No one likes to hear these words, you have a mold problem! Especially when you are in the middle of a real estate transaction! It is a common reality in the real estate market here in the Kansas City metro area where basement problems, humidity and flooding are a frequent problem for many property owners. The presence of mold is inevitable in homes and commercial property throughout the metro area, especially fixer-uppers. It’s true that the buyers are reluctant in buying a house with mold. And yes, it is another item to work through during your real estate transaction. However, it doesn’t mean that selling a house with mold creates a problem. In fact the solution is simple.
The Keys to a Smooth Real Estate Transactions When Buying a House or Selling a House with Mold
Consult
First of all, getting a consult from an experienced professional you can trust is a top priority. Start with a company with strong customer reviews and a reputation for quality. At Fresh Start, we always provide free estimates! Formal mold inspections with mold testing are also available upon request. If visible mold is present, like many fixer-uppers, we do not recommend mold testing as doing so is an unnecessary expense to the property owner.
Plan
The mold pro’s plan and recommendations will depend primarily on the size and severity of the mold damage. Spore counts and the presence of black mold, aka Stachybotrys, will also be considered. A detailed typed estimate will be provided.
Remove
If mold removal is needed, crews should move swiftly to provide a quality job with stellar customer service, leaving a thoroughly sanitized environment.
Verify
Once all removal and cleaning have been completed. Indoor air quality needs to be verified. Due to the conflict of interest, a 3rd party mold testing company should be hired to double-check remediation work and ensure a safe mold testing result.
Things To Do as a BUYER
Buying a house with mold does not have to complicated. Here are a few simple tips to follow as a buyer of a home with potential mold.
- Have your prospective property thoroughly inspected by a mold professional in ADDITION to a home inspection.
- Because many home inspectors are not trained in mold remediation, most often they will overlook issues that a mold professional will spot.
- Also, a mold professional is familiar with the common “cover-up techniques” and will look beyond the obvious.
- Newly renovated properties must have a mold inspection. Due to the common practice of renovators and contractors to cover up or improperly remove mold when working on fixer-uppers.
- If mold is present, use it as a point of negotiation. Do NOT agree for a general contractor to remove the mold. Ensure that the mold company follows the guidelines outlined by the EPA for proper mold removal.
- Post-remediation testing needs to be completed with a minimum of 3 air samples by a third party contractor.
- This ensures that the mold contractor did their job correctly and that no mold spores became airborne during the removal process. This also ensures that the air quality in the property is clean prior to buying a house.
- Request for copies of documentation for all repairs, reports, pictures, paid invoices, warranties, etc from the mold contractor.
Things To Do as a SELLER
Selling a house with mold does not have to complicated. Here are a few simple tips to follow as a seller of a home with mold.
- Have your home thoroughly inspected by a mold professional before selling a house on the market.
- It may be advisable to have a mold test done from air samples taken in areas of the home that have experienced water damage or elevated humidity in the past.
- Repair all the damaged systems or foundation issues that may cause water damage, since water is the main cause of mold infestation.
- If mold is present, hire a mold professional to have the mold addressed properly. Do NOT hire general contractors who are not certified to remove mold. They can cause mold to become airborne and distributed to other parts of the home and make the problem much worse.
- Document all of the repairs with copies of reports, pictures, paid invoices, and warranties. This documentation is essential to provide to buyers as well as protect yourself against a lawsuit later.
Things To Do as a REALTOR
Mold does not have to ruin your real estate contract! First of all, educating your buyers and sellers is the key to a successful deal!
- Have a certified mold professional complete an inspection in ADDITION to a standard home inspection.
- Because many home inspectors are not trained in mold remediation, most often they will overlook issues that a mold professional will spot.
- Also, a mold professional is familiar with the common “cover-up techniques” and will look beyond the obvious.
- Newly renovated properties must have a mold inspection due to the common practice of renovators and contractors to cover up or improperly remove mold when working on a fixer-upper.
- Have a quality mold professional that you trust!
- Stay away from mold professionals that use scare tactics. Also, professionals or whose bids come in considerably lower than the average.
- Make sure the use EPA & IICRC standards for remediation.
- Verify that the on-site project manager is properly certified in mold remediation by an independent, notable 3rd party organization.
- Work only with mold contractors that have a high customer service experience rating. This ensures that there are no delays, sloppy services, and poor customer service. That is common, especially with nationally known franchises.
- Have your clients meet with the mold professional so they can feel comfortable with the remediation process.
- Post-remediation testing needs to be completed. With a minimum of 3 air samples by a third party contractor.