When it comes to the real estate market, you know that you always need to stop to read the fine print. But how often have you stopped to think about the fine fibers?
Specifically, you’ll want to know if you have asbestos in the property you’re about to sell. After all, asbestos is not banned in the U.S. and continues to be incorporated into many building and construction features today.
So, what you really need to ask is this: How might asbestos fibers affect my position in terms of the real estate market?
The Details Are In The Disclosures
According to state law, a property seller is responsible for disclosing the presence of asbestos to a buyer. By extension, the real estate licensee involved must also participate in this duty when applicable.
Specifically, Florida State Statute clarifies that “where the seller of a home knows of facts materially affecting the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer, the seller is under a duty to disclose them to the buyer.”
“These material facts are sometimes referred to as latent defects,” Florida Realtors further explains. “This disclosure can be made in writing or verbally, although Florida Realtors’ attorneys recommend it be made in writing.”
And included in that list of “latent defects”? Asbestos.
Oftentimes, like in the case of a home listing, the buyer will be presented the information in a formal document during the transaction called a Florida Realtors Seller’s Property Disclosure – Residential form (SPDR).
Taking Early Action
Should you — as the real estate agent or the property seller — knowingly fail to disclose the presence of asbestos in the space, you may ultimately be subject to legal action.
Thus, if the seller is aware of the potential presence of friable asbestos fibers within the property, it would be wise to confirm the location and quantity of asbestos by conducting a profession asbestos air assessment.
Otherwise, you might choose to have the site remediated prior to listing, regardless of whether you’re selling a residential or commercial property.
In such an event, we recommend that you then schedule a post-abatement clearance test to ensure that the clearing efforts were effective. Finally, once you have taken all of the appropriate and necessary steps, you will be ready to confidently enter the real estate market.
Prepping for Professional Aid
If you know that an asbestos assessment or post-abatement clearing test would help you succeed in the real estate market, Luce Air Quality is here to help you optimize your listing!
We also offer a range of asbestos monitoring services, including:
- Background Asbestos Air Monitoring
- Work-In-Progress Asbestos Air Monitoring
- Personnel Exposure Asbestos Air Monitoring
- Post-Abatement Clearance Asbestos Air Monitoring
So, are you ready to clear the air before a seller comes into the picture?
If so, reach out to our team today! We’d be happy to answer all your questions and help you to schedule your appointment. Contact us today by calling 904-803-1014.