The Real Estate Professional's Guide To Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring element and environmental issue. Real estate brokers and agents hear about radon fears all the time, especially from buyers worried about the health threat it poses. As a real estate professional, you need to understand how the presence of radon can influence your next sale.
Radon causes thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. The gas is invisible and not possible to smell or taste, making it a serious threat. It is much like carbon monoxide in that you cannot detect it on your own. Unlike carbon monoxide, it actually kills quite slowly. This makes it so important to look for radon for anybody in the process of buying a new home.
Testing for Radon When Selling a Home
The only way to tell how much radon is in a given home is to test it, and it is a great idea to test it during the process of buying and selling. Testing is often something that a home inspector may provide, but there are also DIY kits you can convince buyers to perform.
Any radon level above 4 pCi/L needs to be treated in a process typically referred to as remediation. Every home is likely to test for some type of radon, but high amounts must be treated.
What Can Sellers Do about Radon?
If your home has a high concentration of radon, you have several options for reducing it. Some people start by hiring companies to begin sealing up areas in the foundation to prevent high amounts of radon from seeping in.
There are more effective options that should be utilized as well. For starters, you can suggest that the seller install a radon reduction system. This system uses vents, pipes, fans, and vacuums to encourage radon to leave the building.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy a House with Radon?
In some cases, it may be just fine for your clients to buy a home that has tested high for radon. This is because techniques to reduce radon tend to work well. It is also a cost-effective option in many cases. As an investment property, this type of property may attract a variety of buyers.
As a real estate professional, it is your role to inform sellers of the issues a buyer will be concerned with. Home inspectors may not always test for radon, but you can ensure that this tricky subject is covered ahead of time.
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