This is a repeat of an old post – – because, well, because it’s come up again. Twice for me in recent transactions: M O L D has reared it’s ugly head. This disappoints buyers and often blindsides sellers.
The inspection part of any real estate transaction can be very stressful. It is hard enough for many sellers to have people traipsing through their homes, then (especially in today’s market), negotiating a price which is probably lower than they wanted and finally, having a home inpsector examine every nook and cranny and producing what is most often a very lengthy report. There are several inspection issue which as a seller you really need to remediate – regardless of cost, because if you don’t do it for this buyer, you will have to do it for the next buyer. Structural issues and hazardous situations fall into this category.
So does Mold. Mold sneaks up on you, most of my clients who had mold had no idea that it was in their home. In two of the homes it was in the attic, in the three others it was in the basement. Sometimes it is obvious once you know it’s there but at least in one case it was still hard to see even after the mold expert pointed it out.
As a seller you really don’t have a choice but to clean up mold that is found in your home.
Dan Harkins from NJ Mold recommends that every house in NJ should have a dehumidifier in it – period, end of discussion. If you don’t have one, go get one! They make them bucketless now! You can have it drain right into the slop sink or the sump pump pit (but NOT in your sewer drain – that’s against the rules!). They also make them specific for crawlspaces. This small thing may save you from a big expense when you decide it’s time to sell your home.
If you have a question about a home inspection issue, feel free to contact me directly and I will see what I can do!
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