Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, and in a competitive market like Raleigh, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of inspections, negotiations, and closing dates. But there’s one step that too many buyers and sellers overlook: radon testing. In Wake County, where the risk for elevated radon levels is high, skipping this test could mean moving into a home with hidden health hazards. For both buyers and realtors, radon testing should be treated as an essential part of the home buying process.
Why Radon Testing Matters in Raleigh Real Estate
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It enters homes through cracks, crawlspaces, and foundations, building up inside without any warning signs. It’s invisible and odorless, so you can’t tell if it’s there without a test. Long-term exposure, however, is linked to lung cancer, making it the second leading cause of the disease in the United States.
Raleigh and the surrounding area are part of an EPA Zone 1 region, which means radon is common here and levels frequently exceed the EPA’s recommended limit of 4.0 pCi/L. That makes testing especially important for anyone purchasing a home in Wake County.
Is Radon Testing Required by Law?
In North Carolina, radon testing is not legally required during a real estate transaction. However, just because it’s not mandated doesn’t mean it should be skipped. More buyers are requesting radon testing as part of the inspection process, and many realtors are encouraging it to protect their clients and prevent last-minute issues.
When high radon levels are discovered after closing, it can create stress, added expense, and even health concerns for new homeowners. Including the test before finalizing a deal avoids surprises and ensures everyone involved has the right information.
What Buyers Need to Know
For buyers, radon testing provides peace of mind. The process is straightforward and usually takes 48 hours with professional equipment. Results are available quickly and can be factored into negotiations. If elevated radon levels are found, it doesn’t mean you should walk away from the home. Instead, it gives you leverage to request a mitigation system or negotiate costs with the seller.
Knowing about radon ahead of time helps buyers make informed decisions and protects their investment. It’s much easier to address the issue before closing than to deal with it afterward.
What Realtors Need to Know
For real estate agents, recommending radon testing is a way to build trust with clients. Buyers appreciate agents who look out for their best interests, and sellers benefit from having a smoother transaction with fewer roadblocks. Addressing radon concerns early helps avoid delays and can even make a home more marketable if mitigation is already in place.
By positioning radon testing as a standard part of the inspection process, realtors can help clients feel confident and reduce the risk of post-sale disputes.
What If Radon Is Found?
The good news is that radon problems are highly fixable. Mitigation systems use a vent pipe and fan to draw radon from under the foundation and release it outside, often reducing indoor levels by 99% or more. These systems are relatively affordable and can typically be installed in just a day.
When a test reveals high levels, buyers and sellers can negotiate who covers the cost of mitigation. Some sellers choose to handle it before closing, while others may provide a credit so the buyer can have the system installed. Either way, the issue is solvable and shouldn’t be seen as a deal-breaker.
Making Radon Testing Part of Every Raleigh Home Purchase
Radon may be invisible, but its risks are real—and very relevant in Wake County. By including radon testing in every real estate transaction, buyers, sellers, and realtors can avoid unexpected problems, protect their health, and ensure peace of mind. In a market as active as Raleigh’s, treating radon testing as a standard step just makes sense.
At AAA Environmental Solutions, we are committed to helping homebuyers make a fully informed decision about a property before purchase. We want you to be confident that the home you purchase is safe for your family. Reach out today to schedule radon testing as part of your home inspection process.