Realtors, Your Input Is Needed!

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?