NEW ENGLAND MOLD SPECIALTY COMPANY ENSURES SAFE AND SMOOTH HOME SALE PROCESS
Over the past three years, the housing market has experienced a national shortage of inventory, which has resulted in bidding wars, exorbitant offers, and buyers waiving their opportunity for a home inspection. Unfortunately, many buyers quickly regret these decisions, viewing their new dream home as a potential nightmare. Natural Home Solutions, a female-owned business specializing in organic mold testing and remediation, is dedicated to educating real estate agencies across New England about the importance of comprehensive mold analysis within home inspections. Collaborating with esteemed names in the industry such as Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Gallagher Real Estate, Executive Real Estate, ROVI, Lock and Key, and Neilsen Realty, the life science company is leading the charge to ensure the safety and well-being of home buyers and sellers by prioritizing proactive mold detection and removal measures.
“When it comes to mold, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says Laura Champagne, co-founder of Natural Home Solutions LLC. “It’s very important for real estate agents and buyers to ask the right questions about water issues. It is almost guaranteed that when there is an infiltration of water, mold growth is inevitable. Home inspectors may discover a mold-like substance. This discovery could scare away potential buyers. The process of home buying is extremely emotional; so proper education can save both sides from headaches and wasted time.”
According to a 2024 report by Ruby Home, 47% of U.S. residential buildings show signs of mold, which can drop home resale values by 37%. It is imperative that a seller and their agent discuss openly the history of the home prior to listing it. Even the most seemingly insignificant issues could present themselves on a much larger scale in the future. The most obvious signs to look for are water staining and foul smells.
Keller Williams North Central Realtor Jessica Cavallaro has been in the real estate business for a decade and has noticed a 15-20% increase in mold concerns over the past five years due to the increase in wet weather across the New England landscape. She always recommends that home buyers do their research and request mold testing if there are any concerns.
“In Massachusetts, buyers are allowed to have an inspection period before they sign their purchase and sales agreement,” said Cavallaro. “Once a transaction has reached this stage, all of the parties involved are looking forward to closing the deal. It is frustrating and disappointing when surprises arise during the inspection.”
In fact, Cavallaro had to release the contract on a recent home purchase due to “spotting” and “matter” found in the attic. Even after attempting to work with the sellers on a solution, the parties failed to come to an agreement. “Home inspectors are trained for a variety of building concerns but they are not specialists in any one area, so it is always best to follow up the inspection process by consulting a specialist in the field before making final decisions,” Cavallaro adds. “I currently work with Natural Home Solutions as my preferred mold remediation expert. Laura’s background in biochemistry, diligence and prompt response time sets her apart from the competition.”
Cavallaro notes that when she is showing homes to prospective buyers and encounters some unidentified foreign matter, she will send a photo to the Natural Home Solutions team and get an immediate assessment as to whether the situation is a potential major issue or minor inconvenience. “This is a priceless resource in our current real estate market where there is a lack of inventory and I would hate for my clients to miss out on their ideal home,” said Cavallaro.
“Since mold is found in the external environment, every home, building and structure is vulnerable to it. Our company works with not only real estate agents but all homeowners, property managers, house flippers and banks,” said Champagne. “Mold can also appear in personal investments like rental properties, vehicles, boats, RVs and vacation homes. The key is to locate the water source and minimize the level of humidity.”
Champagne offers the following mold prevention tips:
● Routinely inspect the external property, foundation, windows, gutters, roof, drainage and any potential storm damage.
● Keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Use a portable or permanent HVAC dehumidifier. Whenever possible have them plumbed in and run an oscillating fan in the opposite corner.
● Check the bathroom fans and attic vents and conduct regular maintenance.
● If you experience an intrusion of water, call a professional to remove it as fast as possible.
Equally important, Champagne advises realtors to ask questions about the history of the property. If there was a potential water issue, conduct an air quality test for mold prior to putting a seller’s home on the market; a proactive effort that will help secure top dollar for the property and avoid delays.
Lastly, Champagne describes the growing trend for legal action against property owners who do not address mold in a timely manner, and cause mold-related illness and property damage. “A simple air quality test can provide crucial documentation and a clear answer that can help solve a dispute,” she adds. “Insurance companies have begun to exclude mold remediation in their policies, but some have put new incentives in place for permanent water related solutions.”
For realtor Cavallaro, she will continue to consult with Natural Home Solutions to ensure that she maintains her top-selling status within her brokerage: “It is such a relief to have Natural Home Solutions as our #1 mold expert in selling both residential and commercial properties,” she exclaims. “The unknown can be scary, but by having the right remediation team and elimination plan in place, my clients and I always have peace of mind that we will breathe easy!”
About Natural Home Solutions LLC
Natural Home Solutions LLC, is committed to keeping homes and businesses safe from mold contamination through science. Serving New England and the tri-state region, the professional team performs high-quality mold testing and nontoxic, non-destructive removal at a cost-effective price. As one of only a few EnzyCleanseTM licensees in the world, the company is proud to offer an organic, safe and naturally derived mold elimination solution created by the scientists at XSPOR Life Sciences. It is the only product in the mold abatement industry to earn the authentic USDA BioPreferred Certification. Learn more at naturalhome.solutions for a free estimate.
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