Tag Archives: Foreclosed Homes

Buying a Foreclosed Property? Be Careful with Possible Mold Cover-ups!

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A Fixer-Upper May Need Some Fixing Up Concerning Bed Bug Control.

Fixer Uppers May Harbor Hidden Mold

When buying foreclosed property, it would be wonderful if buyers could trust that the home they are buying has been inspected for mold. It would be equally wonderful that if mold were found, it would be taken care of by NYC mold removal specialists.

The Moldy Cover-Up

Unfortunately, according to real estate agents and contractors, this isn’t always the case. The reality is that many homes affected with mold are being doctored up, so to speak, to hide the telltale signs of mold damage. This is deceitful on many levels.

In some instances, it can be purely a lack of knowledge and understanding about the health hazards associated with mold. In these cases, the moldy area may be painted over, or baseboards replaced, and everyone thinks that it’s OK.

Mold Symptoms

Mold can trigger different reactions such as irritated eyes, runny nose, seasonal allergies, and fatigue. Often, people misdiagnose the symptoms believing they may be coming down with a cold or the flu. Also, coming into contact with mold can cause the skin to become irritated. This is known as sporotrichosis.

What people can’t see are the tiny spores that travel through the air undetected. When inhaled, these spores can cause respiratory issues.

When you enter a room and smell a musty odor, that is the result of the mold producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be dangerous to your health.

At Stern, our NYC mold removal experts are equipped with the latest method called MoldExterm. It’s a less expensive method and we back the service with a comprehensive guarantee. Contact us at your earliest convenience if you suspect mold has infiltrated your property.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News

Watch Out – Foreclosed Homes Can Be a Haven for Mold

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Purchasing a foreclosed home can often turn up a diamond in the rough. However, sometimes it ends up being just plain rough. Current estimates are that more than half of the foreclosed homes in some states have mold issues.

Real estate and mold is an unpleasant mix, as many sellers and buyers are discovering. Realtor Rebecca Terakedis requires prospective buyers to sign a disclosure form releasing her from liability before she will show a home infested with mold.

In most homes, a natural process known as the stack effect acts to reduce the conditions that promote development of mold. As seasons change and household members go in and out, ventilation sucks moisture upwards and out through the roof, aided by heating and air conditioning systems.

Foreclosed homes sit empty, resulting in moisture accumulating inside. In addition, electricity is shut off so sump pumps and dehumidifiers don’t have a chance to do their part. Bob Bennett operates a company in northeastern Ohio that specializing in cleaning water-damaged buildings. He says a quarter of his jobs involve foreclosed homes that have fallen victim to mold.

Ms. Terakedis relates a story about showing a foreclosed home in the middle of the winter. Outdoor temperatures were so cold that icicles had formed on the garage windows, but the interior of the house was a muggy 80 degrees because it had begun to self-compost.

Don’t assume that real estate and mold is a problem only with foreclosures. All it takes is one spore landing on a damp spot to begin mold growth. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, News