An Oregon family who unknowingly bought a house that was used as a meth lab has settled with Freddie Mac, the seller of the previously foreclosed home, and is working with lawmakers to require disclose whether a home has been tested for contamination.
The Hankins family thought they had a good deal when they bought a foreclosed home in Klamath Falls, less than 20 miles north of the California border. A realtor showed them the home, which was sold through HomeSteps, a listing service for Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored housing organization. They purchased it for $36,500.
Jonathan Hankins, 33, and his wife, Beth, 29, started renovating the home in early June and moved into the two-bedroom 850-square foot home before the end of the month.
After three weeks of living in their home, however, they started having severe headaches. Their son, now 3, also became sick.
“We mostly experienced extreme dry mouth and had mouth sores, making it extremely painful to even drink water,” Hankins had said.
The Hankins were not sure why they were sick until neighbors told them they suspected the home may have been a former illegal methamphetamine drug lab.
Freddie Mac recently settled with the Hankins over their home and agreed to review their policies. The Hankins bought another home about 25 miles away from Klamath Falls.
“After speaking to the Hankins and hearing their concerns first hand we were able to work closely together and come to a mutually agreeable resolution,” according to a statement by Freddie Mac. “We will continue to review and update our policies to protect our buyers and their confidence in HomeSteps homes.”
