I think there are still some folks who freak out if they see mildew in the shower and assume it's toxic mold but overall, it seems buyers have become a little calmer and understand not all mold is toxic and that is it problem that can be remediated. 

Like always, it is the context in which the information is presented.

There is mold that matters and some that doesn't.

There are agents that know this and some that do not.

And there are buyers who don't mind HV power lines in the back yard while others tremble in fear whenever they must drive alongside them.

In my case mold is not the death nail. Presented incorrectly it will be the nail applied to that inspector. Remember, the inspector is there to 'discover' not dramatize.

Good morning Michael. Sure it freaks people out and depending on the severity of the problem, could very well kill the transaction. Most times the problem is pretty easily fixable, once the source is found.

we don't panic....we have the seller call the right company to remediate and it's done....

Yes they do freak - and yes I have lost transactions (that never came back - at least not yet!) but generally it can be managed and for less MONEY than people think - the inspector's initial presentation of the issue is very important

I never let a buyer purchase a home with Mold we always walk away. Usually you can detect it the moment you open the door. If you home smells like pine sole they are masking it.

Mediation half the time is done incorrectly as people think spraying it with bleach is remediation. It is not worth the time or effort and the health of others to deal with the "M" word.

Remediation is available for most of the cases of mold. Home sellers should take care of those issues before offering a property for sale. 

Most of the major mold issues are in REO properties.

Not in many years. Mold is not like lead based paint, asbestos, or Radon gas. The EPA has not to my knowledge set a standard and the last time I checked they were recommending soap and water or clorox for cleaning. I also wouldn't want to be a mold inspector becasue if you kill the deal without government standards you can be sued with cause for your actions.

Not necessarily. It all depends on the cause of the mold growth, the extent and the plan to remediate.

Because of the climate here and inadequate venting there is always the chance of mold. Keep the clients informed as for the most part there is a remedy!

I am not allowed to say mold in any REO listing. The proper terminology is" wall discoloration " . If detected you are supposed  to report it and determine what area and location is affected . 

In the past I have sold homes with little areas affected and I had the drywall panels removed and treated . I had one house that had water standing in the basement and mold was growing on the walls and ceilings . I restricted shoeings and received 17 offers on this property ?

It depends on how the mold is identified. It's not necessarily the immediate death of a transaction, but if the mold is found the be serious, pretty much so.

Not usually in our area, we live with rain most of the year and mold is common.

Concern yes freaked out no..

That's what bleach is for. Just get it taken care of.

It depends on how the inspector points it out to the buyers. Yes, they still freak at the word mold.

Oh the customers allways do.

First time home buyers really freak out over mold.  I inform all my clients that most mold in bathrooms & kitchens are not dangerous.  We will have the seller repair these molding areas.

We had some horrible flooding due to Hurricane Sandy. Any sign of water damage that was incorrectly or incompletely remediated is a red flag for nearly all buyers.

We also have a fantastic remediation guy we refer all of our affected sellers to.

At first I think it freaks a lot of people out, unless its something serious a talk usually settles everyone back down and the deal goes on.

our weather in California doesn't make it like the gulf coast. BUT our building standards are so strict. this last year all new construction had to have a 24 hour continuous fan in each new build to help with all molds. the reason for this is the homes are mandated to be so air tight, it was causing more mold. thank you government for knowing better than we do.

Michael Thornton I sold a house where they found mold spores in the duct work. The ducts were thoroughly cleaned and retested. The purchaser settled.

It's definitely not a favorite word but it's an issue that can be remedied.  The situation and the communication need to be handled appropriately.