Is this mold? Worth flipping?

Question

Stumbled upon this on Zillow. Is this black mold? Is this something any flipper would bother with? No inside inspections allowed. Price about 10K. It is in a large (not huge) city 3 minutes walk to major University. Good neighborhood, 2 bedrooms.

Peter M. · Answer

Black mold is a huge misnomer and has been seriously over-hyped. It is impossible to tell if mold is the dreaded "black mold" unless you get it tested but that is expensive. You have to get rid of it regardless. The black mold most people hear about contain Stachybotrys Mycotoxins. Most of the time mold will not be this type of strain but it depends on geography and length of time left to fester. Most of the time you can just kill it with bleach(non-porous surfaces) or throw it away (porous material like drywall). I would be more concerned about what caused the mold especially how it has almost a straight line horizontally across that wall.

The problem you will run into is that since once its on the internet, it is there forever, future buyers can see those pictures and if they find them and ask if you had it remediated and your response is "Umm, ya I killed it with bleach" they are gunna walk. That basement has some moisture problems and we don't have many basements here in TX but my guess is the drainage system around the foundation is not working and when it rains the water sinks down and can't be moved away. So you need to factor in mold remediation, drainage work, and resealing the basement. They will have to dig down around the entirety of the structure to redo the drainage pipes and apply the sealant-it is not cheap! The numbers could still work but just get quotes beforehand so you don't buy a money pit.

Ned Carey · Answer

@Sarah Day Mold is a non issue for most serious rehabbers. It is just another cost to deal with.

Oh Just noticed "no interior inspections". This would be a high priority target for me as many others would shy away.

Kevin M Finley · Answer

Specifically in my area, this is extremely common. The foreclosure process involves immediate winterization and they turn off the power and also the sump pumps. Sump pump overflows in the spring and voila. 2 months later they decide to turn on the electricity and drain the basement, they then leave the house closed up all summer with moisture in the basement. Depending on the management company or contracted broker, they MIGHT throw a dehumidifier down there and never empty the tank.

It's always the exact same story... and was such on my personal home.

We demo'd all porous materials and got it down to straight concrete. Concentrated bleach, a garden hose, and a scrub brush made quick work of the mold on the concrete. Mold armor for porous materials was used on the joists above. I then sprayed two coats of mold killing, watertight primer on the walls, and a slightly different product for the ceiling. It's been over two years and I haven't had a hint of moisture and no odors to speak of.

Note: It was tested, but not reported. It looked just like the photos above, but was penicillin, which is harmless until messed with. Wear masks.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

I have signed numerous releases for houses.

The mold would not bother me. The fact there is a very distinct water line about 1.5-2' up leads me to believe there is a significant drainage/water issue. Demoing the mold isn't tough, but putting in a French drain or perimeter drain and sump pump system can be costly.

Jared Boundy · Answer

Black doesn't mean toxic.  If it looks like a good investment overall, you should be able to get an offer accepted and get in ot inspect during the contingency/due dilligence process (perhaps even needing to sign a waiver as mentioned above and wearing a mask).  It looks nasty, but that is also going to keep others away, which makes an opportunity for the brave!

Steve Babiak · Answer

Based upon my understanding of how the dreaded "black mold" called Stachybotrys develops and the patterns it forms on surfaces, the majority of the mold depicted does not appear to be Stachybotrys.

Sarah Day · Answer

Actually, upstairs looks very presentable - typical 80's style, but nothing like THAT - normal walls, floors, windows etc. We know nothing about issue that there are. I will try to get something out of them, but per ad, they are not allowed to enter the property whatsoever. Does not sound inspiring :D

Is this mold? Worth flipping?

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