GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WBEN).....Yes, there are homes for sale across Niagara County...and, yes, there are buyers, but the residential real estate landscape has changed this summer because of reports of contaminated radioactive materials found at some homes and ongoing radiation testing.
"It has come up in more than a few conversations," said Jason Sokody with Howard Hanna real estate.
Members of Sokody's sales team - based out of Grand Island - are fielding more calls about radioactive testing than they ever could have imagined.
Radioactive contamination is a new buzzword in the region's residential real estate circles. Given all the headlines, it isn't surprising, Sokody said.
The most immediate impact: Both buyers and banks are requested more detailed environmental testing before signing off on any mortgage application.
One year ago, people were waiving inspections because of bidding wars and a low inventory of housing options.
Things have changed, Sokody said.
"It is forcing people to make better decisions," Sokody said.
Buyers are still interested in Niagara County residential listings.
Statistics bear that out.
According Zillow - the popular real estate website - the average home sale in Niagara County - as of July 31- was $258,142 - a 6.2% increase from one year ago.
That figure included seven-figure home sales in portions of Lewiston to start homes in places like Niagara Falls and the Town of Lockport.
Homes were selling at 60.3% above initial list price
Depending on the location in the county, the average days on the market ranged from 11 days to 41 days, according to Zillow data.
Zillow reports that there are 512 Niagara County listings, as of July 31, and 252 of those are new listings within the past month.
Median home sales averages range from $214,529 in Olcott to $303,018 in Ransomville.
Sokody says he understands the concerns potential home buyers are having about real estates - not in Niagara County but across the entire Buffalo Niagara region.
The skittish concerns are real.
"I keep saying, 'don't buy into the hysteria,' Sokody said. "But, there is nothing wrong with being cautious. Making sure you do that extra bit of due diligence."
Concerns about radiation led to more extensive testing for homebuyers
Concerns about radiation led to more extensive testing for homebuyers
