Mold Remediation follow-up - do you require another test?

[J Grant]

Just because a client tells us to do something does not mean we have to agree to it. Part of running a business is understanding that, and every business and profession understands its own limits.

Your report made it subject to mold remediation, and the remediation was done. There is no way for an appoints to say the house is now "Safe", had remediation company itself refused to state that. So inform the lender of that reality; the request will likely go away.

 

[sputnam]

After the mold remediation has been completed, do you require a follow-up mold test, or is the remediation enough? Do you make an extraordinary assumption that the mold
has in fact been remediated?

When I completed a meth house report, I required a certification/statement after remediation stating that the house was 'safe'. The realtors had a field day with this, they had never
had an appraiser ask for a certification after the fact. Overkill??

Thanks!

Why do you care what the Realtors think about it? Are they your Clients?

 

[Tom D]

i agree with just saying the required repair/request was completed, with bill attached. was the mold obvious in a specific area, or was it thru out the house. i would assume a specific area that was corrected would be obviously corrected, as seen in the photo. but saying a house is safe, no matter how, is a very general statement to get yourself into a trap down the road.
i think you are thinking overkill. but, a bad whole house mold situation i might think test again, meth i might be also nervous. mold is everywhere in a house in a dormant state, waiting for long term moisture to bring it back to haunt you. my reply to the realtor is that i'm saving you from a potential future law suite, cause you never win a mold issue.

 

[J Grant]

i agree with just saying the required repair/request was completed, with bill attached. was the mold obvious in a specific area, or was it thru out the house. i would assume a specific area that was corrected would be obviously corrected, as seen in the photo. but saying a house is safe, no matter how, is a very general statement to get yourself into a trap down the road.
i think you are thinking overkill. but, a bad whole house mold situation i might think test again, meth i might be also nervous. mold is everywhere in a house in a dormant state, waiting for long term moisture to bring it back to haunt you. my reply to the realtor is that i'm saving you from a potential future law suite, cause you never win a mold issue.

It hasn't affected you and maybe never will, but this advice is problematic. Appraisers should not be involving themselves in follow-up tests and should not be replying to Realtors, wrt telling hem we are we are saving them from a potential lawsuit. They are sure not trying to save us from anything, and it is not our role to save them or tell them we are- the main thing is I see RE appraisers should not be involving themselves in a deal wrt inspections or anything else.

Keep it simple and consistent; every time a RE agent asks questions after an appraisal is delivered, politely tell them to address any concerns with the lender.

 

[jay trotta]

With the meth house the bank wanted me to state that the dwelling was now 'safe' to occupy, so I asked the remediation company for something to that effect. They would not provide it. It was remediated so I assume it is safe to occupy, but I am not an expert on safe levels of mold or meth for that matter, hence the extraordinary assumption. The bank wants the mold house done subject to remediation; I'm still working on the mold house report, which is why I'm asking.

What is required by the State Health & Safety statute? License Law for Mold or Other Toxic substances?
IMO-the Client would need to contact them/municipality for a copy of any documents, in my area you need a "permit" for remediation.

 

[Tom D]

grant, i say this lovingly from my college psych minor days. you are the most anti social appraiser i have ever read. i picture you going into a house with a ski mask on, and tape over your mouth.
having come from a different era in appraising, i talk to everyone. so many times i have had the homeowner, or realtor, say the appraiser went thru and didn't say a word. owners and realtors have thanked me for explaining what they had to do, and why. and when i did those senior reverse mortgages where i would explain exactly what had to be done and why. but that's my business decision, and my public relation with my clients. never had anyone say bad about me. but then, if i told you how much business i made when i first started with my SRA designation and that attitude, you would be stunned. there are always different ways to handle client business, but did something bad happen to you from talking to an owner, or agent.
some of you younger appraisers need to understand public relations in doing your business. i guess those that don't will always be working for the AMC plantation.

 

[Deleted member 142783]

Let the UW decide. Use an extraordinary assumption, a mold remediation company, completing a mold remediation, renders the home safety occupied… if you’re extra nervous Nancy, include a statement “ it is left to the lender/client to decide if the extra ordinary assumption is acceptable for this assignment”

Done

 

[Dublin ohio]

grant, i say this lovingly from my college psych minor days. you are the most anti social appraiser i have ever read. i picture you going into a house with a ski mask on, and tape over your mouth.
having come from a different era in appraising, i talk to everyone. so many times i have had the homeowner, or realtor, say the appraiser went thru and didn't say a word. owners and realtors have thanked me for explaining what they had to do, and why. and when i did those senior reverse mortgages where i would explain exactly what had to be done and why. but that's my business decision, and my public relation with my clients. never had anyone say bad about me. but then, if i told you how much business i made when i first started with my SRA designation and that attitude, you would be stunned. there are always different ways to handle client business, but did something bad happen to you from talking to an owner, or agent.
some of you younger appraisers need to understand public relations in doing your business. i guess those that don't will always be working for the AMC plantation.

I am always cordial if the owner is there during my inspection. Ask about updates etc. Many time they will say they appreciate it when they might ask for a late appt. due to work or schools functions. If the house is in my general neighborhood. I will just say no problem. I live in the area and it wasn't a problem. That also lets them know I am local. Always have a couples of dog treats in my pocket. But will ask owner if it is ok to give the dog a treat. Sometimes when their kids are around. They like to show off their rooms. I will say something like I like you poster or my grandkids like similar things. I try to keep everyone relaxed. As far as agents. Even if I mad e the appointment through a showing service. I usually give them a phone call or e-mail and pick their brains. Especially when there are limited sales. Ask them if they have a cma. But they usually tell me what I already know. That they had a hard time finding similar sales and I get some insight on how they priced the property. I never get into value related conversation with the borrower or agent. But good pr can land you some referrals.

 

[J Grant]

grant, i say this lovingly from my college psych minor days. you are the most anti social appraiser i have ever read. i picture you going into a house with a ski mask on, and tape over your mouth.
having come from a different era in appraising, i talk to everyone. so many times i have had the homeowner, or realtor, say the appraiser went thru and didn't say a word. owners and realtors have thanked me for explaining what they had to do, and why. and when i did those senior reverse mortgages where i would explain exactly what had to be done and why. but that's my business decision, and my public relation with my clients. never had anyone say bad about me. but then, if i told you how much business i made when i first started with my SRA designation and that attitude, you would be stunned. there are always different ways to handle client business, but did something bad happen to you from talking to an owner, or agent.
some of you younger appraisers need to understand public relations in doing your business. i guess those that don't will always be working for the AMC plantation.

I am polite, cordial, not rude or wearing a ski mask lol ( idea!) - over the years I have concluded it was better to be more professionally behaved, which is not to chat with them too much -which I did in the beginning -imo it makes it clear I am not there to be on their side or help them out with a value -

The appraisers who come on here facing borrower complaints and RE agent harassment and sticky situations are ones who talk too much - taking calls from RE agents, getting over-involved with a borrower and their inspection issues or deal, etc - and IMO getting too friendly can lead people to believe you are going to help with their value. Then they can be disappointed when that does not happen.

I might say something like its a pretty house or cute dog but thats it. They don;t seem to mind at all - I am not there for a social visit -I will ask about upgrades or what changes the have made, etc.