Starting January 1, 2008 home buyers signing a sales contract for a home in Illinois must receive from the sellers the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) pamphlet entitled “Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions” (or an equivalent pamphlet approved for use by IEMA) and the Illinois Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards.
Radon is a radioactive gas. Radon is odorless, tasteless and invisible. According to the IEMA, homeowners may be exposed to radon for years before noticing it. Exposure at high enough levels can result in lung cancer.
Thus, IEMA strongly recommends that all home buyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or occupancy, and radon mitigation if elevated levels are found. Some of my buyers have had radon testing done during the attorney and inspection (A/I) review period. Testing has typically taken a couple of days from setup to completion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
