​Selling a home is a stressful time. You want to ensure you get the best price, but you also want to ensure that the buyer is not going to find any surprises during their due diligence period. While you may think that all is well, some hidden problems could be lurking – for example – mold. No buyer or seller wants to deal with learning about mold in the final hour. So, what can you do? The news is good. Follow these two simple words – pre-mold testing.  

What happens if you DON’T pre-test for mold? 

• If mold is found during the home inspection, buyers may walk away from the deal. 
• If mold is found, buyers may contact a shady mold remediation contractor who will likely over exaggerate the work involved and overcharge which will likely lead to the seller asking for a deep discount.
• The buyers buy the home, but develop health issues down the line. A potential lawsuit is on the line.  

What happens if you DO pre-test for mold?  

• Pre-mold testing shows buyers you care and gives them the confidence they need to move forward.  
• If you hire a mold test only company (which is highly recommended), it will also suggest ways you can fix any problems – without the need for a mold remediation company. 
• You’ll save money and have a better chance of closing the deal. 
• You’ll protect yourself from potential litigation. 

As you can see the DO’s yield better results than the DON’Ts. So, don’t be afraid to pre-test for mold. Quite often, mold is not a big deal. You just need to know what type of mold it is any potential threats it may cause. Convinced? Good. Now, it’s time to hire an unbiased mold test only company that you – and the buyer – can trust.  When you decide to pre-test for mold: 

• Hire an unbiased mold testing firm – one that does not do remediation – they test only. If mold is found, they will disclose what type of mold it is, it’s effect on the house and environment and recommend a fair credit upon closing. 
• Hire a BBB-accredited company to ensure you’re not getting a fly-by-night operation. You want a company that has your best interest in mind. 
• Hire a mold test only company that offers a work guarantee or full refund. 

If you’ve found mold during your pre-mold test, there are ways to handle it. For some mold cleaning tips, download this free book: Mold Code Handbook. 

​If you’re in the process of buying a foreclosed piece of real estate, congratulations. There are many reasons to celebrate. However, before you pop open that bottle of bubbly, make sure you do your due diligence first; testing for mold should certainly be among the things to do. In fact, it’s one of the top precautions you should take. 
Homes in foreclosure that are vacant, can quickly become vulnerable to mold due to moisture penetration, spore buildup and more. At first glance, it can be difficult to detect. So, test before you invest. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, just make sure you do it because mold can:

• Create new health problems 
• Exacerbate existing health problems 
• Cost you a lot of money in remediation
• Diminish your investment  
• Be tricky to find and detect 

DNA-based mold test kits can help
To really understand the risk to health from mold exposure, the real estate community needs a reliable process for determining the extent of the mold problem in foreclosed or vacant homes. Mold test kits that use DNA-based technology are particularly effective.
For example, this free DNA Mold Test Kit tests for mold (s) that healthcare professionals consider toxic. For example, black mold has been linked to the development of early childhood asthma and a mold called Aspergillus fumigatus is a very infectious mold that is capable of causing human disease.  
It’s prudent for home buyers, realtors and property managers to properly sample, inspect for, and correct any water and mold problems on the property before purchasing or leasing it in order to protect future residents’ health. 
Mold cleaning tips
Once you’ve gotten your results, you can determine what needs to happen next. If the test comes up mold free, you’re in luck. However, if it doesn’t, it’s time to act. There are many things you can do to correct the problem and many of them don’t have to cost a lot of money. This book – the Mold Code Handbook – is filled with mold cleaning tips and simple solutions for common mold problems. It reveals economical ways to repair and correct. It also outlines things you can do to prevent future mold problems down the line that range from keeping your furnace clean to purchasing the perfect dehumidifier. 
So, when the time comes, test for mold before you buy. It’s the responsible thing to do – ethically and economically. 

Water can wreak havoc on a property and if not cleaned up properly, can result in mold problems that can cause health-related issues down the line too. Your goal here is to make sure that your family is safe. Deal with the water damage and any resulting mold as soon as possible. It’s the best way to protect your property and your health. Or, better yet, try to avoid water or flood damage and stay mold-free from the get-go. 
KnowMold.com has a few tips for what to do in the following situations:  
Situation 1: Leaky skylight. Verify that the leak is not actually excessive condensation that has moved along the underside of the glass toward the edge and then dripped down the side of the interior opening. This is most likely in very cold climates, in single-glazed skylights, and in damp locations such as bathrooms and kitchens areas.
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Verify that the skylight is fully closed and that any weather seals are in good condition (pliable, not deformed or torn). Problems typically occur when skylights are located in very high ceilings and it’s difficult to see if they’re fully closed. Look carefully at the roofing or flashing on vents and other penetrations further up the roof. A leak there can travel quite a distance before finding its way to an indoor opening at the skylight.
 
Situation 2: Foundation cracks. If a concrete expansion joint is missing or compromised, it can cause water intrusion. Use a hydrostatic sealing caulk that can be used to seal gaps between concrete driveway, walks, patios and house foundation. This type of sealing caulk is only useful for horizontal cracks. For vertical epoxy, injection cement may be required. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce excessive moisture in the air. Reconnect (adjust) gutter down spouts; and re-grade planting area so that water flows away from the home.
 
Situation 3: Visible mold. If there’s visible mold in the attic (underneath roof decking and roof joist); visible mold underneath sub-floor and floor joint; visible mold on construction materials such as drywall, wood studs, paneling, there are things you can do. For example, use “dry ice” blasting or an effective “mildewcide” to remove mold/mildew from these areas. A disinfection treatment with a mild, antimicrobial solution application should also include the basement, HVAC, and attic.  Dry ice blasting or mildewcide can also reduce mold and mildew staining. If the drywall or any other construction materials have been compromised, remove them.
 
Want to get more tips for how to prevent mold, download the Mold Code Digital Mini Handbook. And, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional who you trust. 

​Buying a new home is a big deal. It’s likely the largest investment you’ll ever make and you want to make sure you’re getting one that’s healthy and sound. While a home inspection is definitely something you want to do, home inspectors are limited in their scope when it comes to mold. Why? There are a host of reasons that range from not being specifically trained to presenting with natural biases. 
 
For example, most home inspectors are referred by the buyer’s realtor. So, it’s only natural that they’re likely to downplay a real mold problem. There’s a lot at stake and unfortunately, your best interests may be one of them. Highlighting a potential problem could ruin the deal on multiple levels that include: 

• The seller can’t sell the house
• The buyer won’t buy the house
• The realtor misses out on a commission
• The home inspector may hurt his relationship with the realtor
• And more…

So, what the answer? Hire a mold test only company that has no hidden agenda or affiliation with mold removal contractors or other related third parties. It will only run necessary air and surface tests and you’ll get results within the hour. 

Part of the solution; not the problem
A mold test only company will not only test for mold, but some will also help you figure out how to prevent it. For example, KnowMold has put together a free guide that gives people simple solutions for common mold problems. For example, in order to prevent mold, here are just a few things you can do: 

• Keep your furnace clean
• Repair plumbing leaks
• Maintain low indoor humidity
• Buy a dehumidifier
• Exhaust all moisture producing appliances such as bath exhaust and dryer vents to the outside

A mold test only company is a partner you can trust. For detailed mold prevention and cleaning tips, download the free Mold Code Digital Handbook.