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Realtors, Your Input Is Needed!

Reblogger Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
Home Inspector with IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581

I ran across this blog by Kevin and got to wondering about that, because I have also had some call back and cancel their radon inspection.  I have found radon in several of the homes that I have tested and my mother in laws was a high level of 13.  The Epa recommends doing something at 4.  I can't imagine why some one would want to advise someone not to get a radon test.

Original content by Kevin Corsa

In the past few months, it seem that I have been hearing realtors tell clients that they "really don't need to have a radon test performed". I have had at least 7 clients actaully schedule a radon test with me, and then consequently, call me back to cancel it, because their realtor had advised them that "they really don't need one".

Well, I am certainly not a lawyer, and by no means a legal authority, but simple deduction tells me that these realtors appear to be sticking their necks way out on the chopping block. Since radon can ONLY be detected by properly testing for it, and the ONLY way to know if you have a high concentration of it and need to have it mitigated is by testing, then WHY would any realtor want to risk telling a client that they do not need to have it tested? Especially when the general fix for most houses is less than $1000?

Suppose that the realtor suggested to a client that he need not have a radon test, and it is discovered at some later date (after the family has moved in), that indeed, there is a very high concentration of radon, and mitigation is definitely warranted. Who do you think that client is going to look to first to pay for it? And possibly other damages as well?

Even if you think you are in an area where the radon concentration is usually low, it may still be a very bad idea to advise your client NOT to have it tested. Are you prepared to guarantee the occupants safety, and warrant that they will never have any ill effects????

I would really like any and all opinions on this from the real estate community. Pleas feel free to elaborate on any opinion you may have, and if you think I'm all wet on this one, please tell me why you have that opinion.

Has something happened in the real estate community concerning radon that I am not aware of? 

TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

David, The answer is simple "Little Grasshoppa". With this soft economy they do not want any potential "deal killers" out there...

Jan 10, 2009 08:49 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent

Holy Cow...  I would never even think to tell a client that Radon testing was not necessary.  What if someone gets sick somewhere down the road and it's because of Radon?  I certainly would not want that hanging over my head.

Jan 11, 2009 04:52 PM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Michael, I understand, but yet I wouldn't want the consequences.  Thanks for stopping by.

Jan 13, 2009 04:05 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Nancy, glad to hear that, I'm like you, I try to tell people up front and if they chose not to have the test done, at least my mind is clear.  I sleep really well every night! I bet you do also.

Jan 13, 2009 04:06 AM
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x - Bay Minette, AL
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In areas like in North Georgia, where we have granite under most of your homes.  It is unethical for a Realtor in this area to tell their client not to get a radon test.  The cost vs possible effect to ones family is so low as to make it a real mistake not the have one done.

Jan 15, 2009 04:42 AM
Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference

Brian, I know I agree, the cost to have one done verses the cost of cancer is nothing to sneeze at.  Thanks for stopping by.

Jan 16, 2009 03:13 AM