Tips on Achieving a Healthy, Efficient & Asbestos Free Home

I have been contemplating using "Guest Bloggers" for sometime now and recently have been contacted by Joe Lederman, Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center (www.asbestos.com). Mr. Lederman has been reaching out to the real estate community in efforts to bring to the Homebuyer and Homesellers attention the potentially harmful effects that may be lurking in older homes and what is needed to done to protect themselves. Many homes in the Venice Florida area were built before 1980, so I thought this may be appropriate for our local real estate consumers.

Real Estate Tips on Achieving a Healthy, Efficient & Asbestos Free Home

As you may know, homes built before 1980 likely have asbestos insulation in them. When homeowners remodel, they may expose themselves to asbestos, which could lead to a fatal cancer known as mesothelioma. There are many environmentally sustainable, healthy and GREEN ways to insulate your home and this is among the topics we like to discuss. We figured it would be a perfect time to educate people on asbestos exposure and related illnesses.

Florida is known for its palm trees, decadent sandy beaches, warm climate, Disney World and a vast, diverse culture. These characteristics not only make the state of a large tourist destination, but also a destination for potential home buyers.

When searching for a new home or apartment in Venice, Florida, there are are many things to consider and decisions to be made. Newly bought homes are often remodeled and repairs may be needed. Having the assistance of an experienced Venice, FL real estate agent can make all the difference in the many steps that lead to home ownership.

Homes and buildings built before 1980 may still contain asbestos materials. This should not make you jump out of your seat because asbestos exposure can be easily prevented by taking simple precautions. Green alternatives now exist which are safe and cost efficient options to asbestos and other obsolete building materials.

Asbestos

Highly utilized for more than a century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used heavily in building and construction applications. Its flame resistant and highly durable qualities made it an ideal choice for manufacturers. Asbestos normally appeared as insulation for piping, roofing, siding and flooring in homes. Many homes or buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos materials.

Exposure can result in the development of related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. This asbestos-related illness is difficult to treat and diagnose because symptoms may not show up from 20 to 50 years after exposure. This makes a mesothelioma diagnosis a difficult task for physicians.

Healthy Tips & Alternatives

If any suspected asbestos is located, the best advice is to leave it alone. If you are having home renovations, performed, do not panic. Again, asbestos that is left un-disturbed will normally pose no threat. If asbestos needs to be removed, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractors. These contractors are trained in the handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes. Although it may prove to be costly, it is worth the price for achieving a healthy home.

Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.

Sustainability and energy guide many aspects of life in Florida. Many green healthy alternatives to asbestos are available and should be sought out upon removal or renovation. These include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof.

Research suggests that these Eco-friendly insulation alternatives can even reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation.

by Joe Lederman, Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center (http://www.asbestos.com/).

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer questions or to help you in your search for homes for sale in Venice Florida. I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and North Port Florida communities. As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com. Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851. Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia. All Rights Reserved.

Kari A. Battaglia, GRI - Realtor®, Broker Associate - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - 331 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285 - 941-270-1851 direct - 941-484-9715 - office 800-969-1990 toll free - Kari@KariBattaglia.com

www.DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - view my listings, find valuable community info, links and more www.VeniceAreaHomesBlog.com - read my blog about news & info for Venice Real Estate www.FloridaMoves.com/Kari.Battaglia- free MLS home search, search for Venice real estate, Nokomis real estate, Englewood real estate and more.

Do I need title insurance if I am buying a home in Venice?

Owners Title Policy is something that almost everyone will never need, but if you do need it you are going to be glad you have it.

When you buy your home in Venice FL, you Take Title to it. A Title to real estate is basically the rights of ownership recognized and protect by the law. But others may have rights in the property too, and there are over thirty situations in which title losses can occur. Some examples include:

A forged will or deed
Improper deeds
Deeds by minors or incompetent people
Undisclosed or missing heirs
Fraudulent representatives
Invalid divorces
Falsifications of public records
Lawsuits
Unpaid taxes
Clerical errors in the records
Undiscovered wills
Sellers who misrepresent their marital status

You can protect yourself from all these risks. Title insurance is real estate ownership insurance and title insurance guards the purchaser of real estate against the many possibilities of loss. The title underwriting company defends the policyholder in the event your title, within your policy limit - whether those claims are valid or not. And, should the court of property jurisdiction uphold any of the claims, the title underwriter will pay them.

If you are purchasing a home in Venice Florida and the Seller is making payments to the City of Venice or to Sarasota County (i.e.: for a sewer or public water assessment), those payments cannot be assumed by the Buyer. Any assessment imposed by a municipality is a lien against the property and must be satisfied at closing.

If you will be purchasing a condominium in Venice, please be aware of the possible costs to you as the Buyer. These may include maintenance fees, special assessments, transfer fees and reserve escrow account. The condominium association may also require prior approval of Buyer and sometimes a personal interview may be necessary.

Title insurance assures you that your title search information is accurate and guarantees that your new home is free from liens, protects it against title issues and confusion in prior ownership.

Title insurance is a one-time charge that will last as long as you or your heirs have an interest in the property.

If you have any questions about the home buying process in Venice give me a call, I am happy to answer any questions you may have.