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Yesterday I wrote a post about having to sign a release before showing a house with mold. Although I thought it a bit odd, I actually did agree with the policy. I liked being able to make a decision based on informed consent.

My clients signed the release too, and still wanted to see the house, despite the mold warning. After all, how bad could it be? Little would I know how much of an understatement that would be.

We were greeted with a living, breathing, petri dish. Keep in mind that this house sold for almost $400K, just three years ago.

Oh well, one and done, right...wrong. As I was leaving someone stopped me in the driveway and wants to see the house. He took my card, but I really hope he doesn't call. I'm still feeling a bit itchy.

Who said a real estate career wasn't glamerous?

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved

Most agents, including me, really prefer it when showing a home is as easy as can be. Our lives can tend to get a bit hectic scheduling appointments, and anything that can be done to simplify that is certainly appreciated.

Yesterday, I made an appointment to show a foreclosure today and was told I had to go to a website and download a disclosure and release, because the property had mold. My initial reaction was grumbling because it interfered with my scheduling appointments. They were adament though, no signed release, no combo code.

It took about two hours before I was able to secure everybody's signature on the release of those who will be going into the property.

This process is far more than just putting a "mold disclosure" in the agent remarks section of the listing. It's also one that I think is pretty good for all concerned.

• the owner, the bank in this case, is protected with the disclosure and release signatures.
• the listing brokerage is also protected.
• lastly, by implication, so am I.

My clients know that there is mold on the property, have seen the disclosure, and have released all parties from any harm. Certainly worth the minor inconvenience. If they still want to go in, they're doing it knowing the possible health concerns.

I haven't gone out there yet so I don't know the extent of the mold, but I'm assuming its going to be pretty significant. In any case, I appreciate the heads up that there is mold on the property. I've shown far too many houses where there was no disclosure, or remarks, about mold, and clients and agents can get pretty upset when you encounter that surprise.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved