Central Arizona Fissures Generating Anxiety

Home buyers and real estate agents seek data...

News of the fissure danger in Arizona's fastest growing markets has prompted homebuyers and potential buyers to start asking questions they never new they needed to ask. Dr. Jay Butler at ASU said the issue is making waves in the housing market. "It's going to be a messy time, especially if your house sinks," Butler said.

Tom Farley, vice president of government affairs for the Arizona Association of Realtors, said the association wants buyers to be educated. He is looking for a state legislator to sponsor a bill that would ensure property buyers in subsidence areas are given an updated map documenting the location of fissures. Butler said the issue of fissures is contributing to a growing public distrust of the real estate industry. He predicted lawsuits. "I think the home builders will try to drag it out as long as they can, and nobody better break ranks and start buying homes back," he said. "It's not going to be nice." More...