Can You Sell a House With Asbestos? Everything You Need To Know

Selling A House With Asbestos

Selling a house is not an instant process. It takes time and effort to find a qualified buyer and most of them have a lot of considerations, especially if they’re eyeing an older house to purchase.

Older homes, especially those that haven’t been renovated may have a potentially hazardous issue: asbestos. 

Once a popular construction material, asbestos is now linked to serious health problems, such as respiratory illnesses and even lung cancer.

If asbestos is present in your house, it could be challenging to convince buyers to take a look since it’s a huge liability. So, can you sell a house with asbestos? There’s no short answer to this question, but it’s possible depending on several factors.

Do you want to sell your house fast in Seattle, WA, but are worried about the effects of asbestos? This guide will walk you through all the options, from identifying the extent of the asbestos problem to disclosing it to potential buyers.

Understanding The Risks and Regulations on Asbestos

Before you contact a real estate agent to sell your home, you must first learn and understand what you’re dealing with. What is asbestos? What are the risks and regulations on this material?

What is Asbestos

If you’ve ever been inside a building built between the 1940s and 1970s, you’ve likely been exposed to asbestos. 

This building material has been coined as a “miracle mineral” due to its flame-resistant and insulation properties. As a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral, asbestos has six types:

• Chrysotile
• Amosite
• Crocidolite
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

Only two of the materials on this list are commonly used to build house insulation, floor tiles, siding, cement sheets, and roofing shingles: chrysotile (blue asbestos) and amosite (white asbestos). 

Both belong to the serpentine asbestos family, which comprises 95% of the world’s asbestos.

Due to its popularity up until the late 1970s, it is estimated that more than half of houses built in the United States contain asbestos.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Over time, issues regarding the use of asbestos began to arise. Researchers observed that exposure to loose asbestos fibers can have adverse health effects. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing asbestos can result in the following:

• Asbestosis: When asbestos fibers get into the respiratory tract, it can cause scarring in the lungs referred to as asbestosis. People with asbestosis have trouble breathing and it may take a long time before such symptoms appear after exposure.
• Pleural Disease: Another lung condition resulting from asbestos exposure is pleural disease. This happens when the membrane surrounding the lungs thickens (diffuse pleural thickening) or becomes isolated in some areas (pleural plaques). Sometimes, fluid may also build up around the lungs (pleural effusion). While this may not always cause breathing problems, it might lead to inefficient lung function.
• Lung Cancer: Prolonged asbestos exposure paired with smoking tobacco can increase the risk of growing a malignant tumor in the lung tissues that block the airways. Asbestos-related lung cancer accounts for 4% of the diagnosed cases in the United States.
• Mesothelioma: In some cases, mesothelioma can also develop after direct or indirect asbestos exposure. This rare type of cancer affects the protective lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), the membrane lining covering the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or membranes surrounding other internal organs.

Regulations Surrounding Asbestos

Due to the various health issues associated with asbestos, several federal agencies in the United States regulate the usage, handling, and disposal of asbestos. Here are some key regulations to take note of:

In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule on the use of asbestos, completely banning chrysotile asbestos in the United States due to public health concerns. 

Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is authorized to regulate airborne contaminants, including asbestos. 

Additionally, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) set standards for the handling, demolition, renovation, and disposal of materials containing asbestos. They are required to notify the EPA before demolishing or renovating buildings constructed with this material.

Moreover, under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is authorized to require reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements and restrictions relating to chemicals and mixtures, including asbestos.

Can You Sell a House With Asbestos?

Yes, you can sell a house with asbestos. However, expect that the presence of asbestos can negatively impact the value of your home, especially if you haven’t done any work yet to remove it.

As mentioned, there are several regulations in the United States that cover the sale of a house with asbestos. It is best to check with your state regarding their specific requirements.

Do You Have to Disclose Asbestos When Selling a House?

The most pressing question for homeowners is, “Do you have to disclose asbestos when selling a house?”

Yes, as there’s no easy way around selling a house with asbestos so you will need to disclose it to a potential buyer. However, you must set your expectations right since this could make or break that dream offer.

Upon determining the presence of asbestos in your house, you are obliged to state it upfront to avoid legal disputes in the future if you choose to keep it a secret. 

While federal law does not require sellers to share this information, you may be legally obligated to disclose the presence of asbestos to homebuyers in other states. Doing your research beforehand and contacting your local government regarding these requirements is crucial.

Your real estate agent can also advise you on inspection and testing for asbestos, especially if an interested buyer requests them. 

Although you may turn down this request, it could hurt your chances of selling your house, and they may negotiate the price below your expectations. 

As long as the material won’t be disturbed, it’s best to turn to a professional who can inspect the property and provide an accurate report of the location and the extent of the asbestos problem.

Ensuring Safety Through Inspection and Testing

If you’re planning to sell a house with asbestos, the first step is to identify the asbestos in your home and assess its condition. While you can do this on your own while wearing protective gear, hiring a professional home inspector is the safest choice. 

Using the best tools, they can examine all asbestos-containing material and ensure that it is not disturbed during the process.

The asbestos testing process involves the following processes:

1. Gathering Background Information

The assessment usually begins with the home inspector asking questions about the house, such as the date it was built and other details about its construction. This information makes it easier for them to make an initial evaluation.

2. Visual Inspection and Assessment

A certified asbestos consultant from an inspection firm will conduct a field inspection of the internal and external areas of the property where asbestos is suspected. It is typical to find asbestos in the following materials or areas:

• Insulation around pipes or inside ducts
• Insulation in the walls and floors around furnaces or stoves
• Insulation covering an octopus furnace or old boilers
• Floor tiles made of asphalt, rubber, or vinyl
• Roofing, shingles, or siding
• Materials on walls and ceilings with soundproofing elements or decorative material
• Textured wall paints

The on-site inspection may typically take a couple of hours, but it could take a bit longer for larger houses.

3. Sampling Suspected Material

Once the asbestos is determined, the inspector will sample the material. It’s important to delicately handle loose or hanging wrapping around pipes, worn-out seals on stoves, or crumbling material on a ceiling to prevent agitation of the asbestos.

Sampling must be done carefully, following the specific regulations on the number of samples that could be taken from each type of material. 

They may need to take more than one sample because of how the material was manufactured and the limitations of current analytical methods.

4. Laboratory Analysis of Sample

After the samples of the suspected asbestos-containing material are gathered, they will be taken to a laboratory for analysis. For credible results, you must ensure that the laboratory is accredited by testing authorities.

The results of a standard laboratory analysis should be ready after 3 to 10 days. If you wish for a faster turnaround, you need to prepare for a premium fee.

5. Preparing Asbestos Survey Report

Once the laboratory results are finalized, a survey report containing the following data should be received by the homeowner:

• Surveyor’s full name
• A summary of the conducted survey
• Survey date, scope, methodology, and core findings
• Details about the property
• Details of any identified or suspected asbestos-containing materials, including location, type of asbestos, and its condition (may include photographs)
• Details about the laboratory performing the sample analysis
• Overall recommendations for management or removal 
• Any limitation of the survey
• Other relevant data

Although asbestos inspection and testing require time and a hefty amount of cash, the survey results will serve as your guide in planning for managing the asbestos in the house you’re selling. 

Options for Asbestos Remediation Before Sale

What do you do next after confirming that your house has asbestos? From a legal perspective, you’re not required to do anything about it. If the house is in good condition, the materials with asbestos can last for a while. 

However, if the damage is clear, you should remove or encapsulate the asbestos before listing your house.

Homeowners have two options for remediation: removal or encapsulation.

Removal of Asbestos in Your Home

The process of removing asbestos is called abatement. You can hire professional service providers to remove and dispose of the asbestos in your house. 

This process can be extremely hazardous and lengthy since it requires the asbestos-containing material to be disturbed.

The asbestos abatement process consists of several steps:

1. Marking Areas Containing Asbestos

Professional asbestos handlers will draw up a detailed plan for where to perform the removal and how long it will take. The asbestos area of the house will be marked and sealed with plastic sheeting so that other areas remain safe. By setting a clear demarcation, workers can efficiently work on the affected location.

2. Sealing the Affected Area

One of the most critical parts of the abatement process is sealing the affected areas of the house. Professionals ensure that no asbestos fibers or materials contaminate clean parts of the property. They also take other precautions, such as turning off the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to prevent dirty air from circulating as they work.

3. Elimination of Asbestos

Abatement technicians will begin physically removing the asbestos from your house. The infected materials are dampened before being cut to prevent the asbestos particles from moving around.

4. Storage and Disposal

As a highly toxic material, asbestos must be properly stored and disposed of. The cut pieces of materials are stored in air-tight bags and containers to avoid leakage and cross-contamination. 

Afterward, some are buried in designated dump sites, while others are recycled to become non-toxic ceramic fibers.

Encapsulation of Asbestos in Your House

If your house with asbestos is pretty much intact, you only need to seal the materials with a protective coating to repair damaged asbestos and prevent further degradation that could release the toxic fibers into the air. This process is called encapsulation.

Encapsulation may involve spraying, brushing, or troweling the sealant onto the material, depending on its condition. 

Upon completion, it’s recommended that regular monitoring and maintenance of the asbestos-containing material be conducted, which should be advised to the future owner of the house. 

How To Sell A House With Asbestos: Marketing and Selling Strategies

The key step in selling your home with asbestos is full disclosure and transparency. By being upfront about the presence of asbestos in your property, you can build trust with potential buyers.

Prepare all the documents beforehand, including asbestos testing, management, or remediation efforts to reassure the buyer that the situation is already under control. 

In case you haven’t removed or repaired the asbestos problem, you must provide prospective buyers with an estimated cost of professional abatement or encapsulation.

You must also be open to negotiating the cost of the house due to the added cost of repairs before the sale. If you choose to shoulder the expenses, then you can be more firm with your asking price.

Working with an experienced real estate agent specializing in properties with asbestos issues can help you find your target buyers effectively. 

They can emphasize your house’s strong selling points, such as location, size, amenities, and recent upgrades, while highlighting its potential post-remediation.

Your agent can also help you create comprehensive online listings by offering virtual tours and detailed photographs for remote buyers interested in buying a home with asbestos.

Key Takeaways: Making Informed Decisions for Selling a House With Asbestos

While a challenging feat, it’s possible to sell a house with asbestos with the right approach. We buy houses fast in Tacoma WA and can help you.

By practicing full transparency and providing comprehensive documentation, potential buyers won’t be put off despite the asbestos issue. 

Offer professional inspection results, remediation options, and cost estimates to reassure buyers about the property’s safety and potential.

Furthermore, adjusting your price to reflect any asbestos-related expenses, targeting the right buyer demographics, and emphasizing the home’s positive features can make your property more attractive. If you need help selling a house with asbestos, contact us at Kind House Buyers! Contact us today at (253) 216-2497 to learn more!

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Author: Keith Sant

Keith Sant is a real estate investor and entrepreneur who enjoys helping others by sharing useful real estate information. Keith’s goal is to educate home sellers so they can make the best decisions for their real estate problems. When Keith is not working, he enjoys cycling and traveling with his wife, Krixelle.

He has been featured on numerous new and real estate platforms, including Zillow, HomeLight, Better Homes & Gardens, Realtor.com, MSN, and Yahoo Finance.