Asbestos is a Bad Thing!

Guest post courtesy of Jesse Herman of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center

Asbestos Removal and Greener Alternatives

There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes built before 1980 have the strong likelihood of containing asbestos. Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is asbestos free. If you are interested in saving money, remodeling and improving your carbon footprint, here is some information to get you on the right track.

Used in millions of homes throughout the last quarter of the 20^th century, asbestos insulation can become a real dilemma for homeowners due to causing a variety of health problems, including Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesothelioma. These types of cancer take the lives of thousands each year.

Non-regulated asbestos material can be legally performed by homeowners, regular contractors, or licensed asbestos abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. Asbestos removal in public facilities, homes and workplaces must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Once the removal is complete, green insulation options should be given serious consideration, such as: Cellulose, Cotton Fiber and Lcynene.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), in a study conducted in 2003, estimated a savings of $50-$65 per square foot for well-constructed green buildings in the U.S. (see table below) during that year. The numbers continue to improve as more eco-friendly options become available, and those kinds of figures have finally begun to attract those who thought eco-friendly construction was just a bunch of hogwash.

Find a Real Estate Agent

Chester County area homes for sale can be quite overwhelming if you try to look at them all !  It’s important that you find a real estate agent familiar with Chester County who can help you accomplish your goals in your next move.

I listened to a friend make a phone call today. It was returning someone’s call who was interested in a house he had listed for sale in Fresno, CA. He explained that although that home was under contract, he could be of assistance to find another home. It was amazing how similar we handle those calls. We want to help!

It can be a jungle out there trying to find a home of your dreams among all of the inventory available with the current Real Estate Market. With an agent who really listens to your desires in what you would like in a home; and one who is not afraid to bring you into reality… you will save time and money!

Most agents, including myself, do not charge home buyers to be of service. The most common question I hear when informing buyers of this is, “Well then how do you make money?”  I receive a fee for my service from the seller of the house if and when you have a settlement for purchase.

What types of services can you obtain from a Buyer’s Agent like Kim Wood?

• Quick notification of new homes that come on the market that meet your criteria
• Top notch negotiation skills to save you money
• Priority in communication and schedule availability
• Preview of property to save you time
• Attention to details and accuracy of paperwork
• Assistance in taking a vast number of homes for sale and narrowing them to your dream

I hope I get the opportunity to help you in the purchase of your new home West of the Philadelphia Suburbs. If you are looking into purchasing a home elsewhere, I have a large network of friends and associates that are a phone call away!