How to “properly” order a Phase I ESA
- Usually the first bit of information when requesting the need for a Phase I ESA is the “postal” address of the site. While this works about 80% of the time, the subject property to assess may have multiple tracts associated with the main subject property parcel (and thus often multiple addresses). This is why it is very helpful to include a survey, title commitment or even a recent appraisal to establish the boundaries of the subject property. Also, if the real estate agent has a recent marketing brochure, that is very helpful, especially if the site is located on the edge of urban areas and certainly in rural areas. Because we need to also research the county tax appraisal card for current owner, land size improvement info etc, for each tract, having good addresses and the name of the current owner of the subject (or even a copy of the tax card ) is most helpful.
- One of the most important components of the Phase I report is the ordering of the environmental records research or the database. To gain this report from the records research environmental company, we have to have good GPS coordinates, and this achieved by locating the subject property on Google Earth and gleaning the best coordinates from it.
- For newer clients, we will send an email outlying the scope and commission and expected cost of the report. If all is approved, all that is needed is an email reply from the client to approve the cost and green light to proceed. But also needed is contact information as to needed access to the property, to take pictures and otherwise gain entry to the subject property to assess the condition.
- Usually a bank or other lending institution orders the Phase I ESA report, so we know how to address the report. If a realtor or the buyer orders the report, we need to know the specific person/entity and contact information to style the report. In addition, we need to know if there is also a bank/lending institution involved needing a reliance letter. And, of course, invoicing instructions.
- After the report is delivered and paid for, we will provide a reliance letter for one additional request if need be for no charge.
- Remember, the Phase I ESA is good between the seller and buyer as long as just the buyer/purchaser owns the property. If there is sale after 6 months, a new database must be ordered and then after one year a complete new Phase I must be ordered.
- And last , whether commissioning Matador Environmental Professionals or some other company, always insist as to the scope of the assessment that if there is a finding of a Phase II investigation, that another company will review and address the issue (if truly needed).