Yes, You Can Sell a House With Mold: What Homebuyers Need to Know

As a homebuyer, what are you supposed to do if you love a house but notice a black spot on the wall? Or if the inspector uncovers a mold-related issue during the inspection? And can you even sell a house with mold?

Finding mold in a home is often an instant turnoff — and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause different health effects. This includes skin rash, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, and sore throat.

But is it always a deal breaker?

We’ve done the research and gathered expert opinions to help you understand what role mold may play in your homebuying journey. Hint: Mold may be bad, but it’s not always the end of the world.

What is mold?

Mold generally refers to a type of fungi that can be found all over the place. “Mold is everywhere all the time,” says Adam Rutledge, a top real estate agent in Medford, Oregon, who sells homes 68% quicker than the average agent in the area. “It’s in the air, but it doesn’t grow until it lands on something that’s moist.”

Mold growth can occur both indoors and outdoors, wherever you have both moisture and oxygen. It can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food, and more.

If a home experiences constant levels of moisture in specific areas, you can expect mold growth to occur. For example, it’s not uncommon to find mold in leaky areas, such as roofs or around windows and pipes. Common hot spots for mold include attics, bathrooms, and basements because these are areas where moisture can accumulate.

If mold is allowed to grow indoors, it can affect both the structure of the house and your health. Mold is aesthetically displeasing, but it will also eventually rot the material it’s growing on, whether it’s your walls, insulation, ceiling tiles, or floorboards. If key components of your home begin to rot, you risk losing structural integrity.