Last updated on July 20th, 2025 at 07:50 am

Yes, you can sell a house with asbestos in Texas. It requires a lot of planning and legal compliance. With asbestos found in a good 50% plus of houses in the U.S.—particularly ones built before 1980—many Texas homeowners find themselves in such a predicament. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selling your Texas home with asbestos while protecting yourself legally and financially.

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:

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The CDC warns that breathing asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including:

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:

Consequences of Non-Disclosure

Failing to disclose known asbestos can result in:

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.

Identifying Asbestos in Your Texas Home

Professional Asbestos Inspection

Before selling, hire a certified asbestos inspector. In Texas, residential asbestos testing typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on your home’s size and complexity.

What inspectors look for:

Testing Process

Professional testing involves:

  1. Visual inspection of suspected materials
  2. Sample collection using proper safety equipment
  3. Laboratory analysis
  4. Detailed report with findings and recommendations

Texas-specific testing costs:

Asbestos Management Options in Texas

Removal vs. Encapsulation

Asbestos Removal:

Encapsulation:

Hiring Licensed Texas Contractors

Texas requires specific licensing for asbestos work. Look for contractors with:

Pricing Your Texas Home with Asbestos

Market Impact Assessment

Asbestos presence typically affects home values, but the impact varies based on:

Pricing Strategies

Option 1: Price Reduction

Option 2: Remediation Credit

Option 3: Complete Remediation

Marketing Your Texas Home with Asbestos

Disclosure in Marketing Materials

Best practices:

Target Buyer Types

Ideal buyers for asbestos-containing homes:

Online Marketing Strategies

Texas-Specific Selling Options

Traditional MLS Listing

Pros:

Cons:

Cash Home Buyers

Texas has numerous cash buying companies that specialize in homes with issues:

Auction Sales

Consider absolute or reserve auctions for:

Financial Considerations

Cost Breakdown for Texas Homeowners

Asbestos Testing: $500-$2,000 Professional Removal: $1,500-$5,000 (residential) Encapsulation: $1,000-$3,000 Legal Compliance: $200-$500 Disclosure Documentation: $100-$300

Financing Options for Buyers

Most lenders will finance homes with asbestos if:

Legal Protection Strategies

Documentation Requirements

Maintain comprehensive records including:

Insurance Considerations

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider about:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Disclosure Errors

Remediation Mistakes

Pricing Errors

Working with Texas Real Estate Professionals

Choosing the Right Agent

Look for agents with experience in:

Legal Representation

Consider hiring a Texas real estate attorney for:

Timeline for Selling with Asbestos

Typical Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Professional inspection and testing Weeks 3-4: Decide on remediation approach Weeks 5-8: Complete any necessary work Weeks 9-12: Market preparation and listing Weeks 13-20: Showing and negotiation period Weeks 21-24: Closing process

Factors Affecting Timeline

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!