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ATTENTION REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Attention Real-estate agents,
What do you do if you walk into a new listing or any listing and suspect there is a mold problem with the home?

We are going to go over some of the basic do’s and don’ts of walk-throughs when suspecting a mold issue. We will also cover other relevant questions that should be asked when we know for sure there is a mold issue.  Re-occurring exposures to mold is extremely dangerous.  Human as well as pet immune systems break down over a period of time when re-occurring exposures exist.

This is my listing, when mold is present I need to find out why there is mold? Mold grows as a result of water intrusions.

Typical places where water can leak:

  • Roof leak
  • Pipes (entire plumbing system)
  • Windows / doors
  • HVAC units
  • Foundations (cracks)
  • Compromised brick or siding
  • Sump pump
  • Sewer back up

Suspected mold issue but no visual signs of mold. If you do not see mold is it possible there is still a mold issue?  

How is this possible?

  • Thousands of mold spores can fit on the head of a pin
  • Mold spores can be on drywall and not seen
  • Mold spores can be on any porous material and not seen
  • Mold spores can be in crawl spaces
  • Mold spores can be in attics
  • Mold spores can be behind drywall

FACT:
80% of ALL structures in this country have some degree of Mold

When mold is visible, this means the presence of thousands of colony’s of mold, And a real issue!
 
What are the warning signs?

  • Same as visible mold
  • Itchy eyes
  • Running nose
  • Headaches
  • Trouble breathing
  • Flu like symptoms

These are the basics, now what are we going to do about it?

If you absolutely must go into a listing that has mold:

  • Wear a respirator (not a dust mask)
  • Wear goggles
  • Wear latex gloves
  • Do not touch anything that looks like mold
  • Do not brush up against the walls
  • When you leave, throw out the latex gloves and store goggles and respirator in the trunk of your car
  • Never knowingly expose a client to mold.

So what do we do if we walk into a listing for the first time and suspect there is a mold problem?

  • Leave immediately
  • Call a certified professional

Some other questions for us to think about:

  • What is my liability as an agent when mold is present in one of my listings?
  • Protect my health
  • Protect my realty company
  • Protect my livelihood