Tips for Buyers when Dealing with Damaged Property

If the property you want to buy has signs of mold, water damage, or other structural issues, it's important to address these issues to ensure that you are not buying a property that will be costly to repair. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Have the property inspected: Have the property inspected by a professional home inspector or a mold inspector, to identify and assess any potential issues. The inspector will be able to determine the extent of the damage and will provide you with a detailed report of their findings.

2. Get a professional opinion: If mold or structural issues are suspected, consider consulting with a mold remediation specialist or a structural engineer, to get a better understanding of the issues and the cost of repairs.

3. Negotiate with the seller: Negotiate with the seller for any repairs or concessions that may be needed. If the issues are significant, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for the property or ask the seller to make the repairs before closing.

4. Assess the potential cost of repairs: Once you have an idea of the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs, consider whether the property is still a good investment. Keep in mind that the cost of repairs can add up quickly, and it's important to have a realistic understanding of the costs involved before proceeding with the purchase.

5. Get contingencies in the contract: include contingencies in the contract that protect you. For example, if there's a mold issue that needs to be resolved before closing, you can include a mold inspection contingency in the contract, which gives you the right to terminate the contract if the inspector finds an issue.

6. Walk away from the deal: If the damage is extensive and the cost of repairs is prohibitive, or the seller is not willing to negotiate, it may be best to walk away from the deal.

It's important to thoroughly research the property and to work with a reputable real estate agent, home inspector and other professionals, to help you identify and address any potential issues with the property. Keep in mind that buying a property with mold, water damage or other structural issues can be a risky investment, and it's important to have a realistic understanding of the costs involved before proceeding with the purchase.