Sexual predators. Nobody likes to talk about them, really, and no one wants to live near a known sex offender. But ,how do you know if you do or don’t? Most, if not all, states have a registry search for sex offenders so having access to online databases is a first line of defense. For Washington you can go to this link. You have to accept the terms of use of the site before you can get access so I’m sending you to the access page.
Since many states only provide Level 3 offender info you frequently will need to go to your local police or law enforcement to gain access to information on registered Level 2 and Level 1 offenders.
What is the difference between levels? Typically it has to do with the type of sexual assault and the potential for recidivism (likelihood to repeat offend).
If you’re buying a house is the Seller required to let you know if a sex offender lives nearby? Well, no. The State of Washington requires all sellers to fill out a Seller’s Disclosure Statement, which to real estate agents supplying these to their clients is also known as Form 17. In 2006 the form was updated to reflect a new and specific clause about this issue. If you go to the link you can scroll down and read it near the end of the disclosure form language.
I bring this topic up because it does rear itself in real estate transactions. Just the other day I had some clients cancel a transaction on what was a very nice house because I pointed out this research requirement to them and when they did a search they found several sex offendes within a few blocks of the house and one of them lived about 5 houses away. This was a little too close for comfort for them, and I totally understand.
As a board member and speaker for the non-profit FEAR Project, the clients didn’t need to explain to me why this made them uncomfortable. Megan’s Law is likely the major factor for this specific clause being introduced to the disclosure statement. With the recent news of the abduction of Zina Linnik ending sadly with her body being found outside of the Tacoma area where she lived, it is certainly weighing on any parent’s mind that when looking for a new home you will want to choose a safe, or as safe as possible, home for the family.
