Update: Popcorn ceilings and asbestos

[DrPizza]

Congratulations. Though, there's always the inspection process. It's possible that if they hire a home inspector, he may caution them away from it, or have them put in contingencies.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Congratulations. Though, there's always the inspection process. It's possible that if they hire a home inspector, he may caution them away from it, or have them put in contingencies.

They are first time buyers and will likely go through a home inspector that their real estate agent suggests. Those home inspectors won't risk turning off buyers from a purchase by mentioning such issues because it could potentially ruin their business with that agent.

One thing I have learned when buying houses over the years is to research and hire your own home inspector. Don't rely on your real estate agent to pick a good one.

Besides that, it's not a structural problem or a health issue, so most home inspectors won't bring it up in the first place.

 

[Imp]

They are first time buyers and will likely go through a home inspector that their real estate agent suggests. Those home inspectors won't risk turning off buyers from a purchase by mentioning such issues because it could potentially ruin their business with that agent.

What's the point of them then...

 

[Greenman]

They are first time buyers and will likely go through a home inspector that their real estate agent suggests. Those home inspectors won't risk turning off buyers from a purchase by mentioning such issues because it could potentially ruin their business with that agent.

One thing I have learned when buying houses over the years is to research and hire your own home inspector. Don't rely on your real estate agent to pick a good one.

Besides that, it's not a structural problem or a health issue, so most home inspectors won't bring it up in the first place.

This might all be true in Cambodia, here in California it doesn't apply at all. The property inspector risks a lawsuit if he suspects asbestos and doesn't report it. Most will will have a clause in their contract saying that they don't do any hazmat testing, but the report will almost certainly note that asbestos is likely present in any home built before a certain date.
Also, asbestos is a health issue, that's why it was banned, thats why it's expensive to get rid of, thats why it's called a "hazardous material".

 

[Strk]

This might all be true in Cambodia, here in California it doesn't apply at all. The property inspector risks a lawsuit if he suspects asbestos and doesn't report it. Most will will have a clause in their contract saying that they don't do any hazmat testing, but the report will almost certainly note that asbestos is likely present in any home built before a certain date.
Also, asbestos is a health issue, that's why it was banned, thats why it's expensive to get rid of, thats why it's called a "hazardous material".

In all fairness, with asbestos, if left alone it is perfectly fine. The problem is the particulates. It's why the people who got sick from it actually worked with it (builders, mechanics etc).

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

This might all be true in Cambodia, here in California it doesn't apply at all. The property inspector risks a lawsuit if he suspects asbestos and doesn't report it. Most will will have a clause in their contract saying that they don't do any hazmat testing, but the report will almost certainly note that asbestos is likely present in any home built before a certain date.

California != the rest of the US, and I am not in California anyway so that's neither here nor there. Regarding asbestos and home inspections:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/18/AR2007011802315.html

"There are many acoustic ceilings that do not contain asbestos, and home inspectors should not make statements about asbestos content unless a written report from a test lab is available. To specify that a ceiling may contain a particular amount of asbestos without a report to substantiate it is inappropriate for a home inspector. "

Also, asbestos is a health issue, that's why it was banned, thats why it's expensive to get rid of, thats why it's called a "hazardous material".

Asbestos was banned because it was a hazard to those that worked with it regularly and were subject to long-term exposure, as in years of exposure, usually without any sort of protective gear. Asbestos in popcorn ceilings is encapsulated and does not pose a hazard unless it is disturbed.

 

[MarkXIX]

get it tested anonymously

Fully removes plausible deniability from the equation. Nope, let it be if you've got a buyer still interested.

Asbestos is dangerous only if inhaled. It could stay up there for another 20 years untouched and not matter a bit.

 

[Gunbuster]

Ah Asbestos, part of the homeowner bogeyman trinity along with lead paint chips and radon gas.

I'm a little surprised the nanny state hasn't mandated every man, woman, and child be safely ensconced in a spacesuit when occupying a home not built in the past 5 years.