Should I talk to my clients about radon?
The EPA recommends all homes be tested.
This is a health and safety issue. Studies show that radon causes lung cancer and we live in an area that is more prone to unsafe levels of radon. But we have heard some advise against a radon test. Some believe that radon is from homes being too airtight. Others believe it does not get into homes with crawlspaces. One of our recent tests showed radon levels more than double the safe limit in a drafty 1970's trailer with a crawlspace. Because radon levels can be very different even between homes that are next door to each other, the EPA recommends all homes be tested. For more information about radon see our Radon Testing page.
Is Radon a deal breaker?
Not necessarily. Agents that are successful with radon tell me that it all hinges on preparing the client. We want to help. Our Radon Testing page is designed to present information to your clients in a straightforward, yet optomistic manner. Most people are afraid of radon because they don't know enough about it. The key is to teach them that radon is easy to get fixed. We have in our communities local contractors that have been very successful lowering radon levels in our homes. We have tested homes before and after, and every time the homes end up with levels much lower than the safety limit set by the EPA.
Can we feel good about getting this done?
Yes! Every year many of our community volunteers join together to raise money for cancer research. But locally we have a cancer issue that can be fixed one house at a time. We can do something that saves lives and puts people to work.
If the radon test shows a low level of radon, the client can feel more comfortable with the home and that you were looking out for their health. If the test shows a high level of radon, you can feel good knowing one more home can be made healthier. You can reassure your client that the home can be fixed. Again, the client can feel good that you were looking out for their health. The home can be re-tested after the contractor is done to further reassure the client.
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Do Pre-Sale Home Inspections Make Sense?
There are many advantages to getting an inspection before listing.
1. Having issues repaired ahead of time might fetch a higher price.
2. Taking care of these issues ahead of time can reduce the stress for the buyer and seller during negotiations.
3. The inspection report can be a good marketing tool.
4. An inspection report that discloses issues might also be a legal protection.
The North Carolina Association of REALTORS® listing agreement Form 101 (revised 11/2010) states:
HOME INSPECTION: Seller is advised to obtain a home inspection for the purpose of evaluating the condition of the Property in order to enhance its marketability and to help reduce concerns of prospective buyers. Seller q agrees q does not agree to obtain and pay for a home inspection by a licensed NC Home Inspector within _______ days after the execution of this agreement.
Do you discuss this with your client when listing a home? Have they asked you, “What is the advantage of spending money on a home inspection when the buyers will probably want their own inspection?” What are you telling them?
Yes, I admit that this change in the North Carolina contract benefits my business. But it can benefit you and the seller too.
Getting a home inspection is a good idea if:
The seller wants to avoid the last minute surprises of a buyer home inspection. Sometimes both parties are very surprised at what is found in an inspection. Suddenly there is work, aggravation, and a small measure of irrationality as both parties wrestle with who will do what, and added to this is the time limits of the due dilligence period.
The seller wants an extra edge in marketing the home. The competition is fierce; any extra effort or component to make the home more appealing to buyers will help set that home apart from everyone else. Getting an inspection also indicates to the potential buyers that the seller is serious about taking care of the home.
A home inspection will probably turn up some items that the seller was unaware of, but the seller can repair these items and present the home in top condition. The inspection then becomes a marketing tool when the inspector produces an “all items corrected” report.
Getting a home inspection may not be a good idea if:
The seller knows that there are numerous problems with the home and would rather not dig up the details on them. If I were selling my home, I would rather not hide my head like an ostrich. But some sellers feel that it is better to not disclose defects and rely on the "buyer beware” doctrine. But if the buyer gets an insepction, all of these problems will have to be dealt with right before the closing when there is more pressure.
The home has very serious known defects and is being sold “as is – where is”.
The home is not marketable.
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| The most important part - happy clients! |
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