If you’re a realtor listing or selling an older home, asbestos is something you need to take seriously — not to create alarm, but to protect your clients and yourself. Homes built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos materials, and knowing how to handle them makes the difference between a smooth closing and a costly surprise.
Why Should Realtors Pay Attention to Asbestos?
Our team is frequently called to homes that are on the market or about to be listed. We work alongside realtors throughout the Metro Atlanta area and surrounds, helping them check and test older properties for asbestos before a sale moves forward.
Many pre-1980s homes may still contain asbestos materials — in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling textures, and more. While there are several inspections involved in the home-selling process, we strongly recommend adding an asbestos inspection to the list for older properties. That way, any potential buyer goes into closing fully aware of what they’re getting.
Is Asbestos Always a Health Risk?
Not necessarily — and that’s an important nuance. The presence of asbestos alone doesn’t automatically pose a health danger. Asbestos fibers that are left undisturbed are generally safe. The risk comes when those fibers are disturbed — during remodeling, demolition, or renovation — which can cause them to break apart and become airborne. Once inhaled, they can lead to serious asbestos-related illness.
If testing reveals asbestos in a home you’re selling, the right path forward is clear: disclose it, negotiate transparently, and ideally address it before the home changes hands. Disclosing what you know is not just good practice — it’s critical. If the current homeowner wants to remediate before selling, Environmental Services of America can help.
Practical Safety Tips for Realtors
- Ask the current property owner for any existing asbestos abatement report. If none exists, request a professional inspection from Environmental Services of America.
- When visiting a property you suspect may have asbestos, wear a proper respirator — not just a disposable dust mask, which won’t protect you against small asbestos fibers.
- Never handle or disturb damaged asbestos-containing materials — things like old flooring, siding, or ceiling tiles.
- Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum any debris that could contain asbestos.
- Wear protective clothing when inspecting a suspected property, and change before returning home to avoid carrying fibers with you.
- If you discover or suspect asbestos in a home you’re selling, reach out to Environmental Services of America right away. Our abatement experts can guide you on next steps.
Source: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Have questions about asbestos in a property you’re working with? We’re here to help — feel free to reach out to our team at services@es-america.com.