How to Sell A House with Mold Damage in Des Moines, IA

How to Sell a House with Mold Damage in Des Moines, Iowa

Discovering mold in your home can be frustrating, stressful, and even a bit scary. Whether it’s hidden behind walls or spreading in the basement, mold is a serious issue that can complicate selling your house. In many cases, homeowners wonder if they should fix it—or simply sell the house as-is.

If you’re facing mold damage in Des Moines, Iowa, this article will walk you through what steps you can take to address the issue and explain why selling to a local buyer like DSM Swift Home Buyers might be the smartest and easiest solution.

What Causes Mold in a Home?

Mold forms when moisture, humidity, and poor ventilation combine. Common causes include:

• Leaky roofs or windows
• Plumbing leaks or pipe bursts
• Flooding or poor drainage around the foundation
• Unvented bathrooms or damp basements
• HVAC systems spreading moisture throughout the home

Once mold sets in, it can spread quickly and affect the air quality, structure, and even the health of those living in the home.

Why Mold Is a Problem for Homeowners Trying to Sell

Mold isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a major red flag for buyers and lenders. Here’s why selling a house with mold damage can be challenging:

• 🧪 Mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars
• 🏠 Home inspections will flag mold, often scaring off potential buyers
• 🏦 Many mortgage lenders won’t approve loans for homes with mold
• 🧼 Even cleaned surfaces may still need professional clearance and certification
• ⚠️ Severe mold may point to larger issues like foundation leaks, water damage, or poor ventilation

What You Can Do to Help Mediate Mold

If you’re not ready to sell yet, and you want to try addressing the problem, here are a few steps to take:

1. Identify and Stop the Moisture Source

Fix leaks, seal cracks, and make sure gutters and downspouts are working properly. Mold can’t be permanently removed until the water issue is resolved.

2. Ventilate and Dehumidify

Use fans, open windows, or install a dehumidifier—especially in bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms.

3. Clean Small Areas

If the mold is limited to less than 10 square feet (according to EPA guidelines), you can clean it with soap and water or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Wear gloves and a mask for safety.

4. Call a Professional Remediation Company

For anything beyond minor surface mold, especially black mold or if it’s in walls or ductwork, hire a licensed mold remediation expert.

5. Get Air Quality Tested

After remediation, you’ll need a professional air quality test or mold clearance report to give future buyers peace of mind.

When It Makes Sense to Sell As-Is

If the mold damage is extensive, the repairs are too expensive, or you simply want a fresh start without the hassle, selling the house as-is may be the best move.

That’s where DSM Swift Home Buyers comes in.

Contact us today to get your offer!

• Property Address*
  Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code
• Phone*
• Email*
• First Name*
• Last Name*
• Email
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Why Sell to DSM Swift Home Buyers?

At DSM Swift Home Buyers, we specialize in buying houses in any condition—including homes with mold, water damage, or unfinished repairs. We won’t ask you to clean, remediate, or spend a dime before selling. We understand the challenges and take care of everything—so you don’t have to.

Here’s how we help:

✅ Sell as-is—even with mold damage
✅ No need to clean or make repairs
✅ No agents, showings, or commissions
✅ We pay all closing costs
✅ Fair cash offer within 24 hours
✅ Close in as little as 2-4 weeks days—or when you’re ready

We handle mold-related homes all the time. Whether it’s in the attic, basement, or throughout the property—we’re not afraid to take it on.

Final Thoughts

If mold damage is stressing you out and you don’t want to deal with expensive repairs, inspections, or drawn-out sales, you’re not alone—and you do have options. Selling your home as-is can help you avoid the headache, walk away with cash, and get a fresh start.

DSM Swift Home Buyers is here to make the process easy, fair, and judgment-free. If you’re ready to sell your mold-damaged house in Des Moines, contact us today for a fast, no-obligation cash offer.