Like the economy, real estate markets and planning continue to struggle with a severe drag of uncertainty. People wish the real estate bubble-bursting trauma would fade into oblivion already and allow things to get back to normal. However, optimism alone is not yet enough to outweigh the negative effects of stubbornly high unemployment, political shenanigans, European troubles, and the still bloated supply of foreclosed dwellings. We see positive signs for one quarter followed by pullbacks the next, making long-term, realistic planning extremely frustrating and difficult.

However, real estate trends and statistics are useful and helpful provided we get a broad perspective that takes into account all important factors. We start by looking at the local conditions of income, realty pricing changes, and inventory. We examine trends and expectations, but also take into consideration ramifications of national policies and financial constraints on the realistic potential for certain property transactions occurring.

Mold removal is a scary thing to contemplate for many people, and often its success or failure determines the outcome of a real estate transaction. Some fear that mold removal is not possible in an absolute or permanent sense and that once established it will always come back like a monstrous Hydra no matter what one does. In actuality, there are professional services that eliminate mold and the conditions that cause it to grow, and they usually provide some level of guarantee. However, such an undertaking is not that difficult for the average homeowner to take on either.

Successful removal of mold depends on two key factors: (a) finding all of it and (b) first correcting the problems that led to microbial development. If these two steps aren't thoroughly and diligently completed, then indeed it is likely that the mold will come back. Here, professional help in the form of a pest inspection can boost one's confidence; see www.HomeInspectionWA.net for more information.

Toxic mold seems to be more pronounced in the collective consciousness these days. Customers inquire about toxic mold more often than they used to, and it isn't that surprising. The Pacific Northwest is already awash with moisture, a key factor in mold growth, and modern houses built to leak little or no energy tend to lack adequate ventilation, which provides another factor. The only other thing needed is cellulose or some kind of food, and mold will thrive. Thus, I believe conditions today are more conducive for mold (and wood-destroying organisms in general), undoubtedly raising people's level of awareness and worry.

Not all mold is toxic, though many assume that it is, sometimes elevating their concern unnecessarily. In fact, in some cases what appears to be mold is actually a different organism altogether. Unless they have been specially trained in this area, home inspectors shy away from identifying their findings specifically as mold or mildew, preferring instead to use the term microbial growth. So it might prove useful to look at how to distinguish between different kinds of mold, how to recognize some of the associated health symptoms, and how to get rid of the stuff once it has been detected.

Mold symptoms are rather prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, there being long stretches of rain or air high in relative humidity without much sun to dry things out. I see symptoms of mold all the time in my home inspections and customers sometimes shrug it off as if mold is a necessary evil in our neck of the woods. However, for clients who have respiratory problems, the presence of mold is a serious concern and even a deal breaker.

How do we deal with mold symptoms? Are they indeed a way of life for us Washingtonians, or can they actually be prevented from developing? More importantly, once mold growth becomes apparent, either from neglect or failing prophylactic techniques, can we expect to have any success in eliminating it through therapeutic approaches? Trying to answer these questions is the subject of this blog.

Black mold and the Pacific Northwest go hand in hand. I hear black mold complaints and sob stories from customers and other people all the time. Often they have found that the mold has brought on or exacerbated existing respiratory problems. In extreme cases homeowners have had to move out of their house. In this area especially, one naturally expects the presence of black mold to be a major determinant of whether or not a real estate transaction closes.

Specifically identifying black mold is something home inspectors typically try to avoid, even though there is often keen customer interest and request to do so. The reason is primarily liability related; regulations prohibit one from claiming expertise without proper training and licensing. Moreover, air sampling and other techniques for measuring air quality or the presence of mold spores are not yet as reliable as one would hope. The risk of false positives needlessly stirring up trouble seems too high. But that doesn't mean we have any hesitation in reporting the presence of microbial growth (perhaps without calling it black mold) when we find it.

House inspection businesses are suffering along with the real estate industry. With the upheaval, house inspection will have to adapt to changing times and trends. One noticeable trend is the Green Building movement, aimed primarily at reducing carbon footprint, striving for sustainability, and better husbanding of the earth. This trend's side effects are mostly beneficial to homeowners, but there are some red flags to be aware of from a house inspection viewpoint.

Consider a house inspection as an evaluation of heat flow, airflow, and moisture flow. Other items are involved, such as the condition of roofs and siding and the operability of electrical and plumbing systems. But in terms of an inspection of a house's livability, the key elements are heat flow, airflow, and moisture. Many of the green trends are strictly economic, such as energy home affordability, neighborhood-negotiated group discounts, close-in homes with an eye to shortening or eliminating commutes, and Accessory Dwelling Units or the Tiny House movement, which focus on energy saving and sustainability. These items may affect house inspection peripherally in terms of location and inspection cost, but let's talk about the trends that impinge on house inspection more directly, such as changes in heating & cooling, changes that affect indoor health, and changes in regulation.