What do you mean your client isn't buying it just because of the countertops? My client just spent $5,000 on those granite countertops to make it look this good so it will sell faster and now you are telling me that you aren't buying because of them?
Yep, this was the conversation I had with a buyer's agent on Saturday and I was in shock to what I was hearing. Those countertops looked dang good and it made that kitchen look awesome! Evidently, this buyer could not see that and says to my seller that if they want to sell it they will replace all countertops in the house with another type countertop.
It turns out that this person didn't like granite because of salmonella and the warnings that she heard on the news about how it traps the bacteria easier and can kill you. Oh, but that isn't all...There is more! As an added bonus, she said granite also produces radon gas.
What? Salmonella? Radon? What else am I going to have to tell my seller his extra $5,000 does for him? Has anyone else heard of this? I can understand the salmonella, but clean your counters or use a cutting board you should be fine, but radon? Is this going to end up being another addendum we are going to have to have buyers and sellers sign? My client has now offered to replace the counter tops for the buyer, but she is afraid of residual radon, is this something that stays or does it go with the counters?
If anyone can give me information on this that would be greatly appreciated as I was thinking about installing this in my kitchen, but I may wait now.
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
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Yes, I have heard the same.
I've heard that the radon issue can be real but don't recall the source anymore. I do recall finding some reliable information on the internet that said it all depends on the source of the granite. Perhaps a simple radon test would comfort the buyers assuming it comes back negative.
Todd - I read about it this morning - radon is in the soil - so if the granite comes from an area that has a strong radon count - hmm..
I'll try to remember where I read it - probably here - did you search blogs for radon?
Just thinking - I wonder if a radon test would work on granite after it is sealed or at all?
Todd, thanks for the excellent article:)
The dangers of remodeling something just to sell it. Everyone has different taste or, in this case, different concerns/fears. I have heard something about the radon and granite connection on the news recently but only heard the end of the news piece. I guess if the buyer was willing to pay full price, and put up non-refundable earnest money, maybe it would be worthwhile for the seller to replace those countertops AGAIN.
The issue of radon in granite countertops was big news about 4-6 weeks ago when I heard there was an article in the NY Times about it. It does exist, but not in all types of granite and there is big debate on at what levels. Supposedly some types of granite are more of a concern than others, but nobody seems to be running out and advising replacement of them just yet (except for maybe formica & corian salesmen) and I certainly have not heard of a need to disclose granite countertops.
Todd, I think that this is another of the many cases where an article in the media has blown a minor problem into a major problem. Use a good cleaner on the counter tops and cutting board and make sure that the kitchen has adequate ventilation. I thought that the picture, if it was of the counter tops in question looked great!
Todd, Brian just mentioned this to me yesterday - about granite and radon! Wonder what is going to happen now, there has been a whole lot of granite counter tops put on in our area. ~Rita
Todd: I have actually had this kind of thing happen before. For some people, even selecting the countertops... even replacing them... can be a deal-breaker. Everyone has their own hot buttons.
I haven't heard of the salmonella issue but I have heard of radon being an issue. It's very possible to have a counter top emit radon gas.... how much I have no idea.
I have heard about the radon, but not salmonella. I would think that if you cleaned your countertops regularly, you would not have to worry about the salmonella. That concern seems a little out there to me.
I've heard the same things but, I have granite and won't be changing any time soon.
I have actually heard the same thing before. Tell them they can rip them out and put down what ever they want :-)
your friend in Charlottesville!
Radon is a real issue when using granite to remodel. A safer bet in todays markets are synthetic or concrete material. Silstone is my number one recommendation and my husband the builder has quit using Granite.
Wow, this sounded like one of those urban legends but there is quite a bit of truth to it. Here is a PDF from the Marble and Granite institute.
www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/radontesting_u-akron2008.pdf
Before your client rips them out there is a way to test the countertops since radon is only a problem in a small amount of granite.
https://securechek.com/DIY/index.html
You can follow an ongoing discussion from Green Builders HERE.
Good luck with the sale. I might have to write a blog about this for the stagers - many of us advise replacing countertops with granite. Thanks for the heads up.
Todd _ I read about this issue several weeks ago (the radon that is). Radon does occur in some granite (we have lots here in NH AKA the granite state) but radon does dissipate when it hits the air so an open window or good ventilation would get rid of it and I doubt if you pull out the counters that there would be radon left over since the source would be gone (that is if these particular counters are even a source) I'd have the sellers get a Radon Air test in the kitchen and go from there.
Todd - I've heard a lot of talk about radon lately... What next?
Yes the radon issue was all over Good Morning America here in PA. I was taken back by this as well. However it is true.
As for salmonella I think you will find that to be a problem anywhere in ther kitchen If food is not handled correctly. Tough breck for the sellers.
Teresa - I'm starting to think anything we touch in life will kill us. So what are the effects of blogging on our health?
Richard - I'm going to make some calls, I wonder how much a radon test costs?
Richard - Just looked it up the test is about $100 if you get it with the rest of a regular home inspection.
Pam - NOOOOOOOOO! It took me to long to find this buyer. (LOL)
Virginia - No, but I guess I should, shouldn't I. This would be the place to find someone who is an expert on radon.
DJ - Good question, I'll have to ask the inspector I just e-mailed.
Donna - I agree, it better be enough earnest money to cover the cost of changing out the counters.
I would like to thank who ever sent me this link in my e-mail. It turns out the study was funded by companies that sell alternative counter tops to granite and marble. Here is the link to the counter to the study http://www.marble-institute.com/
Steve - The article that I was sent via e-mail that I just posted to the comments suggest that the study was put out by those salesman.
Tony or Darcy - I think they look great to, and I certainly can't picture there being Orange Formica being installed there. (LOL)
You can also check out the EPA's positon thru this link:
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/rps/radon/index.shtml