RADON AWARENESS MONTH

Radon Awareness Month is the perfect reminder that what you can’t see inside a home can still

matter—especially here in the Triangle. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, and it’s

common throughout the Raleigh–Durham area, whether a home is old, new, on a crawl space,

slab, or basement. If you’re buying, selling, or already living in a home, here’s the real-estate-focused

breakdown you should know

☢️ What Is Radon (Real Estate Version)?

Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil
It moves up through the ground and can enter homes through:
- Foundation cracks
- Crawl spaces
- Slab joints
- Utility and pipe openings
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon — testing is the only way to know

📍 Homes in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and

surrounding areas can test with elevated levels.

Click this link for the NC Radon Program :https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/health-service-regulation/north-carolina-radon-program

💡How Often Should You Test for Radon?

Every 2 years for homeowners
After renovations (especially foundations, HVAC, or encapsulation)
During a home purchase — testing during due diligence is key
After major grading, drainage, or soil changes

Radon levels can change over time, even if a home tested low before.

📊 Radon in Real Estate Transactions

Radon testing is not required by NC law, but it’s:

Very common in inspections
A frequent negotiation item
A manageable issue when handled correctly

Typical scenarios:

Buyer requests radon test during due diligence
Test comes back elevated (4.0 pCi/L or higher)
Seller installs mitigation or buyer negotiates credit
Deal moves forward smoothly when everyone understands the process

🛠️ What Is Radon Mitigation?

Radon mitigation is a system designed to reduce radon levels inside a home.

How it works:

A small pipe is installed from beneath the home (slab or crawl space)
A quiet fan pulls radon gas from below the house
Gas is safely vented above the roofline
System runs continuously and uses minimal electricity

👍 Most systems:

Are installed in 1 day
Cost far less than people expect
Reduce radon levels by up to 99%
Become a selling feature once installed

🏠 Does Mitigation Affect Home Value?

Short answer: No — and often the opposite.

In real estate:

A mitigated home is often more attractive than an untested one
Buyers like seeing documented systems already in place
It removes uncertainty and future negotiation stress
It shows proactive ownership and transparency

✅ My Advice as a Local Realtor

Don’t panic about radon — it’s common and fixable
Test early during due diligence
Work with licensed mitigation professionals
Keep documentation for future resale
Use it as a solution, not a deal-breaker

Radon awareness isn’t about fear — it’s about information and smart decisions.

If you’re buying, selling, or just want help understanding your options, I’m always happy to walk you through it 💬

#RadonAwarenessMonth
#RaleighDurhamRealEstate
#TriangleHomes
#HomeInspections
#SmartHomeownership
#BuyersAndSellers
#RealEstateEducation
#heathergowerrealestate

January Radon Awareness Month