That “great deal” home can have an invisible history

Thousands of homes change hands every year with a past the buyers never hear about — including former drug use or manufacturing.

Methamphetamine smoke, in particular, leaves residue that settles into walls, carpet, and HVAC systems and can linger for years. You often can't see it or smell it.

If a property has a questionable history, testing and professional decontamination are worth every penny.