Should mold stop you from buying a house?

Author: Tremaine Purdy  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Some lenders, including those offering FHA loans, might not approve your request for a mortgage if the home you're buying has serious mold issues. You might have to shop around for a lender if the home you're buying has significant mold issues. That could make buying the home even more stressful.

Should I avoid buying a house with mold?

Buying a house with mold can be a risky move. Mold can significantly reduce your property's value and fill your home's indoor air with health-devastating mold spores. This can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Can you get a mortgage if a house has mold?

If he is willing to take care of the mold problem then yes. If he is not willing to take care of the mold problem, then no traditional bank will lend on that because it's too big of a risk.

Is mold in a house a deal breaker?

Absolutely, you can. Mold can be remediated though and should not be the reason you are no longer interested in a property. It is a health and safety issue, and should be taken seriously.

Will mold fail a home inspection?

Home inspectors are not looking outright for mold when going over a property. Yet, if the history of the home includes water damage, more than likely an inspector will make it part of their inspection.

Ask Brian: Is Mold In A House A Deal Breaker? - Titan Inspection Services

What happens if your house tests positive for mold?

No matter what type of mold is present, it should be removed. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. For people that are sensitive to molds, it can cause stuffy nose, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or skin irritation.

Do home appraisers look for mold?

Your home's appraised value may be dramatically impacted should these issues surface during a home appraisal. That should be the least of your worries, however, as mold or rot from water damage popping up during a home inspection might limit your home's likelihood of selling at any price.

How much does mold devalue a home?

The presence of mold can lower the price of a house by up to 10-30%, depending on the extent of the infestation. According to researchers in a 2001 study, one particularly serious mold infestation decreased the overall value of a luxury home by more than half.

Is it okay to live in a house with mold?

Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.

How to pass a mold inspection?

When having a mold inspection, it's essential to properly prepare your home to ensure you receive an accurate result.
  1. Isolate the Area.
  2. Clear the Area for Easy Access.
  3. Seal Off Ventilation.
  4. Avoid Cleaning the Area.
  5. Shut Off Air Purifiers.
  6. Close Doors and Windows.
  7. Turn Off HVAC Systems.
  8. Contact Exit Mold.

Will FHA approve a house with mold?

An FHA appraiser examines the property to determine its condition. They will look at the structure, major systems, and foundation. They will also check for hazards like mold, pests, and any leaks. You have to fix these problems to meet FHA home loan requirements.

Should you move out of a house with mold?

If the mold damage is located in your living room, kitchen or the bathroom, the experts will recommend you to find alternative lodging for the time being. Also, if you have infants and elderly people at home or have family members with a weak immune system, you should probably leave your home for a while.

Does homeowners insurance fix mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

Can you finance a house with mold?

Some lenders, including those offering FHA loans, might not approve your request for a mortgage if the home you're buying has serious mold issues. You might have to shop around for a lender if the home you're buying has significant mold issues. That could make buying the home even more stressful.

Can a house full of mold be saved?

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

How much does it cost to fix mold in a house?

Mold remediation costs $2,365 on average, but it can cost between $375 and $7,000, depending on location, type, and size of infestation. Mold removal often requires replacing or significantly renovating your home's materials, making the costs tricky to calculate.

What are signs of mold sickness?

If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

Does mold need to be disclosed?

For sellers, disclosing mold issues is crucial for several reasons: Legal Compliance: In most states, sellers are required by law to disclose any known mold problems. Failing to disclose mold can result in lawsuits, financial liability, and the potential rescission of the sale.

Can mold be completely removed from a house?

Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Will mold fail an appraisal?

Lenders are concerned about mold because it can indicate structural deterioration and future financial obligations, which can impact a property's appraisal and loan terms.

Can you tear down a house with mold?

Mold can be a reason for building demolition, particularly in cases where the mold growth is extensive, has caused structural damage, or poses a significant health risk.

What is a high mold count in a house?

Generally speaking, a concentration of mold spores below 500 sp/m3 is considered normal. A concentration of mold spores above 500 sp/m3 is considered high. Therefore, if your report comes up with high concentrations of mold, it will likely advise you to remediate the problem.

What happens when a home inspector finds mold?

If a home inspector finds mold during an inspection, it is important to document the location of the mold and safely identify the spread. The next step is to hire a remediation company to remove the mold. The company will also repair any damage that has been caused by the mold.

How much does a mold inspection cost?

In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.

Do appraisers turn on faucets?

The appraiser will turn on faucets to make sure that the water heater is actually heating the water. With regards to the plumbing systems, the appraiser must flush the toilets and operate a sample of faucets to check for water pressure and flow.

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