Mold Getting A Costly Hold On Homes

[Julio E. Sune Jr. (FL)]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/0...0/mold-usat.htm

[Mold]--"This has become the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for trial lawyers who think this is the new asbestos of the world"

:evil: :evil: :evil:

[Will there be a need for another disclaimer/addition to the limiting conditions??---Unless readily visible, appraisers ARE NOT legally nor technically qualified to render an opinion on mold issues.]

 

[Farm Gal]

Julio:

I would NEVER say "unless readily visible" 8O You get into very ugly he said she said about whether the appraiser SHOULDA seen it.

Most mold isn't an issue. Black mold and some of it's nasty relatives is.

My disclaimer says: The appraiser is not qualified to identify environmental hazards including asbestos, radon, mold or other potentially harmfull substances whether obscured or in 'plain' sight. We cannot determine hidden structural defects, and assume all mechanical systems to be in working order unless specifically otherwise noted in the body or addendums to this report. Consult an expert in the appropriate area: Mechanical, structural, environmental, or survey to prevent concerns in any of these areas. The appraiser identifies value under the assumption that no dangerous or value detrimental conditions are present, unless specifically identified in the report. We are not responsible for identifying any conditions requiring specialized testing equipment or training.

 

[Doug]

I have mold in my crawl on the joists. What do you do to get rid of it? If anything.

 

[Farm Gal]

Doug: are you SURE it's mold?

My guess is if it is limited to black marks on the joists it is a) non-toxic, and B) not worth scrubbing!

Could be staining from wood left exposed, or oxidized sap... or someones overspray!

If you want to know how to get rid of it or if it SHOULD be gotten rid of I can find the link to the home test kit (think it was about $30), which will tell you what you have and from there if you so desire you can work on getting rid of it: there is an interesting article about the complexity of preventing mold in crawlspaces... Will try to locate if you are interested...

Good ol fashined bleach gets rid of many 'harmless' molds, but exacerbates some few others 8O .... It is a dangerous world out there... :roll:

 

[Blue1]

Lee Ann,

I like your disclaimer. I have something similar. My E&O company sent me a letter on mold and included some disclaimers there also.

"the appraiser is not qualified to determine the cause of the mold, the ypie of mold or wheter the mold might pose any risk to the property or its inhabitants. Additional inspection by a qualified professional is recommended."

OR

the appraiser is not a home or environmental inspector. The appraiser provides an opinion of value. The appraisal does not guarantee that the property is free of defects or environmental problems. The appraiser performs an inspection of visible and accessible areas only. Mold my be present in areas the appraiser cannot see. A professional home inspection or environmental inspection is recommended."

For what it's worth.......

 

[Julio E. Sune Jr. (FL)]

LA & B1; I like your comments--

Will add something similar.

The following is something else I might add to the "punch-bowl"

[I. "The value of real estate is affected by many related and unrelated economic conditions, local, national and international, which might necessarily affect positively or negatively the future value of real property. The appraiser therefore assumes no liability for any unforeseen or anticipated, abrupt or precipitous change in the economy, natural or man-made disasters and/or other favorable or unfavorable events that might take place after the effective date of the appraisal report of the property".]

 

[Farm Gal]

:lol: :lol: Julio!

Now that is really belt an suspenders addendum, I think I'll save that one for the stand and address it to "Your honor and ladies and gents of the jury!"

 

[jtrotta]

Julio;

catchy tune you've played there, but your last sentence would be or could be a killer in court; "that might take place *after the effective date* of the appraisal report of the property". If a situation arose and you had to defend yourself and attorney would pick this apart -

So Julio, what did you note on/in or about the subject "at" your inspection :?: once you answer that question, you will begin a chain of events that may or may not put you in an awkward situation. Sounds a little risky to me.

8)

 

[Frederick R. Ruffell]

There was a good article in the Valuation mag., second quarter 2002,on mold. Here is there suggested disclaimer(s).
"The appraiser is not qualified to determine the cause of mold, the type of mold or whether the mold might pose any risk to property or inhabitants. Additional inspection by a qualified professional is reccomended."

"The appraiser is not a home or environmental inspector. the appraiser provides an opinion of value. the appraiser does not guarantee that the propertyis free of defects or environmental problems. the appraiser performs an inspection of visible and accessible areas only. Mold may be present in areas the appraisers cannot see. A professional home inspection or environmental inspection is recommended"

It is my understanding the second you use the word "mold", or radon, "EMF" Electro magnetic .....?? before my time, or whatever you have taken on this shroud of knowledge and expertise that lawyers can rip to shreds, no pun intended. Because you have used the word "mold" you have identified it, according to the lawyers and you are not qualified to make that identifacation.

 

[Frederick R. Ruffell]

Also, does not paragraph 6 of the limiting conditions (FNMA 1004B) cover us on this issue?