Published in Rockwell Report, January 1998, p. 12.
by Lynn Bower (Copyright 1997)

While Realtors generally know what most typical home buyers want, they may have only a vague idea of the kinds of houses allergic and chemically sensitive persons are looking for. Because of this, both the ill clients and the Realtors often end up frustrated-with no home ever purchased. The allergic (reacts to particular natural substances) or chemically sensitive (reacts to manmade chemicals, solvents, formaldehyde, perfume, etc.) individuals may feel their Realtors don't really want to help them. On the other side, the Realtors may conclude that it's useless trying to please these odd, finicky people.

However, mutually satisfactory relationships can develop if Realtors are better prepared. Because allergic and sensitive persons may not be feeling well-especially if they're reacting to the environment within the realty office, or to scented product odours on you, have your new prospects write down, while at home, a list of their "must haves" and to what they're absolutely opposed. Each list will be unique because every allergic and chemically sensitive person has a unique set of symptoms and reaction triggers,

Having said that, there are, however, a few universals that would likely be on nearly all lists because they involve the air quality inside the house. Breathing freely and feeling well within their homes is what all allergic and sensitive people want above all else It's far more important to them than home size, cost, floor plan, age, tax assessment, annual utility bills, or special amenities.

Therefore, BIG wants will include solid surface floors (to eliminate dust and debris build up, dust mites, and synthetic carpet odours), dry homes with absolutely no moisture problems (to minimize mould), locations downwind from acceptable outdoor environments (for allergic persons that would mean no pollen-producing fields or trees and for chemically sensitive individuals it would mean no nearby busy roads, industry; or yards, golf courses, agriculture using chemical applications), and homes free of smoking, perfume, and scents as much as possible. Of course, for both groups, homes with whole house ventilation and air filtration systems would be ideal. Unfortunately, as yet, there are very few homes within the United States that have whole house ventilation systems, so few clients will be expecting to find them.

Chemically sensitive clients will have other necessities that their allergic counterparts may not need. These are houses that have not been chemically treated for termites or insects recently. Also, they're seeking homes that have not had remodelling or even painting in the last few years. (Most kitchen and bath cabinets and panelling contain formaldehyde glues and the out gassing of chemicals from new flooring and wall treatments which can pose real health dangers for most chemically sensitive people.) In addition, they desire all electric appliances and heating systems that will not allow combustion by-products to get into the living space. Therefore, electric heat (heat pumps, hydronic baseboard), steam heat, or any type of gas or fuel oil system using sealed- combustion technology is preferred.

So, is it possible to find the "right" house? Yes. In fact, it may be a house that your agency (or someone else's) has had trouble selling because it hasn't been remodelled or painted lately. Or, it may be a house with ceramic floors or even concrete floors and no plush carpet. It may be an old, but basically well-built house with steam heat that's a few miles outside town in an area others thought was "too remote." And, so on.

With a clear understanding of your allergic and chemically sensitive clients' needs, home purchases by them can be a reality. Yes, it will probably take more than one afternoon's work. However, these types of buyers already know that the market is going to be limited because of their health requirements. If you are willing to put in the time and if they feel you are making a sincere effort to find them an appropriate residence, they'll likely continue to work with you until a house they can live in comes along. When you find them that house, they'll be very appreciative buyers-definitely, a win/win situation for everyone concerned.