Non Institutional home sellers are required to complete disclosures when selling real estate. However, most foreclosure listings are exempt from many of these disclosures.  Home buyers looking at foreclosed homes should be extra vigilant in their inspections as there is no former homeowner to make these disclosures.  Los Angeles home buyers should also be alert for signs that the home may have at one time been a meth lab.

1. Yellow discoloration on walls, drains, sinks and showers.

2. Blue discoloration on valves of propane tanks and fire extinguishers.

3. Fire detectors that are removed–or taped off.

4. Burning in your eyes, itchy throat, a metallic taste in your mouth, or breathing problems when in the home.

5. Strong odors that smell similar to materials often found in a garage, such as solvent and paint thinner, or odors of cat urine or ammonia.

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Neighbors can often be a good source of information regarding the history of a foreclosure. As with any home purchase, it might be helpful for home buyers to engage in dialogs with the neighbors prior to closing.