You are finally ready to put your house in Florida for sale, but you realize there’s a problem: mold. Even if it is a minor or harmless issue, this is not something you want to mess around with.
Mold can cause allergic reaction that might turn into serious health problems in more sensitive individuals and, while there are no federal laws against selling your house with mold, some states, including Florida, require the seller to disclose if a home has had past or present mold issues.
This means it can be an instant turn off that can drive away potential buyers.
Here you will find some tips that will help you deal with the matter and will make the sale process as smooth as possible.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads in environments where moisture and oxygen are present (meaning pretty much anywhere in Florida). It produces allergens that may cause people to sneeze, have a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Some individuals may even develop respiratory problems that will lead to death, therefore the importance to alert the buyers if mold is present in a property.
Where Can Mold Develop and How Can I Get Rid of the Problem?
Mold can be found just about anywhere, indoors or outdoors. The most affected areas are: Roof, Attic, Plumbing, Bathrooms, Kitchen, and Basements.
Depending on how large the affected area is, it is possible to treat the mold without a professional help. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests a moldy area of less than 10 sq ft could typically be handled by fixing plumbing leaks or other water problems, scrubbing mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and drying the area completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpets, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so it may be difficult or impossible to remove it completely.
If you are dealing with a larger mold issue or with cases where mold is spreading in porous materials, it may be time to acquire a professional help to clean the home. A professional will be able to locate the source of the mold as well as areas where it’s grown and, depending on the severity of the issue, the services may vary from a few hundred to a few thousands of dollars.
Mold Doesn’t Have to Be a Deal Breaker
If the mold issues in your house is causing you to not be getting any offers and you do not have the time or the resources to get the problem fixed, there are some alternatives that will still make it possible for you to sell your house.
One of them is to give your buyer a credit for the mold damage, but that means you will end up paying for the issue to be fixed, and instead of avoiding that cost, you will be only delaying it to the date of the closing.
Another option would be selling your house to buyers that will take the property “as-is”. This type of buyer is ready to assume the issue and will not be any trouble for you when doing inspections or on the way to the closing date. It is important, however, that the seller is always clear about the situation, making sure the issue is completely disclosed to your buyer. As long as the communication is clear, you will avoid future headaches and will ensure your sale is finalized smoothly, without any problems.
