Real Estate Closings and Mold Inspections - Mold Inspection Ocean County

Real Estate Closings and Mold Inspections

No one wants to hear that a home has mold in it: either on the buying or the selling side. But it happens. It can pose a problem for sellers and buyers alike if mold is detected in a home for sale. Often times, though, the seller is not aware there is mold present until an inspector discovers it. What you choose to do next can make or break the sale.

Buyers know what to be on the lookout for and ask all the right questions. The seller has a legal obligation to disclose any knowledge of mold problems and take the necessary steps to remove it. Alternatively, they could deduct money off the price of the home so the new buyers can address it themselves. This will be in the form of an agreement in writing at closing.

Dangers of Mold

Because mold thrives in damp areas, it tends to grow in basement corners where water has accumulated, or in poorly ventilated bathrooms. Even paneling, wallboard, carpet, paint, and ceiling tiles that have been contained in water, even for a short time, can grow mold. If there has ever been flooding or leaking in a basement, for example, this is a prime growing spot for mold.

This fungus is typically black, white, green, or gray in appearance, found most often in bathrooms, crawl spaces, basements and attics. Some mold is visible and may even be odorous, while other mold is tucked away behind walls, under floors and above ceilings. This makes it difficult to know mold is even there.

Mold is not attractive, that’s for sure. But its effects go beyond the aesthetic and into the realm of unsafe and unhealthy living conditions. Worst case scenario? Some mold produces mycotoxins, which can cause rashes, seizures, bleeding, respiratory problems, and severe fatigue in its victims. If the homeowner breathes this mold in over time, they will face serious health consequences.

With the presence of mold such a volatile component of the home sale process, you need to know how to address this problem before it stops the sale.

Call in the Experts

Suspect there may be mold in your home? Address it before putting it up for sale so you can nip any problems in the bud well before any deal is on the line. That being said, it’s never too late to call Stock Environmental Consulting. If the home inspector found signs of mold, give us a call to do some testing before you lose the sale over the presence of mold.

We can perform:

• Bulk samples: An actual piece of the sampled area is removed and sent for testing.
• Swab samples: A cotton swab rubbed over the affected area is sent for testing at the lab.
• Tape samples: Clear tape is pressed against the area to pick up mold spores and is sent to the lab.

In order to have a smooth real estate closing, you as the seller must address the mold. Make it known to the buyer that you will either take care of the mold testing and removal on your own or reduce the asking price. Once the issue is out in the open and being discussed, the sale should go through without a hitch.

Contact Stock Environmental Consulting at 732-383-5190 if you require mold testing and inspection as part of a real estate closing in your New Jersey or New York town.