If you’re a realtor helping customers in the process of buying or selling a home, an inspection can reveal crucial information. As you know, findings can dramatically affect its value and even jeopardize the chance of a sale going through. STOP Restoration wants to help offer you the best steps to take if mold is a problem found in one of your properties. The following are the answers to some commonly asked questions from home buyers and home sellers about mold:
What is mold, and is it dangerous?
You definitely don’t want to hear that there’s mold growing in the home, and if there is, you and your potential buyers/sellers are likely to have lots of questions. What type of mold is it? Is it dangerous? What should you do about it, and how can you get it taken care of safely and professionally?
Mold is a naturally occurring type of fungus. Outdoors, molds help break down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, but indoor mold should be avoided. Some types are extremely dangerous, and any type of mold in your home reduces indoor air quality. Ultimately, mold is not good for you or your family to breathe, no matter what type it is. This is especially true for people who have a compromised immune system or an allergy to mold. We recommend getting rid of any mold immediately, since it becomes harder and more expensive to remove as it spreads.
What type of mold is present, and is it spreading?
There are many different types of indoor mold. Alternaria, for example, is often found on window frames and below sinks. It is often evidence of water damage, and it spreads quickly. Stachybotrys, or “black mold,” is a very dangerous type of mold that can have serious consequences for your health. Here is a guide put together by STOP Restoration for your reference on the six most harmful types of mold found in homes.We’d like to repeat:No matter what type of mold you have, you should get rid of it immediately, before it has the opportunity to grow which could lead to a greater impact on indoor air quality.
Different types of molds spread at different rates, but they’re more likely to spread if the moisture and nutrients they need to survive are readily available. So, if mold is caused by a leak, for example, fixing this moisture source is an important step in slowing down the spread of mold.
How does the presence of mold affect home buyers?
If a home inspection reveals the presence of mold, we strongly recommend having it professionally removed before you consider helping with a contract to buy the home. This will protect your customers’ health. In addition, it may help to satisfy mortgage lenders as well as home insurance companies. Both may want to see evidence that the mold is taken care of and that its cause has been fixed. The cost of professional mold removal can either be paid for by the seller or taken as a reduction in the sale price. Another option is to setup an escrow account for the mold remediation amount.
How does the presence of mold affect home sellers?
In most cases, a seller who knows about the presence of mold in their home must disclose this information to a buyer. This will undoubtedly concern the buyer, but you can ease their worries by hiring a professional mold removal company to take care of the problem.
Who should you call for help with mold issues?
STOP Restoration provides a free, visual mold inspection. We can recommend a hygienist to offer laboratory testing to identify the type of mold and to conduct a spore count. We will then develop a plan to return the home to safety and recommend ways to prevent further contamination or exposure. With more than 40 years of experience, STOP Restoration knows how to identify and remove mold so your home stays safe.
STOP Restoration has locations in many areas of the country. Check for the closest independently owned and operated location near you, and give us a call when you need an inspection or mold removal services.
