Some homes already provide a report, or the buyer can get one from the power company. Most buyers are more concerned about the esthetics, and thus the value issue down the road. Do these homes sell? Yep. Is value impacted? Yep

Yes, if you spend too much time too close to them. Some doctors have suggested keeping 150' away and you don't need to worry. Appraisers don't usually use power line views in valuations around here. Buyers just have to evaluate and decide.

I have been in homes under power lines that I would not let my worst enemy buy...

I do think there is some truth to it and see some buyers care and some don't. When I step outside and hear the sizzle and popping from the lines it concerns me and I wouldn't want to live that close to it.

Unless I'm buying the house, what I believe is not as important as what my buyers believe.

Yes - Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF's). Definitely have a conversation about power lines - may impact children's health - leukemia. Even if it's nothing that is absolutely proven, why would a parent take the risk? Also unattractive.

I agree with you about the resale value - In addition, the Soviets had a study that said it was a problem but the Department of Energy says it isn't. I worked at DOE and I never wanted to risk the possibility of childhood lukemia.  

 No.

 Resale issues.

It is pretty clear by now that high tension electrical lines can cause health issues. Who would risk that let alone have to look at them? 

The regular powerlines to the houses no problem.

Absolutely, and the earth is round too.

I show them the studies on this.

I think there is a good chance. I would not like to live near lines.

It's not certain one way or another, and whether or not my client cares about the high powers lines, when it's time to sell, the next bunch of buyers out there might care enough to pass on the house or offer a lower price than for a power-line free back area.

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

I do . Many RELO companies will not allow (if they want a guarntee against loss) to buy near one !

In the end the buyer has to decide. I encourage their own due diligence

I believe the jury is out on the health issue. But I have a client who lived next to power lines and had breast cancer and four of her neighbors were diagnosed with breast cancer the same year--the one unifying factor was the proximity to the power lines. That being said, even if a client doesn't care much, it does pose a resale issue and I always remind them of that.

High power lines are an eyesore, and they do bother me but I don't doubt the science that it is not a health hazard.

It's up to the buyers to decide if they want to live by power lines. I do believe they are a health concern. 

There are many answers to this question and who knows who is right.

But to protect myself, I have the buyers sign an affidavit saying they know of the powerlines and the possible issue with them

In the Seattle area it definitely brings the price down.  I always tell the buyers that they need to research this on their own that way it takes the liability off of me.  

I wouldn't want to be near a power grid.  I would disclose it and talk to the buyer about it.  In the end, it would be their call.  

I include - if they are concerned to check the EPA site.  They definitely impact resale value.

I make sure they do see them and let them form their own opinion.

I tell them that it will likely effect the resale value of the home and that it may have impacts on a person's health, but I let the buyer makes the decision.  Buyer can do his own study about powerlines and hire a professional to give an opinion.   

I tell them to look up information and do due diligence.

Health issue? No.  It impacts the asthetics and resale value.

I'm with Jeff Dowler on this one.

No I don't but I did have client a few years back who wouldn't move into her new house because of them.  

Tony Lewis Jeff Dowler has this one.

I make sure the buyer SEES those power lines.

It is their choice whether to buy or pass.

Many BUY because they know they will have no rear fence neighbors.
A few theoretical mutations are better than the certainty of gawking neighbors..some may think.

I am with Jeff Dowler on this one.  Personally, those homes are not for me.

What Jeff Dowler said.  While I personally would not live near them purely for aesthetic (and potential health) reasons, there are people who do not care and who are apparently unconcerned about future resale.  And that is how I explain it to buyers

Tony,

There are reports available, and it is best to have one for all parties to review.  There are dissenting opinions on the effects of the power lines.  A

It probably takes poer lines 150 years to harm or kill making it moot

Some feel strongly, some do not! Resale can be an issue!

I explain that it may not be a health issue, there's no conclusive data, but they can and do impact the resale value because emotion buys and rationale justifies.

I'm not personally aware of the impacts although I am familiar with the rumors so I do recommend they research for themselves

I would not want to purchase a home underneath them for health and resale concerns.

Some people do believe it is a concern especially with kids. I let the buyers know & there will always be a negative in their own back yard. 

My parents house was close to them near a walking path & they are creepy during slight misting & other weather conditions where they buzz.

Agreed. RF has a limited range, yet far be it for me to be the expert regarding this detrimental health issue. Now regarding an effect on the home value; that's fairly easy and we do point it out.

It is what prospective home buyers believe that counts. Power lines can definitely be a negative factor.

Most people are aware -- some believe, others don't but I discuss the resale aspect.   

Well, have you ever stood under one on a hot summer day and listen to them pop? I tend to stay away and tell my clients as well.

no, I've sold subdivisions bordered by high tension wires.... there is data on electo magnetic fields from the utility companies.... we've had resales from those subdivisions and they sell well....

I don't mention it unless I actually notice it as being a problem.

Tony Lewis - the simple solution is - EMF test. Show the results that there is no impact of high voltage power lines in the home.

I disclosure everything in writing( even such obvious things as huge power lines), it is up to them to make the decision. 

no

show me the health data with a control.... 

If a customer wants to buy a house, sell it to them

As Jeff Dowler said, the power companies will provide a report but, they still do impact the aesthetics and value nonetheless!