We usually recommend a mold assessment if a home inspection reveals suspect conditions or if a potential buyer has an immune problem but when a home or building is in foreclosure we always recommend a mold inspection.  (possible exception: if the buyer is very familiar with the building and its history and feels confident there is no problem)

Home and commercial foreclosures are common here in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Ft Myers, Cape Coral and all of Southwest Florida.  Buyers can purchase some really nice homes at bargain prices.  Buyers of foreclosed home should be aware of potential problems we see all too often when performing mold inspections.

1)     Electricity is often turned off for long periods of time.

Without the HVAC systems removing moisture from the air inside the home, mold can grow (humidity bloom).  This can be a simple cleanup situation or it can be a costly mold remediation project.  Without a professional mold assessment by a Certified Indoor Environmentalist or an Industrial Hygienist you really don’t know.  You as a buyer need remediation recommendations written based on nationally accepted industry standards; not some home inspector’s best guess.  Your mold assessor / inspector should carry mold errors and omissions insurance (required in 2010 by new Florida mold law).

2)     Water intrusion is common in abandoned homes / structures.

When homes are vacant, plumbing leaks, roof leaks and clogged drains inside and outside can cause mold problems inside the home that are not always noticed by the buyer, agent or untrained professional.  Infrared thermal imaging camera and moisture meters are required for a proper evaluation of any water intrusion.

Buyers should be aware that the EPA does not recommend air tests alone to decide if a home needs mold remediation.  A visual inspection is the most important part of a mold assessment.

The mold inspector / assessor should decide if the home needs mold remediation, no one else.

Lab analysis report should be interpreted by the inspector.

Old News:

“Collier County is ranked number one, and Lee County ranked number two in the entire State of Florida in Existing home (re-sales) sales ending February 2004. Collier County saw a 28% gain and Lee County had an 18% gain in sales of existing homes from February 2003 to February 2004.”

http://realestate.classifieds1000.com/articles/Naples_and_Southwest_Florida_Real_Estate_Is_Hot.html

Although sales are different today, sales are picking up in our opinion, since we perform work for over 30 home inspectors and thousands of Real estate agents in Collier and Lee Counties we generally have a good perception of what the market is doing.  “There are some great deals out there” seems to be an accurate description from our perspective.

Michael Peltier: Foreclosures loom large in Florida

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/feb/24/michael-peltier-foreclosures-loom-large-florida/