Mold And Real Estate Transactions

Learn how to avoid mold damage related issues that can potentially result in real estate lawsuits.

Homes that are infected with mold contamination face special challenges in today's housing market. In such cases, mold remediation can make the difference between a quick sale and a frustrating wait for a buyer. At GTA Mold Removal, we understand both the unique dynamics and the demanding time limitations of real estate transactions and have developed services specifically geared to meet those needs. We work closely with real estate agents, brokers, sellers, and home inspectors. We approach every home knowing that people will live there and raise their families. We recognize that each home represents the most important personal and financial investment most families will make.

We seek to aid home sellers in preparing their homes for a quick sale. The mere thought of mold contamination is enough to send any seller into a state of despair and frustration. But there is little reason to be concerned if you have properly maintained your home and if you have taken prudent measures to repair and document past moisture and mold-related problems. Still, mold contamination can be nerve wrecking on both sides of the closing table.
 

Tips For Sellers & Property Managers

GTA Mold Removal recommends the following for avoiding mold damage related issues that can potentially result in real estate lawsuits:

Mold Inspection Prior to Listing. Make sure you have the results of a mold inspection performed by a licensed and certified inspector in hand prior to listing. Your proactive stance will be viewed as a good-faith gesture by potential buyers. Mold inspections for real estate transactions are much more invasive than the typical mold investigation. Mold inspection protocols that can be performed with minimal or no damage to existing infrastructure include visual assessment of all accessible areas, photographic documentation, infrared thermal imaging, fiber optic examinations, moisture assessments, air sampling, and review of disclosure statements, maintenance records, and prior abatement or inspection protocols. The cost of performing a mold inspection will depend on the expertise involved and the type of work performed, but depending on the location, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a mold inspection by a qualified expert.

Disclosure. Disclose in writing any present or previous building water or mold problems when selling real estate. Explain clearly what actions were taken to correct such problems in disclosure documentation and attach it to the real estate sales contract where the buyer can acknowledge receipt of the disclosure. Failure to disclose is perhaps the most common problem that sellers encounter. Whether intentional or not, failure to disclose will cause some major headaches in the future. Maintain a comprehensive list of all repairs, minor or major and pay particular attention to issue involving water damage - even seemingly small problems. If areas such as wall cavities need to be inspected, prepare to do so long before you list the property. If you are in doubt whether you should disclose small concerns, don't hesitate; go ahead and disclose. Disclose everything and don't conceal anything.

Make All Necessary Repairs. Before you list the property, be sure to take prudent steps to repair all damage related to water intrusion and mold contamination. Avoid camouflage tactics intended to hide mold problems from potential buyers such as painting over mold growth, concealing mold behind stored items, furniture, furnishings or decorations. It might also include masking the odour of mold with air fresheners and deodorizers. If you suspect a mold problem, hire a professional to investigate. If a major mold problem is discovered, be sure that professional becomes involved at an early stage. You don't want to run the risk of cross contaminating other areas of your home. Remember, a modest expense now can save thousands on the sale of your home or in litigation costs in the future.

Document. One of the advantages of paying the added expense of a professional mold investigation and abatement is that you now have sound documentation for future disclosure. You can demonstrate with confidence that you have taken the steps necessary to identify and repair all known concerns. But be sure your consultant and abatement contractor provide a detailed account of all work performed as well as all important dates.

Educate and Cooperate. After hearing the countless nightmares of mold infested home purchases, buyers are becoming much more knowledgeable on mold contamination and the risks it poses to their new home. As a seller you too should become aware of your rights and liabilities. At the same time, respect the buyer's concern without giving into their every whim. If there is a justifiable reason to suspect microbial contamination, work with the sellers to resolve this issue. But don't go overboard with onsite investigations and air sampling. There are right ways to investigate and their are wrong ways to investigate. Consult with experts to determine your option. Meanwhile, maintain a positive and constructive dialogue between yourself and the prospective buyers - or the respective real estate agents.

Air Sampling? Please note, air sampling is riddled with potential problems and the interpretations of such tests should never be left to the novice. False positive and false negative results are common, so think twice before risking such a major purchase on these results. There are ways to design informative assessments using air sampling, yet a complete study with high confidence levels will be expensive (well over $1,000).

Be Willing to Assume Partial Costs. If a legitimate unabated concern exist, either agree to repair the problem before the sell or be willing to assume partial cost for future repairs. But be sure to agree to limits - signing a blank check is an invitation to financial disaster, especially in litigation matters involving personal injury. The same holds true for areas that you know have been repaired but clearance testing demonstrates residual levels of contamination. Was the contamination removed or wasn't it? Well, it may be impossible to tell with 100% certainty, so if a chance exists, agree to a fair amount for future testing and repairs should the problem resurface. Clearly, you will want an attorney to review all agreements prior to signing on the dotted line.

In The Sales Contract. Advise the home buyers to consider hiring an independent mold inspector or an independent home inspector with mold expertise. Include in the sales contract a statement affirming the buyer's unrestricted opportunity to inspect and test the property thoroughly before closing and that the property is being sold "as is" with no implied or express warranties as to the physical, mold or environmental condition of the property. Also include a clause that releases the seller, lender and real estate agent from all mold liability to the buyer. This release of liability should be contingent on the accuracy and completeness of the details provided in the seller's written mold disclosure and on the buyer's unrestricted opportunity to do mold testing prior to closing.


Please Note: The information contained on this page is strictly opinion and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a licensed real estate lawyer when completing a real estate transaction.