A new home owner called Len Tillem on his Radio talk show today. He bought a house close to San Thomas Expressway for about $800k. The seller wrote in his disclosure that there was no traffic noise so he assumed that it was quiet. He claimed that he only saw the place during the weekend and it was quiet. Now that he moved in he hears the traffic all the time and he is angry at the sellers and the real estate agents. He thinks that he should have paid less for his property or not buy it.

He is rightfully just to be angry at them. It should have been disclosed to him. The agents should have warned him that being close to a freeway there will be noise.

An advice to any buyer who purchases a new property. Always visit the property at all hours of the day. You are going to live there and spend many hours at your new home. Listen to the noises in the area. Some people are sensitive to noises and smells and will be miserable if they hear water, or traffic, or airplanes, or trains, or even dogs barking. You are investing so much money. For many of you this is your largest expense, invest a little time, it doesn’t even cost money. Go there, get out of your car and stand there or walk around the place. Talk to the neighbors. There is always a nice neighbor who would love to tell you everything about the neighborhood. Drive to your work place from that house and drive back as though it was your home. This way you’ll avoid aggravation and live happier in your new home.