Radon--A Common Hazard Found in Bucks County

Take Action Against Radon

By John Voket


Homeowners should make sure they and their families are safe from the dangerous effects of radon. The EPA encourages everyone to have their homes tested - here's why.

The EPA defines radon as a gaseous, toxic radioactive element that comes from the natural decay of uranium in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.

Your home can trap radon inside, where it can build up. New and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements can be affected.

You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates, and overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

The EPA recommends that you have your home tested, which is easy and inexpensive. Find a professional in your area or purchase your own test kit.You can find a radon test kit order form online along with a coupon. Some home improvement stores also sell radon test kits. Follow the directions on the package for where to place the device in your home and where to send it to receive your reading.

If you'd prefer to have a professional inspect your home, find out who your state radon contact is and the particular requirements for your state. Your state may also be able to provide you with a list of certified contractors.

If you're considering a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Fuad Reveiz of the National Association of Home Builders says building techniques to prevent radon from entering a home are practical, straightforward and an inexpensive way to offer families a benefit that could reduce their risk of lung cancer.

Visit www.epa.gov/radon for more details on radon and how to prevent it from risking your family's health.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2017. All rights reserved.

Newtown Township Home Sales Through 9/30/2012



  

      

                     

          

 

Bucks County Home Sale Statistics Thru 9/30/12

What a difference a year makes!

The number of single family homes sold in Bucks County during September, 2012 was significantly higher than for September, 2012. The number of homes for sale decreased by 10.3%.  The following chart, provided by TrendMLS shows the statistics

 

It is still a buyers' market, but sellers are gaining more leverage with the decrease in the number of homes on the market.

Prices have not risen. In fact the average sale price of single family homes in Bucks County during the first nine months of 2012 was $275,000 compared to $280,000 during the same period in 2012.

Newtown Township Home Sale Statististics

The number of homes sold this year in Newtown Township through July, 2012 has significantly increased.  There was a dip in July but the overall trend is positive.  In fact, there were 32% fewer homes for sale in July, 2012 compared with the number for sale in July, 2011.

Average prices in the township fluctuate considerably due to the sales of new construction homes that are priced above the average sale price of existing homes within the township. 

A better indication of home sale prices for existing homes in Newtown Township is the statistics for Bucks County.  Prices in Bucks were up 1.5% if the average price of sold homes for July, 2012 is compared to the average price of sold homes in July, 2011. However, if home prices for the first seven months of 2012 are compared to the first seven months of 2011, prices were down 1.9%.

It is too soon to tell whether prices have bottomed out, but statistics indicate prices are relatively stable as compared the declining prices experienced since 2006.

This chart shows the month by month and year by year fluctuations in home sales over the last few years.