Buying or selling a home in Raleigh is an exciting step, but it also comes with plenty of details to manage. From home inspections to appraisals, there’s a long list of tasks to complete before closing. One step that’s often overlooked—but should never be skipped in Wake County—is radon testing. Because this invisible gas can pose serious health risks, testing during a real estate transaction is becoming increasingly important for both buyers and sellers.
Why Radon Matters in Real Estate Deals
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. It can enter homes through foundation cracks, crawlspaces, or utility gaps and build up indoors to unsafe levels. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the EPA.
Wake County is considered a Zone 1 area, meaning it has the highest potential for elevated radon levels. That makes radon testing in Raleigh real estate deals not just a precaution but a smart investment in safety and peace of mind.
Is Radon Testing Required by Law in North Carolina?
Currently, North Carolina does not require radon testing as part of a home sale. However, more buyers and realtors are requesting it because of growing awareness about local radon risks. While it may not be mandatory, including a radon test during the inspection process helps prevent surprises later and builds trust between buyers and sellers.
What Buyers Need to Know
For buyers, radon testing is one of the simplest ways to protect both your health and your investment. Professional testing typically takes 48 hours and can be completed at the same time as a general home inspection. Results show whether radon levels are within the EPA’s safe range or if action is needed.
If elevated levels are found, it doesn’t mean you need to walk away from the home. Instead, it gives you valuable information that can be used in negotiations. Buyers can request that the seller install a mitigation system or provide a credit toward the cost. Either way, the issue is solvable, and you’ll enter your new home with peace of mind.
What Sellers Need to Know
For sellers, addressing radon before listing a home can be a smart move. By testing early, you avoid potential delays or complications during closing. If results show low levels, you can market the property as “radon tested,” which reassures buyers. If high levels are found, you can choose to install a mitigation system before listing or be prepared to negotiate when offers come in.
Being upfront about radon builds trust with buyers and often makes the transaction smoother. In competitive markets like Raleigh, small steps like this can give your property an edge.
How Realtors Can Help
Real estate agents play an important role in guiding clients through the radon testing process. By encouraging buyers and sellers to test, agents help ensure safe transactions and protect everyone’s interests. A deal that falls apart over an unexpected radon result is stressful for all parties. Recommending testing early avoids that problem and shows clients you’re looking out for their long-term health.
What Happens if High Radon Levels Are Found?
The good news is that radon is easy to fix with professional mitigation. The most common solution involves a vent pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath the home and safely releases it outdoors. These systems usually reduce radon levels by up to 99% and can be installed in a single day.
Once mitigation is in place, follow-up testing ensures the home remains safe for years to come. This means buyers don’t have to sacrifice their dream home and sellers don’t have to lose a deal.
Radon Testing: A Smart Step for Raleigh Transactions
Whether you’re buying, selling, or representing clients in the Raleigh area, radon testing should be a standard part of every real estate deal. It protects health, avoids last-minute complications, and helps ensure a smooth closing. In a region where radon is common, this simple step makes all the difference. Get in touch with AAA Environmental Solutions today to protect your real estate transaction from the threat of radon.