Ranch home 3 BR 1.5 BA with NEWLY RENOVATED KITCHEN, including new oak cabinets, appliances, flooring, new light fixtures throughout, living room, dining room, full basement with den and laundry room, large deck and large workshop in spacious, private back yard. To directly access this property, use this shortcut: http://www.fizber.com/north-carolina-buy-single-family-home-11648426.html

Sellers should know about the health risks associated with radon, a naturally occurring gas you can't see, smell or taste. Radon can be found anywhere, and the Surgeon General has issued the following Health Advisory: "Indoor radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk... It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."

Radon trapped in soil typically enters indoor air through cracks or holes in the foundation, or through well water. Local geology, construction materials and how the house was built are all factors that affect radon levels, which can vary widely in the same neighborhood. The EPA suggests mitigation when the indoor level is 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per Liter) or more. Because of rock formations prevalent in the area, Henderson, Buncombe and Transylvania Counties are rated Zone 1 (red zones) with a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L.

Consider having your house tested by a qualified individual or company before putting it on the market. If you don't test, it's likely the buyer will. Have the test done in the lowest level of the house that could be used regularly. If an unacceptable level of radon is found, it can be reduced by installing a simple venting system. The right system depends upon the design of your house and other factors, and must conform to EPA requirements. There is a potential conflict of interest if the same person or firm performs the testing and installs the mitigation system. Obtain more than one estimate, and after the mitigation is done, have your house re-tested by an independent qualified radon specialist.

Answers to your questions about radon can be found in a publication from the EPA, "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" (EPA 402/K-09/002). You also can visit the EPA website for more information: http://www.epa.gov/radon.

Smart Selling Tip:

Because of local rock formations, radon issues are a fact of life in our area. Before putting your house on the market, consider having it tested by a qualified individual or company and install a mitigation system, when needed. If you don't test, the buyer likely will. Use a clean radon report as a marketing and negotiating tool.

©2009 Sandy LeRoy and Mary Stephens

Smart Selling is a collaboration by two local businesswomen whose work is directly connected with the real estate industry: Mary Stephens of Prudential Lifestyle Realty (ronstephensproperties.com) and Sandy LeRoy of Sterling Property Services (sterlingpropertyservice.com). Questions and comments invited.

More and more sellers are choosing to get a home inspection before listing their house as a competitive tool and to help ensure that that the selling process goes more smoothly, with fewer surprises. This is by no means a complete list, but a typical home inspection includes an evaluation of the site, the exterior, the interior, the systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing and the building components. A home inspection does not include radon, septic system, termites, wells, mold or water quality issues, which must be evaluated by specialists. If you have concerns about any of these matters, rest assured the buyer's inspector will find the problem. It's smart selling to identify the problem yourself.

One of the major benefits of a seller's home inspection is that it provides an unbiased third-party report on the condition of the house. Other benefits include:

•§ Improves your ability to set a more accurate listing price reflecting the true condition of the house.

•§ Justifies a higher listing price if the house is in superb condition.

•§ Creates a powerful marketing tool that makes your house stand out from the competition and increases buyer confidence from the outset.

•§ Gives you the choice of making repairs or selling "as is".

•§ Controls the cost and timeframe for making repairs.

•§ Demonstrates your good faith by publishing the report.

•§ Prevents the buyer from using inflated costs as a negotiating tool.

•§ Streamlines the negotiation process.

•§ Prevents closings from being delayed or deals from falling through when the buyer's inspector finds a problem.

•§ Demonstrates your due diligence in completing the mandatory disclosure forms.

•§ Helps the buyer make a faster, better informed decision about your house, with less likelihood of buyer's remorse.

•§ Prevents small details from disrupting or derailing otherwise smooth negotiations.

•§ Allows you the opportunity to make corrections in the inspection if needed, and attach invoices for completed repairs.

The cost of a home inspection is based on the age and square footage of the house, but generally is between $300 and $400. If you have any suspicions or concerns, a seller's inspection and specialty inspections worth considering. The confidence and peace of mind they can provide is priceless.

Smart Selling Tip:

Even if the house is in superb condition and has been diligently maintained, smart sellers consider the benefits of a seller's home inspection as a competitive and negotiating tool.

Fall is here. The pumpkins were out in Fletcher near the library, beautifully displayed. They had so many kinds, colors and shapes. It was really fun to walk through all of the rows. I am thinking I need to grow some of these beauties.

Getting ready for the pies and pumpkin faces on the porch. And all the trick and treaters looking for goodies.

The leaves are turning pretty colors and falling fast. If you don’t want to miss the colors, make plans to get here in the next few weeks.

The woods will be bare in no time.

Join us in Hendersonville NC to celebrate fall.

THIS HOME IN HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA WAS UNDER CONTRACT IN 47 DAYS AND JUST CLOSED FOR 92% OF ASKING!

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the Brevard or Hendersonville area of western North Carolina, visit us online today at BrevardNCProperty.com, or just give us a call at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291. Be sure to ask for a copy of the most recent market report.

I just love happy endings!