I would buy it! If my kids started to glow in the dark I would probably move out. And yes I would go back and visit the family at Christmas. I am not an animal...

Sat Jun 7 2008, 18:32

Hi Jenny
Yes radon is common in most homes coming from the Earth, the degree is what is debatable.
But with remediation professionally, usually done by the sellers, you should have no problem at all.
I have seen this at many inspections but if you love the house this can be corrected, not to worry.
Dianne Mitchell-Satriano

Sat Jun 7 2008, 18:22

Radon can be found virtually anywhere, and especially in the eastern U.S. 4 pCi/L is the EPA standard, but frankly no one really has a good sense of what exposure at what levels causes health problems.

A remediation system would help the value of the house, or in other words radon without a remediation system would cause the value to drop a little. Usually, remediation systems are not that expensive, and usually involve venting the radon gas. Radon is a very heavy gas, yet with ventilation can be dispersed easily. Testing in different places (especially the height of the sensor), or testing in places where doors remain open or closed, has a huge effect on the testing results.

It also matters where you find the radon... its much more of a problem in a bedroom than it is in a basement storage closet.

Sat May 24 2008, 16:53

Radon is not a big deal. It is a naturally occuring gas. The remediation system does do the job to lower the levels in the home, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker by any means. I recently had a deal where the radon came back at 24pCi/L, it didn't stop my buyers--not at m urging but my clients lawyer explained that this is not a big deal, in fact he said when he bought his home his level was upwards of 30 or 40 pCi/L when they purchaed the home. He has lived in the home for over 15 years and has not ever had any problems at all!

Sat May 24 2008, 16:38

Hi Jenny, I specialize in Somerset County and so I can't comment on radon levels in general in Allendate. However, radon is not uncommon in New Jersey. I'd would look at it this way - it is fortunate that the radon was detected - because the seller will remediate and you can then rest easy that your home is safe. Remember that radon levels can fluctuate and so a home that tests within a normal range could become elevated at a future point and you may never know. This happened with a home sale I was involved with here in this area - newer home, tested normal when sold, the family had three small children who spent loads of time in the basement. Came time to sell, radon test done - and reading around where your first came came in - around 10. Same reaction...everyone was shocked. In that case, the home had been closed up which likely caused the radon to be even higher - that can definitely be a factor. The seller remediated, and the test after the system was installed came back with a reading that likely made the air safer than outdoor air.

I say to my buyers - don't be alarmed if the radon test comes back at a level that requires remediation because once that system is installed, you need not worry or wonder.

In terms of resale, I do not believe it negatively impacts. When I show a home, I point out the radon system and explain to my buyers just what I have explained to you.

Good luck with your home purchase. I wish you many years of happiness in your new home!

Best,
Jeannie Feenick
Weichert Realtors

Sun May 11 2008, 18:04