Last updated on August 3rd, 2025 at 06:33 am
Should you be concerned about selling your Texas home just because of asbestos? You are not the only one to worry about it, but good news: You can sell a house with Abestos. However, a lot of misinformation still runs around about costs, time, and requirements.
This long infographic does away with the confusion with verified data for the year 2025 and dispels common myths-the $1,500 to $5,000 testing costs are seriously exaggerated, the real costs range anywhere between $250 to $850-and reveal what Texas law truly requires.
Here is everything that you want to know about new federal regulation changes to the new detection technologies that can return results in seconds rather than in weeks to guide you fully through your sale!
Can You Sell a House With Asbestos in Texas?
2025 Complete Guide with Verified Facts & Costs
⚠️ Federal Regulation Update
Trump Administration filed for reconsideration of Biden’s asbestos ban in June 2025. The 30-month review period creates regulatory uncertainty through 2027.
📊Corrected Statistics
💰Verified Texas Costs
| Service | Actual Cost Range | Previously Claimed |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Testing | $250 – $850 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Comprehensive Testing | $600 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Removal (Residential) | $1,500 – $5,000 ✓ | Accurate |
| Encapsulation | $1,000 – $3,000 | 15-25% less ✓ |
✓ County Costs Verified
Harris County: $133-$2,683 | Bexar County: $132-$2,666 | Comal County: $128-$2,580
⚖️Texas Legal Requirements
Property Code Section 5.008
Mandatory written disclosure BEFORE contract execution
- Use TREC Form OP-H or TAR equivalent
- Disclose based on “belief and knowledge”
- Can indicate “unknown” if genuinely unaware
- Buyers can terminate within 7 days of late disclosure
- DTPA violations possible for non-disclosure
🏠Financing & Insurance
Good News for Sellers!
FHA and VA loans DO NOT automatically disqualify homes with asbestos. Non-friable asbestos in good condition typically passes inspection.
- Major insurers still write policies for homes with undisturbed asbestos
- Standard policies exclude removal (it’s a “pollutant”)
- Coverage may apply when damage results from covered perils
- State Farm, Allstate, Progressive all offer coverage
🚀2025 Detection Technology
vs 3-week lab wait
Real-time air detection
AI-powered accuracy
💡Successful Selling Strategies
Early identification, advance notice, upfront inspection reports
Full market pricing with closing credits for remediation
Target investors for “as-is” sales with full disclosure
⏱️Realistic Timeline
No 21-24 Week Requirement!
The claimed timeline is not substantiated by Texas law. Actual timeline depends on market conditions and buyer financing.
Testing & Inspection
Remediation Decision
Marketing & Sale
🌟Key Takeaways
- Disclosure is mandatory under Texas Property Code Section 5.008
- Testing costs $250-$850, not $1,500-$5,000
- 30% of U.S. homes contain asbestos (not 50%+)
- FHA/VA financing is possible with proper documentation
- Federal regulations uncertain through 2027 review period
- New detection tech offers instant results
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It a Concern?
The asbestos mineral naturally occurs from the earth and has been widely used in construction materials since the late 1800s and all throughout the 1980s. The most popular types are chrysotile and amosite, both highly regarded for their fireproof qualities and thermal insulation. Asbestos is commonly found in:
- Insulation around pipes, boilers, and HVAC systems
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Roofing materials and shingles
- Siding materials
- Popcorn ceilings and textured paints
- Drywall compounds
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The CDC warns that breathing asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)
- Asbestosis (lung scarring)
Illnesses that appear 30 to 40 years after exposure make asbestos truly dangerous.
Texas Laws Regarding Sale of Homes with Asbestos
In Texas, it is state law that a seller in a real estate transaction must deliver written disclosure of asbestos material on his property before entering into the contract with a buyer. The law safeguards both you and the buyer; hence, it is not optional!
Key Texas disclosure requirements:
- Complete the Texas Seller’s Disclosure Form
- Disclose any known asbestos presence
- Provide documentation of any testing or abatement work
- Share reports from professional inspections
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failing to disclose known asbestos can result in:
- Lawsuits from buyers
- Financial liability for health issues
- Voided sales contracts
- Legal penalties under Texas real estate law
Federal Regulations
The Biden Administration implemented new rules in March 2024 restricting chrysotile asbestos use, with a 12-year phase-out period. While this doesn’t affect existing homes, it demonstrates the government’s commitment to reducing asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Management Options in Texas
Removal vs. Encapsulation
Asbestos Removal:
- Complete elimination of asbestos materials
- Residential projects cost between $1,500 and $5,000
- Requires licensed Texas contractors
- Permanent solution
Encapsulation:
- Sealing asbestos in place
- 15-25% cheaper than removal
- Faster process
- May require future maintenance
Hiring Licensed Texas Contractors
Texas requires specific licensing for asbestos work. Look for contractors with:
- Texas Department of State Health Services certification
- Proper insurance and bonding
- Experience with residential projects
- Good Better Business Bureau ratings
Pricing Your Texas Home with Asbestos
Market Impact Assessment
Asbestos presence typically affects home values, but the impact varies based on:
- Local market conditions
- Type and extent of asbestos
- Whether removal/encapsulation is completed
- Buyer demand in your area
Pricing Strategies
Option 1: Price Reduction
- Reduce asking price by estimated remediation costs
- Attract investors and handy buyers
- Faster sale process
Option 2: Remediation Credit
- Keep standard market price
- Offer closing cost credits for asbestos work
- Appeals to traditional buyers
Option 3: Complete Remediation
- Handle asbestos removal before listing
- Price at full market value
- Broader buyer appeal
Marketing Your Texas Home with Asbestos
Disclosure in Marketing Materials
Best practices:
- Include asbestos disclosure in property listing
- Highlight any remediation work completed
- Emphasize other home features and benefits
- Use professional photography to showcase positive aspects
Target Buyer Types
Ideal buyers for asbestos-containing homes:
- Real estate investors
- House flippers
- Contractors and builders
- Cash buyers
- First-time homebuyers seeking lower prices
Online Marketing Strategies
- List on investor-focused platforms
- Use keywords like “investor opportunity” or “handyman special”
- Join Texas real estate investor groups on social media
- Consider “For Sale By Owner” platforms to save on commissions
Texas-Specific Selling Options
Traditional MLS Listing
Pros:
- Maximum market exposure
- Professional realtor guidance
- Negotiation support
Cons:
- Higher commission costs
- Longer timeline
- More buyer objections
Cash Home Buyers
Texas has numerous cash buying companies that specialize in homes with issues:
- No repairs required
- Fast closing (7-14 days)
- Lower purchase price
- No realtor commissions
Auction Sales
Consider absolute or reserve auctions for:
- Unique properties
- Investor interest
- Time-sensitive situations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Disclosure Errors
- Never downplay asbestos presence
- Don’t rely on verbal disclosures only
- Avoid incomplete documentation
- Don’t assume buyers won’t care
Remediation Mistakes
- Don’t attempt DIY removal
- Avoid unlicensed contractors
- Don’t skip permit requirements
- Never ignore safety protocols
Pricing Errors
- Don’t overprice hoping buyers won’t notice
- Avoid underpricing without market research
- Don’t ignore comparable sales data
- Never hide costs in negotiations
Factors Affecting Timeline
- Market conditions
- Remediation complexity
- Buyer financing
- Inspection contingencies
- Legal compliance requirements
Bottom Line
You can sell a house with asbestos, but you must tell buyers about it. This keeps everyone safe and avoids legal problems. If your house has asbestos, you might choose to take it out or cover it up before selling.
This could make your house more appealing to buyers. Working with an expert in real estate who knows about asbestos can help sell your home faster and for a good price. If you have a house you want to sell in Houston or anywhere in Texas, contact use today!
