Get the Scoop on Radon!

Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can pose a serious risk to your health if it accumulates and seeps into your home. Radon typically enters the home via underground crawl spaces, sump pumps, gaps in the basement and even the water supply. It can pollute your indoor air with its toxic vapors, and is held responsible for more than 20,000 lung-disease-related deaths every year. Radon is assumed to be present in millions of American homes. How do you detect the presence of radon gas, and how can you reduce its presence and influence if it is found in your home?

First, you can have your home tested using a home test kit or by a professional. Many contractors are licensed or certified by state and/or local agencies or you can contact your nearest branch of the Environmental Protection Agency to find a reputable company or test kit provider. Whichever you choose, it takes a few days to conduct the diagnostic testing to determine if radon gas is at an acceptable level.

If levels are dangerous, the solution may be as simple as installing a specialized ventilation system (at a relatively low cost). They may also suggest installing covers on sump pumps or closing access to crawl spaces to reduce the infiltration of radon gas into living areas. Whoever installs the mitigation system should also test radon levels after installation, to verify that has reduced radon to an acceptable level in the home.

Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners. This naturally occurring substance has been found in homes throughout the country. It is virtually undetectable without sophisticated testing. However, being informed of its existence, the availability of detection thru home kits or professionals, and a relatively low-cost solution should help anyone concerned to buy with confidence.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!

What Every Seller Should Show

You are about to put your home on the market. Since you have lived there for many years, you know that it is not perfect. There may be a leak in the basement that shows up only after a heavy rain; your garage door might stick, or the dishwasher may be prone to labor strikes for some unknown reason.

Every home has a few quirks, and when it is time to sell, you have a choice of either making the necessary repairs in order for those things to function properly, or letting the buyers know about the problems. As a matter of real estate law, all material defects must be fully disclosed.

Some buyers will contract a professional home inspector to evaluate the mechanical and structural items of the home. Even if the buyers don't ask for an expert to look at the house, each seller is still legally obligated to disclose any known defects in the property at the time the purchase agreement is written and again at the time of closing.

The seller's agent will provide the disclosure form, wherein the seller may itemize any problems. Sellers try to avoid lawsuits over undisclosed defects by making repairs before the sale or agreeing to a price adjustment during the transaction if defects are discovered. As always, document your negotiations in full and keep copies for future reference.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!