7 Steps for Removing Mold

Mold is a common home intruder that can quickly turn a desirable house into a risky purchase for potential buyers. So, what can home sellers do about it?

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus made up of tiny microscopic organisms that can grow practically anywhere, such as on ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wood, paints, carpet, and insulation. It multiplies via spores and shows itself in a variety of colors, from greens to browns to pinks, grays, blacks, and yellows. The most common mold growth area in the house is the bathroom, since mold grows on moist materials.

If you spot mold in one of your home, you'll first want to size up the problem, and then create a plan for safe and complete removal.

If the mold is found in a small area, less than 10 square feet, removal can be a do-it-yourself project. Here's how:

1. Wear a face mask, goggles, and rubber gloves. Don't touch mold with bare skin.

2. Seal off the area to prevent the tiny spores from spreading to other parts of the house during the removal process. Open the windows and cover heat registers and ventilation ducts.

3. Wash the affected hard surface areas with a mild detergent solution, such as laundry detergent and warm water. As an added step, wipe the area with a solution of a quarter-cup bleach and one quart of water. (Warning: Do not mix ammonia and bleach; the fumes can be toxic.)

4. Dry the surface completely. Use fans and dehumidifiers or natural ventilation.

5. Apply a borate-based detergent solution. Don't rinse. This will help prevent the mold from growing again. (Look for "borate" listed on the ingredient labels of laundry or dishwasher detergent.)

6. Don't take shortcuts. Never paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. The paint will peel and the mold will resurface.

7. Call a professional. Just when you think you finally won the battle against mold, you might see dormant spores reappear or even spread to clean areas of the house, particularly if proper removal procedures weren't taken. You may need to call a mold remediation company to resolve the problem.

Sources: The Truth About Mold (Dearborn, 2008) by Susan C. Cooper and Mike Buettner; EPA; Washington State Department of Health

Published: April 2009 REALTOR magazine

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Home Inspections Prior to Purchase

The purchase of a home is considered to be one of the most significant investments a person can make and as such, having the property inspected before closing serves as a final, critical step in the home-buying process. Home inspection ensures the worthiness of the investment and decreases the possibility of purchasing a property with major structural or other serious problems that may lead to significant unforeseen costs for the new owner.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty real estate professionals offer the following tips for buyers to consider before completing their purchase:

Hire a Certified Home Inspector:

Rely on the objective expertise of a qualified home inspector. They are knowledgeable about construction practices in the area, capable of spotting problems buyers may miss and will provide a report on the condition of the property. An inspection normally takes place after the parties have agreed on a selling price. Typically, real estate contracts contain a provision giving homebuyers a set number of days in which to have a home inspection completed. Homebuyers should get inspector referrals from their real estate sales associate, family, friends or neighbors before they go to contract. The American Society of Home Inspectors (http://www.ashi.org/) is also a good source. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty associates can also recommend reputable home inspectors.

Review Essential Areas:

It is important to examine all areas of the home, including the exterior, interior, attic, basement, electric, plumbing and HVAC. Faulty construction, improper electrical wiring, inefficient insulation, old heating, building permit violations and other unseen pitfalls can lead to very expensive home repairs.

Search for Hidden Defects:

Examples of hidden defects include missing roof shingles, chimney deterioration or leaks. It is also important to check behind walls. Mold, fungus and faulty wiring are often discovered in older homes. Make certain the home inspector looks in crawl spaces as well. Even small plumbing leaks can cause major problems and costs if not identified and corrected.

Review Visible Defects:

Homebuyers should be aware of possible water damage, such as noticeable water stains on the ceiling, damp basement walls or musty odors. They should look for cracks in the walls, particularly around fireplaces or in foundation walls. Uneven floors and tilted stairways could indicate there has been movement in the foundation. Also, notice doors that are not perfectly vertical. If there is more space between a door and its frame at one end than at the other, the door is likely installed incorrectly.

Look for Minor Problems:

Items such as doors or windows that are difficult to open or bad paint jobs may not be serious defects but could be signs of bad maintenance. Kitchen appliances should also be in good working order. Minor problems make for good negotiating points and can lead to the possibility of some concessions or a slightly reduced selling price.

Steps to Take After a Negative Inspection:

If the purchase contract is contingent on inspection of the home, negotiate a price adjustment or ask the sellers to make repairs. If the problems are so significant that the home is no longer a worthwhile investment, get out of the deal and have all deposits refunded. Always have a lawyer review any agreements to make sure that there is adequate legal protection prior to the inspection process.

For more information, please visit http://www.seacoastrealty.com/ or become our fan on Facebook.

Pest Inspections Can Keep Problems From "Bugging" You

You didn't see any creepy crawlies when you checked out your new house, so why do you need a pest inspection?

Sandy Monroe with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty explains that having a professional conduct this inexpensive test now can help you make an informed decision to buy and prevent nasty surprises later on.



For more information, please visit SeaCoastRealty.com or find Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty on Facebook.