Property with signs of prior mold exposure

last year

I'm currently considering a property in a state where seller disclosure of mold is not required. The general home inspection (which would not cover mold testing) was completed with no findings of mold (they would not be looking for it specifically and would only find it if it were present in open and exposed areas).

However, what the home inspector did find was hard evidence that mold treatments were performed recently. What is proper negotiating etiquette in such situations? Is it reasonable for a prospective buyer to ask the seller to cover the cost of an unbiased (meaning seller chooses the service provider) mold inspection? Or is the seller likely only willing to agree to the service provider of their choosing (some potentially for biased results)?

Or is this type of situation always considered to be the responsibility of the prospective buyer?

Without going into specific details, the evidence of mold treatment occurring I would consider definitive. Additionally the property is fairly recent (within 5 years). But there is one area that seems to have gotten an unusually high amount of "attention"/work/patch up compared to everywhere else. This is more speculative but wondering if the 2 are linked - note the evidence isn't located in this area but it wouldn't have to be.

I'm just here looking for impartial feedback and thoughts - thanks!

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Comments (2)

rrah
last year
last modified: last year
What does your agent recommend? I'd ask about why work was done in those areas, if mold remediation was done and to see receipts and any reports for the work. It sounds like it was treated. Often if mold is treated, the company will retest.

Work one has had done on a house typically doesn't need to be disclosed. If shingles blew off my house in a storm and I repaired them, I don't need to disclose that.
homechef59
last year
You will pay for any inspections.

The simplest solution is to have your agent ask their agent about the area of concern in writing. While unlikely, it is possible that they overlooked the issue when filling out the form. Sometimes it pays to ask. If you aren't satisfied by the answer that you receive in writing, you solution is to break off the negotiations and walkaway.

Myself, I would have it inspected by a basement or roofing contractor. You didn't specify where the repairs were made. Following inspection, I would make a decision as to whether to continue the sale. Inspection and understanding of the issue can help you decide if the issue is a no deal issue or a no big deal issue.
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