Asbestos Real Estate Danger–Safe Removal and Healthy Options

Buying a home is a rewarding experience, often afforded as a result of years of hard work. With this form of luxury, though, come some additional responsibilities. Due to the widespread use of asbestos throughout the 20th century, it is essential for those involved in real estate to take the proper measures in inspecting and removing the mineral. Asbestos exposure has resulted in the development of severe lung cancers such as mesothelioma. Although medical technology continues to improve, mesothelioma claims thousands of victims every year in the United States alone. Mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop, making it extremely difficult for physicians to accurately diagnose this disease. The amount of asbestos-related incidents in the country has resulted in mesothelioma lawyer firms advocating and protecting victim’s individual rights. The United States government and asbestos manufactures have been heavily criticized for concealing and not acting enough to inform the public of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. The removal of asbestos must be undertaken by a professional abatement contractor who is trained in handling dangerous materials. In addition, most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs. Cellulose, cotton Fiber and lcynene are all green options to be considered. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be fireproof. The United Nations Environmental Program states that usage of recycled materials such as green insulation methods and lighting can reduce energy use by 25 to 25 percent! These new alternatives will allow for a healthy lifestyle, free and clear of any damaging substances.

 

Asbestos in the Home

Courtesy of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center – www.asbestos.com

Spray Painting Lawns Green??!!

While watching the national news last night, I saw a segment on foreclosures in California and how one company’s business is up because of them. Greener Grass Company from Stockton, CA spray paints dead, brown lawns with a water soluble green paint that lasts for 3-4 months.  The company is typically hired by real estate agents who list properties that have been repossessed by banks, but is sometimes hired by the city when foreclosures become a code enforcement issue.  I found this story very interesting because it certainly is a quick, affordable and very creative idea to give an unsightly property a little bit more “curb appeal”.  Not quite sure if The Reilly Team would ever hire anyone to paint the dead lawn of any of our listings, but then again Vermont doesn’t face the drought and foreclosure problems that California does. Besides there isn’t much green on Vermont’s lawns today – it finally started snowing!!!

For the complete story: “That’s Fake Green on Foreclosure Lawns”

Quick Roof Repairs Before Winter

This is a simple project that will make your roof look more attractive to prospective buyers if you’re thinking of selling your home. And even if you’re not, it will still increase the value of your home. If you got a few damaged shingles, it’s probably best to replace them before winter – especially if you live in Vermont where we easily get several feet of snow each season! You could call a repair man, but with the economy the way it is now, it might be a good choice to try the project yourself and save a few hundred dollars. It’s easier than you think! First, remove old shingles with a prybar by inserting the bar underneath each shingle until you break the seal. Then remove all old shingle nails by inserting the prybar underneath each nail and gently tapping the bar with a hammer until the nail pops out. Be careful not to the damage the roofing felt underneath the shingles. After you’ve removed all of the old shingles, you can start placing the new ones on. Simply nail the new shingles to the roof; a three tab row of shingles should take approximately eight nails. Place a small amount of roofing sealant over each nail as an effort to keep water out. Now your roof will look great and you can save the indoor projects for this Winter! Stay tuned for more ready to sell home tips…