Dial "M" for MOLD!
As a home stylist when I help a client prepare to sell their home I am at times, faced with what I call ‘under the hood’ issues. Things that have nothing to do with design, décor and esthetics. These include plumbing, hard water, odd electrical setups, unique and inventive construction and MOLD.

Mold in our homes is an issue that has come to light in recent years as a potentially very dangerous substance. My job as a stager is to focus on the positive attributes of a client’s home and play down the negative, but that doesn’t mean hiding or covering up something as serious as a mold problem.

Most of us know that mold can lead to heath problems and damage to our homes but what some don’t know is that there can be serious home insurance issues. And we all know insurance issues can often mean mortgage issues.

There has to be moisture for mold to grow: it cannot grow in dry places.

Not all molds are harmful to all people but the elderly and those with respiratory problems and allergies are at risk.

How to determine if its mold?

According to CMHC, “Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses its colour or disappears, it may be mold. If there is no change, it probably isn't mold.”

Find out what stimulates its growth, learn about special mold testing kits as well as specialists who can help remove it.

Read more on this CMHC site:

Fighting Mold — The Homeowners' Guide