A new law regarding carbon monoxide alarms in Washington homes has created many questions about which real estate transactions it affects. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements:
As of April 1, 2012, sellers of owner occupied single family homes, condos and mobile homes must install carbon monoxide alarms prior to closing.
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Listing agent needs to let the seller know, at the time of listing, that they will be required to install carbon monoxide alarms.
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Appraisers will be looking for the alarms and expecting them to be installed before closing. To eliminate transactional challenges, this is best done prior to the appraisal.
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Bank Owned properties will not have to comply as the property is vacant.
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Short Sale Sellers that are occupying the home will have to install the alarms.
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The sale of homes built after January 1, 2011 should not be affected as they should already have the alarms installed. Building code has required them since that date.
I think this is fantastic and should be mandatory in Canada. I work in the alarm industry and hear so many CO stories. Nice work on this article!