Buying a Foreclosed Home May Bring Mold Home
Purchasing a foreclosed house may seem like a way to get a beautiful home at a bargain price. If it turns out that your dream house has undetected mold, it could become a costly nightmare.
Economic instability has increased the number of foreclosed homes in the United States. An unforeseen side effect is that real estate and mold have become undesirable partners. These foreclosures sit closed up for extended periods of time, preventing the natural ventilation that draws moisture up and out.
Mold doesn’t discriminate between modest houses and mansions, affecting all styles and sizes equally. It’s estimated that some states are dealing with mold and mildew issues in more than half of foreclosed homes. Companies like Farsight Management in northeast Ohio that specialize in cleaning water damage get a significant part of their work treating these moldy foreclosures.
With power shut off to these houses, there are no sump pumps or dehumidifiers running to clear out the excess moisture. This may seem like a cost-cutting move that has backfired, but realtors don’t believe that’s the case. Larger numbers of foreclosed homes simply make an already lengthy process even more time-consuming.
Realtor Rebecca Terakedis has continued to show foreclosed homes to potential buyers regardless of mold infestation, but she is aware of possible liability issues. Before entering a home, viewers are required to sign a release form indicating complete disclosure of the mold problem.
Real estate and mold don’t have to maintain this uneasy alliance. Our experienced technicians can remove mold safely and efficiently, usually in only one day. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative MoldExterm treatment.