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
Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
SKYPE ME: RichSellsHomes
Richard:
I have not run across anything like this yet but it actually makes some sense. The issue of mold can be quite sensitive and these forms may be heading off some liability for all concerned.
Richard, it does sound like an inconvenience but being in a moldy house can be awful. I spent too much time in a moldy basement during an inspection once and felt it for a couple of days. We couldn't see it during the initial walkthrough because there was no power on in the house. To speed up the signature process, have you tried an electronic signature program like DocuSign or EchoSign? I've found that to be a huge timesaver.
I would be interested to know if this is every home they have or if there is a mold level to determine the form. Every home will have some mold somewhere...
Claudette: First I've seen of it too. If it makes sense, I'm sure it will spread.
Jen: I've never really gotten a clear answer from our legal hotline that those signatures are legal in Maryland.
Pat: I'm sure it visible mold it they're going to this kind of trouble.
I would have to agree with you on the inconvenience...better safe than sorry...
Richard, I have had a fair amount of experience working with mold as a project manager on a Federal home restoration project. It can be daunting. I warn clients about even entering a property with mold. It CAN be very expensive.
All that came up after the last agent disappeared.
But some how there is a new bump in the basement wall.
Careful with mold, the spores can and will enter your body so one should always wear a mask of some sort.
Enjoy your day
Disclosure, disclosure and more disclosure. It is cheaper than a lawsuit!
Ty
And it also sends a clear message to potential buyers!
Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
Richard, I think it is long overdue.
I have shown proerties where there is extensive mold and not a mention of it in MLS. When I get the feedback request, My only feedback is there is mold in the property and it should be disclosed in MLS, usually they say nothing back, once in a while they say,"We haven't had it tested, so we don't know if its mold" okay, then say "possible mold in home'".
Thanks for letting me rant. I know when I show foreclosures, mold is always a possibility, and I prepare my clients.
Richard, I would think mold is an adverse material fact and should be disclosed. As long as your clients know what they are getting into. Good luck.
Good morning Richard,
Dealing with foreclosure properties I think that this is a really good idea. It would be interesting to see the disclosure.
I always hate when no one mentions mold and you go into a house and it's covered from head to toe in mold. I am allergic to mold so that always makes me upset. I think this release is a great idea. This way we can all make an informed choice about whether we want to see that property or not.
Deborah: Slight inconvenience, but well worth the effort.
Suzanne: Remediation can be very costly, as well as any health issues.
Don: Thanks for the tip, you're right on the mask.
Ty: Disclosing is what we do best.
Richard: Thanks. My potential buyers absolutely know there is mold there now. They're making an informed decision.
Jen: Thats a copout on their part. Just because it hasn't been "tested" yet is no excuse from warning agents and buyers.
Mike: I couldn't agree more.
Don: This is a foreclosure. You can get the disclosure/release at mdforeclosures.com and type mold into the form box.
Stacey Ann: The informed choice is important. Mold can be very dangerous to some people.
Hi Richard, guess we are lucky up our way. Mould mold is around but not a big problem. Personally it would be easier to find another house to show. It sound like a major cost to have the mold removed, why would a Buyer want to adopt someone elses problems.
Richard, I think that is a great precaution to avoid potential problems that come from mold. I'm all for taking a proactive stance when necessary!
I noticed when I showed property in the Cape St. Clair area that almost all the agents used CSS. Except one. That one took more time to make and get the appointment that the other ten combined thru CSS. When the listing agent called for feedback, which CSS sends via email, I mentioned in as much of a constructive format style possible that they might want to consider it for ease of showing their listings. It really makes life easy during a busy Spring market to make appts easily while we are on the run.
Wow ...never had to sign or use a form like that. We did work on one home that was remediated.
Rich we all agree in disclosures. I find it kind of heavy handed to require them upfront but also know how hard it is to get forms back from some agents after the dance begins...