Are Torrance, California area homes too toxic for buyers?

July 12, 2008 - Despite having had her home on the market since March and repeatedly slashing the price, few would-be buyers gave the house a look, even with the renovated kitchen and new hardwood floors she had installed, Speiler said.

The reason, she believes, is the soil contaminated with byproducts from gasoline production discovered last fall in the neighborhood. Even though no chemicals were found on her property, the discovery has tarred the entire area, prompting potential purchasers to look elsewhere in what has become a buyers' market, she said.

"I truly believe it is the soil contamination," she said, adding her real estate agent cited that as one reason it was taking so long to sell.

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