The Role Of Mold Inspectors In Real Estate Transactions

Step into the door of what looks to be your dream home. Sunlight coming through the windows, fresh paint, shiny floors, until your nose picks up a slight musty odor. That's where a real estate mold inspection becomes your superpower. Mold inspectors are unsung heroes of the real estate world, ensuring that buyers and sellers don't stumble upon unpleasant surprises and paving the way for a smooth closing. In this blog, we discuss just that. 

Why Real Estate Mold Inspection Is a Big Deal

Here are some reasons why you should never skip mold inspections during real estate deals. 

1. Protects Health

Around 47% of all homes in the United States have some level of mold. Exposure is not only unpleasant, it's serious. Mold and dampness are responsible for around 21% of asthma cases (approximately 4.6 million Americans), and homes with mold have a 30-50% higher incidence of respiratory diseases. A good home inspection starts with making the habitat clean and safe.

2. Preserves Property Value

Mold isn't just unsightly; it can ruin the value of your home. Some sellers report losing 10-25% when mold is found. The stigma can stick with them even after fixing the issue, as it can affect resale value long after the problem was fixed.

What Do Mold Inspectors Really Do

A proper real estate mold inspection is not a look and a sniff. Using infrared thermal cameras, moisture meters, and lab-tested samples, certified inspectors identify hidden and hard-to-reach trouble zones.

• They look behind walls, under floors, or in attics for stealthy mold

• Use air sampling and outdoor control sampling to compare indoor air quality.

• Documentation: Mold inspection reports clearly describe the location of the mold, its spread, and the cause of the infestation.

This provides a reliable basis for making a decision: either to renegotiate pricing with the vendor, walk away, or ask for remediation.

​Who Pays for Mold Inspection

Who pays for mold inspection depends on the situation:

• Home Buyers: Usually pay for the inspection as part of the buying process, especially if there are signs of mold.

• Home Sellers: Not required to pay, but may cover it to ensure a smooth sale or if mold is found during a buyer’s inspection.

• Landlords: Typically responsible if the mold is due to building issues. If tenants cause the mold, they may be liable.

• Insurance: May cover inspection if mold is from a covered event like a burst pipe; check your policy.

  
  

Real-World Examples

• A homeowner shared:

“It cost about $3.5k to remediate. That covered removing all current insulation, any replacement plywood, full cleaning & treatment remediation, and then covered with an encapsulation paint as extra protection.”They noted the root cause was ventilation issues, specifically conflicting vents. 

• Another user recounted:“I probably spent $700 when he wanted $14,000”.This user addressed the mold by correcting ventilation, without replacing the roof.

  
  

How Termite Clues Fit In, Too

Although our primary concern is real estate mold inspection, inspectors sometimes spot related issues, such as early signs of termite infestation. Wood that sounds hollow, has many small holes, or unexplained debris is a sign of termites. Buyers can also save themselves the expense of discovering both mold and termites if they are caught early on.

Winning Moves For Buyers And Sellers

Here’s what buyers and sellers can do to secure their interests. 

1. For Buyers

• Ask for a mold inspection. This is good due diligence, and it gives you leverage in negotiations.

• If mold is discovered, you can insist on repairs, a discount, or even walk away if the issue is severe enough.

  
  

2. For Sellers

• Get ahead with a pre-listing mold inspection. Repair issues, convey results, and showcase a mold-free story.

• Transparency is a powerful selling tool; it can help sell products more quickly and even increase perceived value.

  
  

The Legal and Insurance Part of It

Sellers are usually required to disclose any known mold problems. Failure to disclose can lead to legal complications and liability depending on the state.

Mold is severe enough to be a concern for insurance companies and lenders as well. Some insurance companies refuse to pay out after mold claims are made. Lenders may not approve loans until remediation is done. 

Quick Recap

• Real estate mold inspection ensures the health, value, and integrity of the transaction.

• Special equipment is used to detect hidden mold.

• Bargaining power for buyers; trust and easier sales for sellers.

• Mold is not something to overlook, as it carries serious health, legal, and financial implications.

• And yes, signs of termite infestation sometimes surface in the same inspections.

  
  

Conclusion

Mold inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate industry. They reveal things invisible to the naked eye, bring peace of mind, and make transactions easier. When buying or selling, it's not an option to bring in an expert to check for mold and other potential problems. It's smart.

Now that you have established that you're prepared to take this step forward, it's time to make the move. Contact Bryan & Bryan Inspections, your trusted experts in real estate mold inspections. Our certified inspection team utilizes thermal cameras and scientific sampling techniques that can zero in on the exact location and origin of mold.

Whether you're selling your home or are about to close on a new one, don't leave hidden issues to chance. Contact Bryan & Bryan Inspections today to safeguard your health, finances, and your next big real estate transaction.