 12:33 PM
Rainmaker
1,014,238
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Not a home but a commercial building I had shot - the photographer got rid of the obstructions - did a great job with the pics

Aug 18, 2016 11:53 AM
Rainer
509,621
S. Leanne Paynter ☼ Broward County, FL
United Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL
Davie, Plantation, Cooper City & Weston Specialist

I've never had a listing with this issue but I have shown a couple of homes that backed up to that and each time the buyer did express some concern.  Neither bought the home.

Aug 18, 2016 11:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,448,781
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

yes - I used to work for the Department of Energy and even though DOE always said there were no health effects, I always felt like it was not an enthusiastic refutation of health effects. In addition high voltage lines vibrate (or sing) in the rain - and they are not attractive.  I will discourage a buyer from considering a house with a view of lines, towers because I think they are hard to resell. I always promise buyers that I will not "let" them buy something that I may have trouble selling in the future. 

Aug 18, 2016 10:48 AM
Ambassador
2,615,164
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I did have people who refused to buy a house near high tension wires, even when they were provided with an electric company document that indicated the amount of electricity in the area was less than a toaster.

Aug 18, 2016 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
5,558,757
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

It is a big issue for some and some are indifferent. Some have the biggest issue with aesthetics!

Aug 18, 2016 08:11 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,529
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I had one listing like that, but about 1/2 of the buyers didn't like the wires.

Aug 18, 2016 07:17 AM
Rainmaker
5,774,106
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jeff,

These towers usually will provide a report, and yes, it is a concern to some.  These reports are very detailed and well regulated as far as I know.  I would supply it, if someone had a concern...of course you have to be well-versed in science to understand it.  A

Aug 18, 2016 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
282,118
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

Being in close proximity to tall electrical towers is equal to death kiss in my area.  Health concerns are HUGE!

Aug 21, 2016 08:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,277
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Buyers have shied away from these houses.

Aug 19, 2016 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,014,079
Mike Bjork
Evolve Bank & Trust - Redondo Beach, CA

I've wondered about this question myself, and if there really was any health risk, or is it a myth.  The listings I've seen around high tension wires/towers still seem to find buyers.  I haven't heard of any health issues arise from any of these people.  And some of these properties are over $1 million.  Thanks for the post, as I'm anxious to see what others say about this topic.

Aug 19, 2016 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
944,471
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

Yes if in the suburbs. Some people do have health concerns. I've seen reports stating they're no worse than standing in front of a microwave. However, it still seems to be a re-sale issue. Then you get to other areas outside the suburbs and it doesn't seem to be as big of an issue.

Aug 19, 2016 05:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,810,604
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Jeff - We have seen a lot of buyer resistance to high tension lines close to homes, mainly for health reasons, and it  has definitely affected the value.

Aug 19, 2016 03:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,791,716
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I have had buyers who said they won't look at a property near high tension wires.  According to those I have asked it's more about aesthetics and resale value than health concerns.

I have only sold one property(that I can recall right now) where I represented the seller in that type of location ---- the "issue" was addressed when meeting and was reflected in the price.  

Aug 19, 2016 01:25 AM
Rainer
466,546
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

They are huge detractors in this area. With the sprawl and crawl we have, rarely does someone want to have transmission lines or cell towers in their back yard or view.

Aug 19, 2016 01:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,758,937
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Absolutely, due to health concerns first, second, negative resale effects.

Aug 18, 2016 10:49 PM
Rainmaker
824,029
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
California Real Estate Specialist

Years ago there were homes in Carmel Valley (East Del Mar) that had a very difficult time being sold due to high tension wires/towers. I haven't had to deal with that issue in a long time, but I think the health concerns are still there.

Aug 18, 2016 10:39 PM
Rainmaker
5,177,792
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No lucky for me, not a problem in old East Dallas.

Aug 18, 2016 10:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,657
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Yes, with many buyers, for both aesthetics and potential health issues. 

Aug 18, 2016 10:19 PM
Rainmaker
3,074,716
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

in days gone by.  we don't take them any more

Aug 18, 2016 09:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,657,602
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

I think, buyers shy away strongly believing it is dangerous. 

Aug 18, 2016 05:10 PM
Rainmaker
403,257
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

I had a listing that had a tower behind the house.  People would ask "What about the tower?"  I'd tell them that if they didn't see the lines, the lines were underneath them.  It made people think, but it never seemed to make them feel better.

Some people expressed grave health concerns, but would somehow be able to live with the tower if they got the house at a really low price. 

The house sold for a reasonable price, but it took a little longer than it would have had the tower not been there. 

Aug 18, 2016 11:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,847
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Some people won't buy too close to the towers while others have properties directly backing onto the right of way.  Each buyer is different and has different views.

Aug 18, 2016 11:56 AM
Rainmaker
291,019
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Yes, I have seen some backyards with high tension wires as part of the landscaping, and boy!, you just can't ignore it Jeff Dowler.  It has not been one of our Listings, though I do know of one home in particular in our community that had that 'power line view' (they are just so large) off in the desert, and that home was eventually sold to an older couple. 

Aug 18, 2016 10:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,872,471
Richard Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

No issues but the cell phone and how it affects body organs is under review

Aug 18, 2016 10:07 AM
Ambassador
3,234,827
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Routinely hear buyers object.  Whether there's current scientific support pro or con about them, in general the public doesn't seem to care what science says and goes with the perception.    Sure, there's a price that will get it done or there wouldn't be a homeowner now, but yesterday's bargain becomes tomorrow's bargain if they want to sell it.

Aug 18, 2016 08:32 AM
Rainer
77,119
Sandra Steele
Wise Choice Properties, Sedona/Verde Valley Branch - Cottonwood, AZ
Integrity, Knowledge - 37 Years of Experience!!!

Good question.  Definately there are health concerns and a great deal of disclosure needs to be done.  Advise your client to contact an attorney and relieve you and you broker from any and all liability.

Aug 23, 2016 01:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,562,467
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

It was with the adult-children of my buyer clients . . . they looked at a transformer and became unglued.  My clients (the parents) just look at me and rolled their eyes at their own adult-childrens' concerns.  There is a tract of homes that have the high-tension wires in the back.  I've had clients buy and others that did not.  

Aug 20, 2016 07:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,546,224
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It can be a concern, mostly because of the eye sore.  The really bad ones hum.

Aug 20, 2016 07:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,918
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Yes, we have had several homes in our area that have meen on the market for months for that reason. Thankfully, they have not been mine.

 

Aug 19, 2016 01:28 PM
Rainmaker
5,388,691
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

These houses always take longer to sell and I've worked with some buyers who won't even look at them.

Aug 19, 2016 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
472,845
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

This is usually an issue for buyers fearing safety issues or just the aesthetics of the wires.  Given a choice most buyers will stay away.

Aug 19, 2016 08:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

If the laws are followed there generally no problems here.

Tried to sell a home that the owner put an in ground pool under them with no permit; needless to say they are still living there and the town is trying to get them to dig it up!

Aug 18, 2016 10:39 PM
Rainmaker
8,237,031
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Absolutely. 

Aug 18, 2016 09:18 PM
Rainmaker
5,349,988
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I believe many buyers are fearful of high tension wires/towers and choose to shy away from them. Many feel they are eye sores!

Aug 18, 2016 09:08 PM
Rainmaker
634,582
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Not here but friends on the mainland have had issues.

Aug 18, 2016 06:51 PM
Rainmaker
4,322,295
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Jeff Dowler - this could be a good bargain for buyers - in the name of high tension cables.

There are pretty inexpensive remedies available to make the house 'normal' even when high tension cables are around!

Aug 18, 2016 03:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I personally don't like homes that are close to electric lines, but a really nice subdivision is on a street that has power lines crossing the only road that accesses the subdivision.

Aug 18, 2016 03:38 PM
Rainer
321,664
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

We have a row of poles for miles in some rural areas.  People don't seem to mind as long as the home is not in the fall line. 

Aug 18, 2016 02:41 PM
Rainmaker
637,764
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

It bothers many people, some more than others. Above ground wiring of any sort is not desirable in many communities.

Aug 18, 2016 01:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,903
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

One Erie developer who owned large tract of land decided to build apartments near the high power lines instead of single family homes.  No problem renting these units

Aug 18, 2016 11:37 AM