The EPA tells us that one in 15 American homes may suffer the effects of cancer causing Radon gas. Radon gas is the result of naturally occurring uranium breaking down. The gas comes into homes through cracks and openings. Real estate agents who are interested in bringing their clients the safest properties available know that radon testing is an important part of that process.
Radon Detection Systems (RDS) works with real estate agents, corporate clients and homeowners to make properties safe for families and employees all across the country. When RDS was known as MINCO, we worked on discovering radon in dangerous industrial situations like mining operations. Since the 1980s, when radon gas was discovered to be a threat to homeowners, we began offering our services to commercial and residential properties.
Today, we engage in a variety of services meant to insure the utmost safety against toxins. We test properties for mold, lead, asbestos as well as radon gas. RDS can help real estate agents protect their clients and their bottom line with our services.
Radon Testing Helps Sell Property
Some survey results from a 2011 questionnaire by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) shows the buyers believe home inspections are a must. 90% believed they are a necessity. 72% believe inspections saved them money and long-term problems. A home with a pre-sale inspection makes the buyer more confident in making the purchase. It’s likely that such homes would sell quicker and the sale may be made with less conditions attached, making it easier on the real estate agent.
Real estate agents agree. In a 2001 survey conducted by ASHI, 72% of real estate agents believed having a home inspector helped close transactions. 87% believed a home inspection improved buyer confidence.
RDS services can improve consumer confidence. We are board-certified for radon testing and mitigation installation services. We work closely with government agencies to keep abreast of new developments. The ASHI survey showed that consumer confidence improves when they know the qualifications of the inspectors.
Radon Testing Law and Liability
The legislative landscape regarding radon testing and mitigation is moving towards zero tolerance. Existing laws in most states requires sellers to disclose a great deal of information about the home they are selling. The failure to disclose such information (when it is discovered later) can kill a sale at best, and expose the seller and the seller’s agent to liability. In Minnesota, the law requires the disclosure of radon information before the purchase goes through. Failure to disclose the information and give buyers notice of a radon warning will subject the seller to a penalty.
Some states are considering following Minnesota’s lead. Some are even considering making radon mitigation tools mandatory for residential properties.
For now in Colorado, sellers are required to disclose “latent defects” in the home’s condition of which the seller is aware. It protects the buyer from purchasing a property with dangers not easily seen during a walkthrough. This should motivate agents and sellers alike to align themselves with high-quality inspectors skilled in detecting hidden problems like radon gas, which has no odor or color, or mold hidden beneath floors and walls. If these problems cause harm to a buyer later, the seller and agent could be liable for the damages.
We know radon gas and asbestos can cause lung cancer. Mold spores may be responsible for respiratory illnesses and exacerbate asthma. Selling a home quickly is a great reason to inspect homes for these problems, as is protecting agents and sellers from potential liability. The best reason is to protect the health of those moving into their dream home. That is what the expert professionals at RDS will provide.
My wife and I are getting ready to sell our home, but we never considered having it tested for radon. I like your point about how 87% of people surveyed by the ASHI think that a home inspection improves buyer confidence. We might have to test for this so potential buyers feel safer purchasing the house.