You might encounter radon concerns when buying or selling a home as a real estate agent. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can significantly impact property transactions, especially when elevated levels are discovered. Whether you’re representing a buyer or a seller, understanding radon, its implications, and how to address it can reduce stress for you and your clients. This article will explore the five key things every real estate agent should know about radon.
Radon Gas is Manageable in Every Home
One of the most important things real estate agents need to know is that radon is a solvable issue. Even if a residence measures above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action threshold of 4.0 pCi/L, it is still possible to address the issue. Radon mitigation systems can be installed virtually any home, regardless of the building’s design or structure. These systems vary, but they all serve the same purpose: reducing radon levels to safe amounts.
It’s important to reassure your clients that radon isn’t something they have to worry about permanently. Mitigation specialists can provide tailored solutions for each home. You can even have a quote for the mitigation process before test results are finalized, helping your clients feel confident moving forward. If the situation feels complicated, contacting a mitigation company for an onsite evaluation can be an effective way to assess the scope of the work and prepare for any necessary steps early on.
Mitigation Should Begin Before Test Results Come In
In the world of real estate, time is often of the essence. If elevated radon levels are suspected, it’s best to begin the mitigation process before the results are finalized. A radon mitigation system can be installed relatively quickly, typically within a day, and retesting can be completed in as little as three days using electronic monitors.
Real estate transactions often require mitigation before closing, significantly if the radon levels exceed the EPA’s recommended limit. By starting the mitigation process before the test results, you can ensure that everything is in place for a smooth closing. This proactive approach can help keep your clients’ transactions on track and prevent delays that could cause unnecessary stress.
Digital Testing and Flexible Payment Options
As a real estate agent, you’ll want to work with radon testing companies that offer digital radon testing. Unlike traditional charcoal tests that take weeks, digital testing devices provide accurate results in 48 hours. This speed is beneficial in fast-paced real estate transactions, where time can be limited.
Digital testing is quicker and more reliable, saving time in a real estate deal. Additionally, many radon mitigation companies offer flexible payment options, which can be a game-changer for your clients. Some companies allow payments out of closing costs, helping sellers or buyers who may be stretched thin due to other expenses. This can also ease the financial burden and make it easier for your clients to move forward with mitigation without worrying about upfront costs.
Quality Workmanship and Warranties Are Crucial
When it comes to radon mitigation, the quality of the work matters. Lowering radon levels below the EPA’s recommended threshold of 4.0 pCi/L requires expertise and attention to detail. When choosing a radon mitigation company, ensure they have the necessary experience and can stand behind their work with solid warranties.
Verifying the company’s responsiveness and reliability is essential, as issues can arise after installation, especially if the system doesn’t function as expected. A good company should be easy to contact and offer explicit warranties covering system installation and future repairs if needed. You don’t want your clients to be left in a bind if something goes wrong, especially if the closing date is near. Quality service and good customer support are vital to ensuring a successful transaction.
Don’t Ignore Radon Gas Issues
Radon is a serious health hazard and should not be overlooked in a real estate transaction. The Environmental Protection Agency considers radon to be the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States and identifies it as the primary factor for individuals who do not smoke. It is linked to around 21,000 fatalities each year. As a real estate agent, it is essential to convey the dangers associated with radon to your clients, regardless of whether they are purchasing or selling a property.
If a home tests high for radon, it is crucial to act swiftly. Whether the buyer or seller pays for mitigation or if costs are split, it is necessary to ensure future residents’ health and safety. Failure to address elevated radon levels could lead to health problems for the new owners, which could result in legal or financial consequences down the line.
Conclusion
By understanding the importance of radon and its impact on real estate transactions, you can confidently help your clients navigate the process. Radon is a solvable issue that should not derail a deal if appropriately handled. As a real estate agent, being proactive about radon testing, working with experienced mitigation companies, and emphasizing the health risks can help facilitate smoother transactions and ensure the safety of everyone involved. By being knowledgeable and ready, you can transform a possibly overwhelming scenario into a chance to offer meaningful assistance to your clients.
