Buying/living near high voltage power lines and substations (San Bernardino: fit in, sale)

[KimVanderwood]

Throughout the IE, especially in San Bernardino county, there are a lot of high voltage power lines and substations. Many newer homes are built right along them. Like in Fontana, Rancho, Chino and Ontario.

What do you think about buying a home near one or even next to one? Besides the health risks, it is aesthetically ugly. But how often does it deter a buyer from considering the home. And how much of a "discount" do you think a buyer would want?

There are two neighborhoods I'm looking at specifically. One is in Fontana, Shady Trails. There are a few power lines that go through the community. The house in specific I like is one home and a neighborhood street away. I can see it from the back yard and from inside the master bedroom.

In Ontario, the homes in Eden Glen have a power line running north south. And there's a huge substation on the south end. It's like you're in a power like war zone. But I do like the homes there a lot.

Wondering how it's going to be for resale. What do you think?

As far as health effects go, if I lived there for 10 years... any substantial damage?


Thanks!

[LagunaMom]

There's a debate. Personally, I would not live there, and as a real estate investor, I would not buy there. I'm EMF sensitive around power lines and have seized when close.

When I buy a property, I stipulate that the lines are underground. It's harder to find in SoCal, but neither of my properties are near above-ground lines.


Ask the Eco Geek: Does living near power lines cause health problems? | Health | Green Living

[forzalugano]

Buy an EMF meter or see if the local utility company has done a study. Some say there is zero risks, while others say even the meters in the side of our homes are a risk.

[SunnyinBoston]

Perception is reality, if people perceive that EMF is an issue then to them it is. I personally went through the same exact exercise.

I passed on the home, I try to stick to the golden rule of real estate location location location......you can update a kitchen/bathroom etc. You can't move power lines.

[KimVanderwood]

The home is about 10 houses away from the large power lines. The EMF doesn't bother me as much as the "view" of seeing them. You can't hear the buzzing from the house either. I'm okay with it. Mostly thinking for resale. I know houses right next to it have sold but I just want to make sure mine will sell just as quickly as one that is not near one.

[lae60]

Your house will likely not sale as fast or for as much as one further away from the line.

Also be aware that many times when the environmental work is done for a line, that work establishes a corridor for the line. That means that more lines can go into the area where that line is---as many lines as they can safely fit. So, if you are seriously considering the house, look at the area with the line, and think about if more lines could fit in that disturbed area. IF so, you house could get an even worse view.