Wording for musty odor in FHA house?

[SierraMV]

I was at an appointment today, and when I walked into the house, there was a strong musty odor. This house has been updated (more like putting lipstick on a pig) new paint, trim, flooring, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, everything, inside. When I opened up the exterior crawl space hatch the smell just about knocked me over, I got a headache almost instantly and did not proceed from there. I did notice moisture on the gravel floor in the crawl space, but no standing water. I'm looking for verbiage, how do you state a smell in your report? TIA

 

[Tom D]

The crawl space should have vents to dry it out, or the moisture sits there helping the mold to grow. Get someone to find the problem, cure the sitting water, and check for mold presence. Possible a water remediation expert.
You don't want a mold lawsuite, very expensive when you lose.

 

[Mark K]

"The strong, musty smell emanating from the crawl space indicates a possible moisture problem. I recommend a crawl space inspection by a qualified contractor to determine if there is moisture present."

Smell in general? I once wrote "The subject has a very strong, offensive odor of cat urine. This will likely affect the marketability unless remedied by the owner. Accordingly, the value is placed at the bottom of the adjusted range." This place was so bad that I had to hold my breath and go outside for fresh air. Interior inspection took maybe 2-3 minutes.

Just call it as you see (or smell) it.

 

[Zoe]

Just do it subject to inspection from professional for obnoxious odor and where you smelled it. The lender can take it from there.

 

[Zoe]

Your touching on health and safety which is a biggie to FHA and VA.

 

[sputnam]

I was at an appointment today, and when I walked into the house, there was a strong musty odor. This house has been updated (more like putting lipstick on a pig) new paint, trim, flooring, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, everything, inside. When I opened up the exterior crawl space hatch the smell just about knocked me over, I got a headache almost instantly and did not proceed from there. I did notice moisture on the gravel floor in the crawl space, but no standing water. I'm looking for verbiage, how do you state a smell in your report? TIA

how about? "I detected a strong musty odor in the dwelling during my property inspection." Straight forward is always better. Unless you're trying to add some spin. If you don't know the cause, say so and suggest an inspection by a qualified inspector.

 

[Zoe]

Yeah. You can use the term “Health and Safety” concern. It could have drainage issue or some other issue. FHA understands “Health and Safety” issue.

I wouldn’t just comment. I would do “subject to”.

 

[J Grant]

It's not so much the odor, as the CAUSE of the odor that could be a problem. Particularly as you noticed it when you opened the crawlspace alongside dampness. If it was strong enough to give you an instant headache, the cause of such an overwhelming odor can be a health safety issue.

Describe what happened, the moisture observed, and state something such as due to the severity of the odor along with the moist gravel, a mold inspection and home inspection is required ( subject to) or recommended - your choice.

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

how about? "I detected a strong musty odor in the dwelling during my property inspection." Straight forward is always better. Unless you're trying to add some spin. If you don't know the cause, say so and suggest an inspection by a qualified inspector.

Word police disagree with you in some situations.

 

[sputnam]

Word police disagree with you in some situations.

The word police have no jurisdiction in my work or my life.