Radon And Real Estate Transactions

Radon And Real Estate Transactions

I recently took a Radon class and I am now a certified “Radon Aware” realtor. Below are some radon facts I thought you might find interesting.

Radon Facts:

• Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock & water

• Homes in Colorado have higher levels of radon than the national average

• About 50% of homes in Colorado have high radon levels

• Radon is a Class A carcinogen that is known to cause lung cancer in humans with prolonged exposure

• Every year in the U.S. over 20,000 people die from radon-induced lung cancer. In Colorado, approximately 500 people die annually from radon-induced lung cancer.

• Radon disclosure is required in Colorado Real Estate Transactions. The Seller’s Property Disclosure Form specifically lists radon that if known by the seller to exist or ever have existed, must be disclosed. It should also be disclosed if a radon mitigation system exists.
  

It is strongly recommended by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to test for radon during the inspection process, and to use a contractor who is certified with the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). A list of certified radon testing contractors can be found at  http://www.coloradoradon.info

If radon is found during the inspection process consider asking the seller to pay for a mitigation system. The seller is not required to pay for mitigation; this is a negotiation between the buyer and seller, just like any other home repair.  If the seller is willing to pay for a mitigation system, work with your real estate professional to determine the best way to obtain the funding from the seller and have the system installed by a certified contractor after taking possession of the property. This will help to ensure that you are happy with the system design.

When you decide to install a mitigation system seek bids from NRPP or NRSB certified mitigation contractors.

The Colorado Department of Health recommends testing for radon in your home every 2 years.

Check out this short Radon Aware video for homebuyers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYkxhlCsBTk

Please let me know if you’d like more information on radon!

*This information is taken directly from the Colorado Department of Health & Environment’s pamphlet “Radon and Real Estate Transactions in Colorado”

Author: Mary Orear
Phone: 812-290-7554
Dated: April 1st 2019
Views: 668
About Mary: Originally from the east and more recently, Indiana, my husband and I have been vacationing here sin...