Got Mold?

I can't tell you how many homes I have seen in my travels around the seacoast area working with clients who are getting ready to sell their home or buy a home.

In many of these homes I have seen issues relating to Mold that the homeowner is unaware or in denial of.  Folks, Mold is a serious problem. But it can be dealt with. Prevention and Maintenance are the key to reducing the chances of having a serious problem.   Granted, Mold is everywhere. In fact I was surprised to learn that "The kingdom of Fungi makes up 25% of the entire Earth's biomass!"  -

Why has mold become such a concern for people buying, selling and living in them?   Well, since the 1970's building codes have changed to deal with energy consumption, and as a result we now see "Energy Efficient Homes". 

 But while they may be more energy efficient,  they can be more  prone to mold due to improper air movement, lack of ventilation, humidity, condensation, and drainage control. Add to this, fast-track construction (which can contribute to short cuts on curing times for foundations and improper sealling of holes made during construction - and the use more cost efficient building materials (i.e. homes use to be constructed using plaster and lath, but nowdays sheetrock is used, which holds moisture and the paper on the back of sheet rock is food for mold).  The use of OSB (which when cut looses it's waterproof quality). The list goes on.  So for the sake of more "Enery Efficient" and "Cost Efficent" construction, combined with lack of preventative maintenance, the instance of Mold growth has become a serious problem in our housing industry.

So what is a person to do?  Have your home inspected by a qualified IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) professional. If buying a home, in addition to a professional home inspector, hire an IAQ professional as well.  The upfront cost for this risk assessment may save you thousands after you have purchased your "dream home"  and find that you have hidden Mold problems which could result in re-construction, repair or even worse, health related.  If you are selling a home, it may be worth the cost to hire an IAQ (as well as a qualified Home Inspector) to do a pre-sale inspection.  Once again, knowing upfront what the issues are with your home will give you the opportunity to remedy those issues prior to putting it on the market so that you are able to sell your home for the price you have established, and minimize the chances of a buyer walking away or trying to nickel and dime you down on your price due to these issues (which most likely you were unaware of when you priced* your home).

*Hopefully you have aligned yourself with an experienced real estate professional to help you price your home based on today's market and have reviewed the competition as well as pending and solds. Because even if you've done your due-dilegence in making sure your home is in tip-top shape, if you over price your home to begin with you may end up realizing a lower price for your home in the long run.

A point to remember here.  You don't have to smell mold to have mold.  And the symptons of mold exposure can be just like those of a cold or flue (runny nose, Iwatery eyes, sneezing, coughing, congestion, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and digestive problems).  Additionally, some molds and mildew release disease-causing toxins into the air , which damage vital organs including: Liver, Central nervous system, digestive tract and immune system. 

Keep your home and your family healthy.  Get a check up!  If you would like more information on protecting your home from mold do your research, and if you are local you might want to contact: New England Remediation Services, Located in Concord, NH - 603-513-1235 -. http://www.newenglandremediationservices.com/

Facing Foreclosure

Many homeowners are in fear of loosing their home to foreclosure. The reasons range from job loss, job relocation in a market where the value of a current home is worth less than what is owed, death of the primary wage earner... and the list goes on.  The problem is where does someone get help.  I've heard countless situations where homeowners are having a hard time (for whatever reason), and they can't even get someone to return their call from their Loan Servicing company. 

What do you do? Where do you go? Who do you talk to? Is there a way to work things out so you won't loose your home? What documents are needed?  How long will it take? Can your loan be modified?  If this sounds familiar to you or perhaps someone you know has shared feelings like this with you, then you might want to visit the site that Fannie Mae has created.

The site is called  "Know Your Options"  and its goal to assist those who are finding themselves asking those questions.  In easy to understand language, this site could be what you or someone you know needs to help them get on the right track so they don't loose their home to foreclosure.

If you are stuck - don't just sit there; learn how you can work through these difficult times and perhaps there is a solution that will work for you.  But at least you have a place where you'll find the answers to your questions or the resources to get you there. 

Leave a comment if you have questions or have a situation you'd like to share.