Selling a home can be complex. Throw in a mold problem, and selling that home just got far more complicated. While it’s not impossible, you need to know a few things about selling a home with mold.
Get down to the nitty-gritty of selling your home by uncovering your legal obligations, the potential impact on property value, and how to manage this situation. Whether this is an ongoing issue or you’ve just discovered the mold, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this home-selling process confidently.
CAN YOU SELL A HOME WITH MOLD?
When you notice dark stains creeping along your walls and ceilings, this could be a sign that mold is growing. If you’re looking to sell your home, this can halt your progress because you might think it is no longer possible to sell the house. However, this is not true.
You can still sell a house with mold because no state or federal laws prohibit homeowners from doing so. While this process might be tricky, transparency with the issue can help you build trust with buyers and shield you from potential legal issues post-sale.
Will You Need To Disclose the Issue?
The big takeaway when selling a house with black mold is the necessity to disclose the issue to potential buyers. While some states in the US have varying rules for disclosing this problem, we recommend putting it in writing, no matter what. This will ensure potential buyers are aware of the issue. If you do not do this and the buyer is unaware of the mold, it could become a liability issue.
Pro-tip: Speak with a legal professional before putting this issue in writing to ensure you state everything clearly.
What if You Discover Mold After Listing the Home?
If you discover mold after listing your home for sale, you must update your disclosure statement and inform potential buyers as soon as possible. Consider getting a professional evaluation from a company, and discuss your options. You can remediate the mold or adjust your asking price to reflect the issue.
Will Mold Lower the Value of Your Property?
Unfortunately, the presence of mold inside a house will lower the value of the property. This is seen as a red flag by potential buyers due to the health risks and structural damage mold can cause. Because mold can indicate underlying issues, such as poor ventilation or water leaks, the home might receive lower offers or even deter buyers altogether.
This isn’t the end of your home-selling efforts! As long as you address the issues and remain transparent with buyers, you can handle the impact on your home’s value. You can still turn this challenge into an opportunity to sell your house!
Do You Need To Fix the Issue?
Mold issues can vary in severity. Some homes might be riddled with mold, while others contain small patches in a few areas. You might not be able to fix the issue before selling your home for several reasons, like if you’re moving out of state.
By now, you should know that if you cannot resolve the problem, the least you can do is disclose the information to potential buyers. However, if you’re able to fix the issue before selling, you should do it as soon as possible. Remediating the mold problem might give you an easier time finding a potential buyer.
Can You Remediate Mold Yourself?
While it may be tempting to deal with the mold issue yourself in order to save money, we strongly advise against this. Mold remediation is a complex and hazardous process. Without the proper tools, protective gear, and specialized knowledge, addressing a mold problem yourself could cause the mold to spread or cause health issues.
Even if you successfully remove visible mold, microscopic spores could still linger and multiply, causing the issue to resurface. Moreover, attempting to handle mold remediation on your own could actually devalue your property further if not done correctly. Hiring a certified mold remediation company is the best option for removing and preventing further mold growth.
The Benefits of Hiring a Mold Remediation Company
Enlisting the services of a mold remediation company, like Redline Emergency Solutions, presents numerous benefits, particularly when attempting to sell a home with a mold problem. Here are some key advantages of professional mold removal:
Expert Evaluation
These professionals can conduct a thorough assessment of your property and identify the extent of the mold problem and its source, which you might miss.
Professional Equipment and Techniques
Certified mold remediation companies possess high-quality equipment and use reliable techniques for mold removal, ensuring the job is done right the first time.
Health Protection
Mold can lead to serious health issues. Professionals know how to handle mold safely, minimizing health risks to you, your family, and potential buyers.
Prevention of Further Damage
Professional remediation not only handles existing mold but also helps to prevent future growth, safeguarding your property’s structural integrity.
Documentation
These companies provide formal documentation of the remediation process, detailing the steps taken and their success. This can be shared with potential buyers to demonstrate your commitment to a safe living environment.
Improved Home Value
A professionally remediated home can recover more value than a home where mold issues are addressed without professional help. This could translate into a higher selling price or a faster sale.
Relying on a mold remediation company to handle your home’s mold issues can significantly improve your chances of selling your home, even with a prior mold problem. Investing in this service can provide a considerable return by protecting your home’s value and making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Now that you know everything about selling a home with mold, it shouldn’t seem as terrifying as it once was. It’s all about honesty, taking the right actions, and trusting the expertise of professionals. Every problem has a solution, and a mold infestation is no different.
When you’re armed with the right knowledge and professional help, you’re more capable of navigating this process. Take a deep breath, pick up the phone, and hire the professionals to kick mold to the curb.
