Sussex County Association of REALTORS^®
Bi-Monthly Real Estate Article
The Sussex Countian and Milford Beacon

A home is more than just a place to live.

Buying a home is a long-term investment. In fact, according to studies by the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR), America’s leading advocate for homeownership, homeownership is the traditional starting point for American families to accumulate wealth. When purchased over the long term, housing is one of the safest investments a consumer can make. In addition to the savings accumulated through a buildup of equity and tax advantages, a home provides shelter-a benefit you won’t get from a paper investment.

Because your home is the center of your family life as well as a great investment, it’s important to make sure that it’s a healthy environment. Problems with mold, asbestos, radon and lead can pose a serious health risk and cause major damage.

Mold Prevention and Control

Mold was constantly in the news in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Homes in the areas ravaged by the storm had severe mold problems due to the extreme flooding. But the ubiquitous fungus doesn’t need flood conditions to flourish. Molds produce irritants that can provoke allergies and coughing, and make toxins that have been linked to major respiratory conditions. You can’t prevent mold entirely but you can take steps to control it by controlling moisture in your home. Moisture is the culprit, so you must be on the alert for leaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have useful information about mold and how to manage it.

Radon Testing and Remediation

Radon is a naturally occurring toxic substance found in all 50 states. It’s a radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or feel, that can seep into your basement from the soil and rock beneath your home. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon gas can cause lung cancer — in fact, according to the EPA, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Home test kits are available in most hardware and home improvement stores. You can find information on radon, how to test for it and how to remediate your home at www.delawarehealthyhomes.org.

Lead Hazards and Reduction

Lead is a highly toxic metal that is poisonous to humans and especially toxic to children. It was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. A range of health problems have been blamed on exposure to lead — from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and even death. The U.S. government took steps to reduce public exposure to lead by banning its use in lead-based paint and by phasing out its use in gasoline. In 1992 the federal government enacted the “Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act”. The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) is a good source to get information on lead or to get help locating certified contractors in your area.

Help is Available

Your REALTOR^® is also a good source of valuable information about ways to keep your home safe and protect your investment. The NAR makes its extensive library of materials available to all REALTOR^® members so they can help you.

The Sussex County Association of REALTORS^® (www.scaor.com) is one of four professional REALTOR^® trade associations in Delaware for individuals involved in the real estate industry and allied industries and firms. With membership of over 1,300 REALTORS^® from more than 100 real estate offices in Sussex County and surrounding areas, SCAOR provides products, programs and services for its members. SCAOR is located at 23407 Park Avenue in Georgetown and can be reached at (302) 855-2300.