Moldy Matters

The presence of mold in your house can be a frightening thought, especially when you're selling.  However, if you’ve done proper maintenance and the problem is confined to a small area, there’s little reason to worry. You have to disclose a mold problem only if you don't  correct it and thoroughly clean.

Mold is a pervasive fungus that occurs in numerous colors and shapes. Even in clean houses, mold can be found in warm and humid places like the shower, and in less visible and accessible places like basements, or behind drywall. Mold can grow around leaking windows and pipes, or any place that has been flooded and not thoroughly dried. Visible mold is always a result of an uncontrolled water problem. All molds need to thrive are spores, moisture and an organic food source, like wood, paint or drywall. Besides being unattractive and sometimes smelly, mold can cause structural damage and a range of health problems with varying severity.

There is more concern about mold today because modern construction methods have resulted in tightly sealed buildings that trap excess moisture, and because many houses have poor ventilation. The presence of mold in your house can be a frightening thought, but if you’ve done proper maintenance and the problem is confined to a small area, there’s little reason to worry.

If mold is discovered when you’re selling, identify and correct the source of the problem. Thoroughly clean the affected areas, which you may be able to do yourself, if the problem isn’t widespread. Don’t automatically reach for the bleach as its effectiveness is open to question. Research the appropriate cleaning products and call a professional, if the problem is severe.  Never paint over mold, or cover up mold problems in any way. An existing mold issue must be fully disclosed, but if you made repairs and cleaned appropriately, it isn’t required. If mold is suspected, consider testing for spores to determine the source(s) and extent of the problem. It may be useful to test before and after clean-up so the improved conditions are documented. Testing for mold is not part of a standard home inspection, although the inspector will no doubt discover mold-producing conditions. Mold investigation and testing should be done by a qualified indoor air quality specialist, preferably someone who does not also do remediation work. Visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services web site for basic information on mold issues. (http://www.bio-reveal.com/articles/mold-and-human-health.pdf).

Smart Selling Tip:
If mold issues are discovered when you’re selling, correct the source of the problem and thoroughly clean the affected areas. If you don’t, you are required by law to fully disclose it. Don’t hesitate to get professional help, if needed.