How a Mold Test Protected a Real Estate Agent


Posted September 18, 2018 by stevewillson703

Mildew is unfortunately a four letter word that realtors at times fear. Combine that with the four letter term "test" and things can get even more complicated.
 
Mildew is unfortunately a four letter word that realtors at times fear. Combine that with the four letter term "test" and things can get even more complicated. There are real estate agents who are not familiar with mold testing, reading mold test outcomes and how to negotiate with issues if there arise.

Mold is really a naturally occurring organism and as such, agents should learn how to deal with the problems so as to be the professional they should be and to help protect themselves from possibly costly statements.

Mold is everywhere and we all have to know how to deal with it. Mold is a symptom of a moisture concern. Moisture is something that can be controlled. This is done by fixing roof leaks, plumbing leaks, poor ventilation and moisture build-up or condensation issues. These are things that are commonly written in to requests to treat and should not be a big deal to handle well. Due to myths and never fully understanding molds this is hard for some agents to cope with and this lack of knowledge can increase liability for people associated with real estate transactions.

We had a buyer have us perform air sampling for mold analysis and during the sample the real estate agent walked in and asked what we had been doing. He was told that we were taking samples regarding mold testing because the client asked it to be carried out. He then scoffs and stated that he knows the home thoroughly and that there is no mold there. The test results came back high indicating a moisture issues. This was consistent with exterior areas of the home which easily increased the odds of water infiltration. The buyer lets us know that the agent then wants to declare that the test was not a good test and tries to talk the client in to buying the home anyway without satisfactory remediation. The result of all of this was that the client lost trust and confidence within the agent and the deal was cancelled.

This agent after that wanted to complain to us regarding the testing and in some way wanted us to not to offer to do mold testing intended for clients. In reality that agent may have avoided a law suit. If he walked in a few minutes earlier and made the actual mold free claim before the testing started he may possess prevented the test from being done by changing the customers mind. This agent could have been the primary target in a suit regarding mold issues in the home once the situation revealed by itself and since he is the one that told the client not to test simply because he stated to the client that there not a mold matter.

Do not claim any space is free of molds. Completely mold free areas do not naturally occur anywhere. The only method to know if a home is free of elevated mold amounts is to have it tested. Mold does not have to be visually observed to be present. Mold is not a death sentence on the home, get the moisture situation corrected and clean or even remove the concerning areas. Learn that mold can be cured, and when you try to discredit the test and the lab, as well as press the client into buying anyways, you end up looking poor and you potentially lose a client.

visit: http://www.moldtestusa.com/
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Issued By steve
Business Address texas
austin
Country United States
Categories Biotech
Tags mold inspection
Last Updated September 18, 2018