Mold has become one of the hot topics in real estate. Recently mold in homes has been significantly linked to ailments of the respiratory system and allergies. Mold is also a bit of a tricky customer as it can be difficult to detect and hard to get rid of as well. Mold is commonly mistaken with common mildew which does not have the same health concerns, but can outwardly appear much the same. Mold comes in a number of different varieties, usually with differing health effects so in determining whether or not there is mold in a home requires a trained professional. Home inspectors are sometimes able to identify mold in the home. When buying a home and arranging the inspection, try to find an inspector that is familiar with mold and ensure that they look for it.

One of the reasons that mold is so hard to detect is the fact that it usually grows unseen in hidden corners and recesses inside the walls or foundations of a home. Mold requires a dark moist area in which to grow, and some sort of organic material on which to thrive. Wood and wood products in particular are common areas for mold growth. The growth is typically stimulated by a water leak from the home's exterior that leaks onto the wood and the growth begins. If left for a significant time the growth can be quite large as a constant leak can feed the growth. Removing mold is a difficult process. Typically it is simply easier to remove the affected area and replace it with new materials. This ensures the removal and closing off the leak will ensure that the growth does not start again. It is essential when removing mold to be sure that it is removed in its entirety. If any is left behind the growth can continue and spread to the newly installed materials or freshly cleaned areas. If you are purchasing a home and mold is found, it would be a good idea to list the fixing of the problem as a subject of the sale.