As the saying goes, “There's nothing half as pleasant as coming home again.”With its location in the southeastern part of the United States, Florida is known for its tropical weather, sandy beaches, tourist and culture hub. With so many incredible and diverse features, what potential home buyer would not take the opportunity to call this state their home?
The journey to purchasing a home is an enjoyable time in one’s life. But it is one that will bring many additional responsibilities. Having the assistance of a reliable and experienced Florida real estate agent can make all of the difference during this process.
Asbestos
Many older homes built prior to 1980 may still harvest obsolete and corrosive building materials which can create health concerns. Living in the 21st century, there is a renewed importance towards environmental sustainability, green construction and lowering your carbon footprint. Many realtors have understood this important aspect of our lives and can greatly assist clients in achieving a green home.
Asbestos is the name given for a group of fibrous minerals that were mined for their qualities as fire resistant, insulation and high durability. Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century.
Healthy Tips
If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.
Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking are factors that impact how a patient responds to a mesothelioma treatment.
Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes should be performed by licensed abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The materials should be removed in as large pieces as possible and places in disposable bags.
Green Alternatives Healthier and Efficient
Implementing Eco-friendly methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhance air quality, protect Eco systems, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health, Reduction of waste.
If asbestos is removed, green forms of insulation should be used as replacements. These include the use implementation of recycled building materials such as lcynene foam, cotton fiber and cellulose. These alternatives not only allow for a healthy and safe home, but can bring down annual energy costs.
For example, the use of cotton fiber foam has demonstrated to reduce energy costs by 25 % per year. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.
That's right folks, for the first time in over 50 years the population of Heaven's Waiting Room has declined. Why you may ask. 
With the crash in our Real Estate market and the high rate of foreclosure we are starting to look very attractive to investors, both foreign and domestic. And with a bottom eventually to be found, those looking for a nice place to retire will again turn their eyes towards Florida.
