When it comes to real estate transactions in Massachusetts, mold raises red flags for both buyers and sellers. Mold growth in a home has repercussions for health, property value, and even the property's marketability. If you are in the process of buying or selling a home with mold, understanding the legal and health aspects and working toward a resolution is critical.
Mold Does More Than Property Damage
Mold is a fungus that occurs in damp, wet environments. It can grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, and even other surfaces. Certain molds are harmless, while others cause severe health risks—including respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. Among mold types, black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is the most dangerous one.
Mold is not only a health issue; it's also a financial issue. Left unattended, it is capable of leading to structural damage and letting down any potential buyers and, hence, lessening the property value.
Buying a home with mold in Massachusetts
1. Conduct a thorough inspection
State law in Massachusetts does not detail the necessity of mold disclosure during real estate exchanges. Still, buyers ought to tell the seller, or possibly pursue a professional home inspector to observe. Most inspectors offer a mold assessment to seek visible and hidden growth.
2. Negotiate repairs or price adjustments
Once you discover mold, negotiate with the sellers to carry out remediation before closing or ask for a deduction based on expected remediation costs. Depending on the extent, remediation could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
3. Think about the health consequences
If you or any family members have pre-existing health issues, weigh the appropriateness of buying a property that has a mold problem. Engage a mold remediation expert in a discussion on how engaged the problem is and evaluate the risk involved.
Selling A Home With Mold in Massachusetts
1. Make Everything Clear
Be honest when selling your property. You must disclose all known defects that affect the market value or safety of the house. The seller may, after the sale, get sued if he fails to disclose the mold issues
2. Turn Mold into a Distant Memory
If there is a presence of mold, it is advisable to first remediate it before putting the property on the market. While, obviously there are chances, it will improve marketability and avert potential lawsuits. In any case, make sure you secure a notice of completion after remediation to show buyers that you took care of the situation.
3. Prevent Future Problems
After mold removal, show that you have implemented measures to prevent further problems mending leaks to facilitating ventilation and using dehumidifiers in traditionally poorly ventilated areas, such as basements and bathrooms.
How to Prevent Mold in Your Home or Property
Given the humid shape of the state, it becomes necessary to adopt mold repellents:
Control the humidity: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%.
Fix leaks right away: Address every plumbing or roof leak immediately to avert the buildup of water.
Always vent: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to lower the accumulation of moisture and condensation.
Checks out: Inspect basements, attics, and crawl spaces regularly for any signs of mold and moisture.
What to Do When You Spot Mold In Your Home Or Property
If you think there is a chance of the presence of mold in your residence/property:
Find the Source: Locate and resolve the problem of moisture.
Call in the Professionals: Allow mold removal specialists to deal with the situation. One great team to resolve the issue is RidAway. It is a professional mold removal service that is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified, and provides quick solutions to urgent problems.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
