Buying a house in Orlando is a thrilling adventure filled with anticipation and a little stress. For many home buyers, a top concern is ensuring their property is safe and undamaged, with mold being a hidden threat that can go unnoticed. Mold’s implications are not just about its health hazard; it can also seriously affect property value and legal standings. 

This guide is designed to equip you with a comprehensive mold disclosure checklist, ensuring you protect your investment and well-being.

Seller Disclosures & State and Local Laws

In almost every state, sellers are legally obligated to disclose any known issues with the property, including the presence of mold. Disclosure requirements and forms vary by state and even locally, so understanding the laws relevant to your home purchase is crucial. For instance, sellers in Florida must complete a disclosure form that includes information about known mold issues. Familiarize yourself with these laws early in the process so you know what to expect and can ask the right questions.

The Home Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

When it comes to mold, the key is to uncover it as early as possible. Your home inspection is your first line of defense. Ensure you hire a reputable and qualified inspector who will investigate for mold. 

This should include looking for visible signs of mold and areas where it commonly grows, like damp basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. If your inspector suspects mold, they can recommend a specialist to test and identify the type and extent of the mold.

Qualified Inspector is Key

Your home is one of the most significant investments you will make, so make sure to take advantage of the inspection. Beyond just checking the inspector’s certifications, ask about their experience detecting mold. A seasoned professional knows where to look and can spot signs that an untrained eye might miss.

Visible Mold? Investigate Further

Don’t panic, but investigate further if there are visible signs of mold. Visible mold often indicates a larger problem and should be a red flag that requires professional assessment and potential remediation. It also means that if the seller wasn’t aware, they ignored or hid the growth, which could violate disclosure laws. From that, he should take mold prevention measures.

Beyond the Inspection: Taking Action

Your inspection report is in, and the potential mold is mentioned. This isn’t the time to fret—it’s time to take action. Ask for detailed information on the potential mold problem. 

Review the specifics in the report, such as the type of mold indicated and the extent of the issue. With this information, you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

 

Inspection Report Review

Carefully review the inspection report and associated photographs. A good inspector will provide clear documentation that will help you understand the severity of the mold issue. These can also be valuable negotiating tools if you decide to proceed with the purchase.

Open Communication is Crucial

With potential mold on the table, open lines of communication with the seller become more crucial than ever. Discuss the issue with your realtor, who can then communicate your concerns to the seller’s agent. The seller should either provide a remediation plan or adjust the sale price to accommodate the cost of addressing the mold.

Considering a Mold Test? We Can Help!

While it’s common to have mold included in a standard home inspection, there may be scenarios where a more specialized test is necessary. Mold-specific tests can identify the type and concentration of mold spores in the air or on surfaces in the home.

Be Informed When Requesting a Test

Understand the different types of mold tests available and which might be most appropriate for your situation. Tests can vary from simple air tests or tape lift swabs to more complex wall cavity or HVAC tests. Each has pros and cons regarding cost, speed, and accuracy.

Negotiation and Moving Forward with Confidence

If the inspection uncovers mold, you and the seller must likely negotiate a resolution. Depending on the mold extent, you can ask the seller to address it before sale or negotiate a reduced price to offset your remediation costs.

Cost Adjustment or Remediation

If you are comfortable remediating the mold after purchase, you might negotiate a cash-back deal or a lower sale price. If the seller agrees to remediate the mold, ensure the remediation company’s qualifications and standards are stipulated in the contract.

Amending the Purchase Agreement

A formal addendum to the purchase agreement should be made, outlining the agreed-upon course of action regarding the mold inspection findings. This provides legal protection and clear expectations for both parties.

Pre-Closing and Final Steps

As the closing date approaches, ensure you have all the documentation related to the mold inspection and any agreed-upon remediation or price adjustments. This includes receipts, reports, and any guarantees on the remediation work. 

Remediation Documentation

Documenting the remediation effectively should encompass photographs taken before and after the procedure and a detailed report outlining the steps taken during the remediation. It should also include the outcomes of post-remediation tests to verify mold elimination.

Final Walk-through

Before the final walk-through, ensure all signs of the mold are addressed according to the agreement. This last check is your chance to ensure the property is in the condition you agreed upon.

Stay Mold-Free with Our Services

Navigating a home purchase where mold is a concern can be complex, but being informed and proactive will help ensure a smooth transaction. Understanding the seller disclosure laws in your area, getting an inspection, and having open communication and negotiation will significantly reduce the risk of mold-related issues. 

If you find a house with mold or if you are a landlord and find mold in your residence, don’t worry. We at Mold Remediation of Orlando provide professional mold inspection, testing, and remediation services. Our team of experts is trained to identify the source of mold and safely remove it from your property. Contact us today for a free consultation and keep your home mold-free!