The Impact of Indoor Mold on Property Value

Nobody wants to buy a home with mold. Besides the health risks, buyers often fear that the mold might come back, costing lots of money and potentially wreaking havoc on their home and possessions. It’s a lot like buying a car that has been in an accident—even if the car has been fully repaired, some people won’t even consider it.

How Does Mold Affect Property Value?

Canny appraisers will be looking for signs of mold, because mold often indicates water damage. If the new buyer is going to have to replace a leaky roof or a cracked foundation, the property is unlikely to sell at market rate. Any type of structural damage affects the value of the property, and mold can do some damage all on its own.

Mold feeds on organic building materials like plywood, two-by-fours, and the paper backing on drywall. If left unchecked, mold growth can destroy walls, ceilings, and floors, causing costly damage. But besides the risk to the property itself, mold also poses a serious health hazard.

If an appraiser finds mold in your home, it could negatively affect their evaluation. Due to the health risks, possible structural damage, and cost of repairs, mold could bring down the value of a property by as much as 50%. Luxury homes will get hit the hardest, while fixer-uppers will suffer the least.

Mold Remediation Can Restore Your Home’s Value

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to schedule a mold inspection before you schedule an appraisal. Whether or not you’ve noticed any signs of mold—like discolored walls, spotty ceilings, or a musty odor—a mold inspection could prove invaluable.

Mold often grows undetected in places like HVAC ducts and attic insulation. Scheduling a professional mold inspection will reveal any hidden mold so you can deal with it before your appraisal. A mold inspection can also help you locate problematic water damage or structural damage that might depreciate the value of your home.

If you want to get the best sale price for a house affected by mold, there are several steps you can take to improve its value.

How to Prepare a Moldy House for Sale

1. Get professional mold remediation.

2. Clean all ducts and vents.

3. Clean fireplaces and chimneys.

4. Repair any water damage or structural damage.

5. Add extra ventilation to prevent future outbreaks.

Don’t underestimate the importance of passing a mold inspection before the appraisal—it can significantly improve your property value. Be upfront with your appraiser about the mold. Show them the steps you've taken to remove it, and provide documentation of your repairs and mold remediation efforts.

Homes, where the mold problem has been resolved, should ideally lose no more than 3% of their market value. However, many homeowners hesitate to seek mold remediation because they are worried that removing the mold might cause even more damage, or require demolition.

Dry Fog Mold Remediation Will Not Cause Any Damage

Taking a sledgehammer to your walls isn’t the only (or the best) way to get rid of mold. Dry fog mold remediation is quick, effective, and completely demolition-free. Our patented dry fog sprays a fine mist of microparticles that kill mold spores on contact and can even penetrate porous surfaces like drywall.

When you go with My Pure Environment, you won’t have to worry about any costly demo, messy cleanup, or time-consuming mold removal techniques. The entire process takes only a few hours, with long-lasting effects. In fact, our dry-fog method is so effective, we guarantee that your home will be mold-free for the next 365 days.

Demolition-Free Mold Removal in Santa Clara

Don’t let mold affect your property value! If you want to sell a moldy home, our professional mold remediation services will save you time and money and help you get your asking price. Schedule a free mold inspection today—call us at 408-549-8926 or request an appointment online.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/27/2023.