Weigh the Signs of Mold

Regarding “Mold” by Diane Wender, Dec. 16, and other letters following the article: Some of the comments have been pretty scary. For homeowners and home buyers, don’t think that as soon as you see mold, it will cost you a fortune. It may not.

However, you should have it checked out by a qualified home inspector or inspection company. Being a real estate agent, more than once I have begun a transaction on a home that has mold, most recently in a condo association, and the association is taking care of the remediation. There is liability if the issue is not addressed.

Buyer beware. When you are looking to buy a home, two sure signs of mold are smelling it and seeing it. If the house smells moldy, get it properly inspected by a qualified professional. Do not rely on the disclosures provided by the seller.

Seller beware. If you are a seller, before you put your home on the market make sure you do not have mold. If you have mold, hire a professional and eliminate the mold before listing your home for sale. If you have mold and choose not to eliminate it, make sure you provide that information and any information on testing you have done to the buyer. Failure to do so could open the oor to legal problems. After mold remediation, I even advise my sellers to advise the buyer of the mold and its removal. Better safe than sorry.

FRANK KENNY

Hermosa Beach

Kenny is a real estate consultant.