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February 2010
Index of all
past
Affiliate Corner columns
Got mold?
By Stan Crane
Clean Environment Pro, Inc.
Did you know that there are over one million species of fungi (fungus) in the world which includes mushrooms, yeasts and of course….mold?
Commonly interchanged with “mildew,” mold is a type of fungus that generally produces fluffy or powdery
growth on surfaces and is one of the most common forms of fungus found on earth.
When the right conditions exist, mold will make itself at home in your house: in drywall, carpets, wood, leather and even insulation. If it becomes airborne, it can contaminate books, furniture and even your body! You don’t have to live in a high humidity region to have mold.
Some of the “right conditions” for mold to take up residence in a property exist right here:
• Current or past water intrusion from broken pipes, backed sewer lines, slow leaks, condensation
• Dark areas attached or connected to water sources
• Temperature
Be in the know
Mold can impact you and your clients… today and in the future. Real estate agents should have some knowledge about this serious issue.
Toxic black mold
Stachybotrys Chartarum (“stachy” for short) is a toxogenic spore frequently found in Colorado homes. It is a particularly dangerous mold for some people. Numerous other species can be dangerous
as well.
Are you responsible for finding or reporting mold?
Yes, no…maybe!Sellers must disclose their knowledge of a “material defect” such as water
damage or mold, but do NOT bear the burden of investigation or discovery of such issues. That duty falls squarely on the shoulders of the home buyer. Mold testing by a qualified mold professional is reasonable property protection. (1) The real estate agent should follow disclosure protocols and not “guide” the seller in answering any disclosure statements. (2)
What's my best protection?
Document everything – create credible documents! Pre-inspections can be a means of discovering and repairing [mold] issues early instead of waiting for the buyers’ home inspector to report issues resulting in expensive replacements (3), discounted selling prices or potential for a “lost deal.” Mold can result in catastrophic liability and legal and financial ramifications. Mold testing before the sale could protect
the seller from potentially thousands of dollars in remediation claims later and increase the value-added benefits of a pre-screened home.
I have investigated “declared mold presence” properties after a home inspection, only to discover non-mold,
non-issue results. Colorado requires no licensing/certification for mold professionals. Know who is representing your best interests and the ramifications. Be sure to call a qualified, professional mold inspector/mitigation company if you suspect a mold presence in a property to ensure successful results and a successful closing.
Information provided by:
(1) AAR Attorney Oliver Frascona, Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C.
(2) AAR President David Barber, RE/ MAX Unlimited
(3) AAR Affiliate Tom Gould, WIN Home Inspections
Mold found in the crawlspace of a Denver area home.
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