WHAT IS MOLD AND WHERE IS IT FOUND IN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA?

MOLD is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors. There are many species of mold and over 1,000 are found in the U.S. Mold is found in many homes for sale in the Maryland and Northern Virginia area. Most homes with significant mold growths are bank owned properties. Many have had water intrusion in basements due to disconnected electricity which impedes sump pumps from pumping water from the basement foundations. Few homes will have mold growths if the homes is maintained well and moisture intrusion isn't neglected.

We see mold in bathrooms, under the sinks in kitchens, in basements or any location in a property where a food source for the mold spores and a source of moisture meets. These growths may be manageable, unlike the serious growths found in many foreclosed bank owned homes.

Mold growths can be remediated. However, unless the area affected is small, less than about 10 square feet, we do not recommend purchasing homes with significant mold growths. If the source of moisture is not repaired, there is no guarantee that the mold growth will not return.

There are inspection companies in Maryland and Northern Virginia that will test for mold and provide you with a report. However, if the mold is known to be present in a significant area, more than about 10 square feet, remediation is costly and not guaranteed to our satisfaction.

HOME OWNERS INSURANCE. Properties that have been found to have mold growths will be documented by an insurance carrier in the C.L.U.E. Report system which records claims made for repairs on the home covered. This information is available to insurance companies and may cause the cost of Homeowners Insurance to be two/three times higher than otherwise.

If during a home tour, we see a home with mold, we recommend moving on and considering other homes for sale.

Copyright 2002 Lenn Harley