What’s that smell? Odor problems in some communities
Odor problems are a sensitive topic, whether you’re talking about someone just in from exercising or a whole town or neighborhood. Home for sale with a periodic stench? That won’t be listed in the MLS, and it may be down played (or absent) in the disclosures. This can be very upsetting if you learn it only after you move in.
The most common issues in Santa Clara County seem to relate to agricultural areas, food processing, or sewer and/or waste processing. Other issues can stem from standing water (bad idea as this can also breed disease bearing mosquitos) or nearby restaurants (breweries, barbecues, fried food, and coffee roasting can be stinky). Being downwind of any of these can get unpleasant.
On a much smaller scale, it’s possible to have a bad neighbor who creates an odor nuisance, making life unpleasant. I’ve had clients tell me of neighbors who “go out to their back yard and smoke pot every day”, making my client’s back yard an unpleasant place and nearly unusable. Other bad neighbor problems can be from yards with too many pets and not enough cleanup.
For folks relocating to Silicon Valley, though, it’s important to be aware of smelly or potentially smelly areas. The locals know about them – and you should, too.
