Is Radon a Big Deal?

I’m surprised by how often my clients do not know what radon is or what the big deal is. I had sellers who raised a family in their home with a finished basement they used often. During the inspection period, the buyers tested for radon and the level came back well over 100 pCi/L. The EPA recommends any level over 4 pCi/L be mitigated. My sellers installed a radon mitigation system in order to sell the home, but had never checked for all the years they lived there.

To give you perspective: “At the 4 pCi/L EPA action guideline level, radon carries approximately 1000 times the risk of death as any other EPA carcinogen” (radon.com). This colorless, odorless gas is a natural radioactive gas that emits from certain rock and soil. It is a heavy gas and, therefore, is often found in basement areas. There is no way to detect radon gas without testing.

It is wise to test the radon level in a home whether you are buying or selling. For sellers, be proactive and check the radon level in your basement. Install a radon mitigation system if necessary and show buyers the new test numbers. Buyers, testing for radon is especially important if the home has a finished basement you will be using.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It is very common in Pennsylvania. So, yes, radon is a big deal.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY

Prepare Your House to Sell in the Spring Market

According to most real estate data, the best months to sell a house are typically May and June as they fall within the peak selling season of late spring and early summer. Spring is right around the corner and will sneak up fast, especially if you are preparing your home to sell! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your home to sell in the spring market.

How To Be A Competitive Home Seller

Are you planning to sell your home and want to get a lot of buyers interested in your property? If so, you will want to start early and prepare ahead! When you list your home for sale, you want it to stand out against other listings and beat the competition. Here are some points on how to be a competitive home seller.

How To Be A Competitive Home Buyer

Are you planning to buy a home this year? If so, it’s time to start planning and preparing! Here are some key factors to consider in being a competitive home buyer.

Housing Trends Closing out 2024

Recently a friend reached out to ask questions about selling a home. She wanted to know what the difference is between selling a home privately, or selling it on the market with a realtor. Many people are focused on fees, but there are many differences and factors to consider. Few people outside of real estate understand the complexities of a home sale. Here are 10 points to help you understand the difference between “for sale by owner” and selling with a real estate professional.