Mold is still a big issue, but many Realtors believe people are too worried about it. "It is the lead-base paint of the new millennium," said Dennis Byron of Silver Byron Estates in Los Gatos. "You can hardly have a mold inspection without finding mold. We have lived with mold all our lives and it is all around us. It is in our cheese and in our wine."

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis, usually without apparent harm, since mold spores are commonly found in the air inside homes. Most people are familiar with the type of mold that shows up on bread or food or the kind of mold found in the shower or on the ceiling in the bathroom.

If indoor mold contamination is extensive, however, it can cause health problems ranging from simple allergies to more severe problems. Typical symptoms that people exposed to mold have reported include respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, eye irritation, dry, hacking cough, nose or throat irritation and skin rashes or irritation. Additionally, some people have occasionally experienced headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, fevers and body aches and pains.

The problem with mold is that some people seem to be more sensitive to it than others. For some people a small number of mold spores could trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems, while in others it takes a higher level of exposure to produce any symptoms at all. The amount of mold is also a factor and there are also different kinds of mold, some that are toxic and others that are not.

Certain types of mold, such as Stachybotris chartarum, have been identified as having toxic properties. However, there is no environmental test that can determine whether a certain type of mold is producing toxins and there is no way to determine whether an individual has been exposed to Stachybotris chartarum spores or its toxins.

Byron is quick to point out that he is not dismissing the fact that mold can be dangerous to the health of some individuals, but he does think that people are overly conscious of the mold concept.

"I would not tell a person to not get an inspection, but the inspections cost hundreds of dollars and the remediation can run into the thousands. I think that some mold experts may be taking advantage of the public," Byron said. "It is unfortunate that homeowners insurance is very difficult to obtain due to the current concern over mold."

Thanks to a $32.1 million verdict that was later reduced to $4 million for extensive mold damage in the home of a family in Texas, the insurance companies zeroed in on the problem of mold contamination early on. When high-profile people such as Erin Brockovich, singer Ted Nugent and Ed McMahon, who recently settled a mold claim for $230,000, joined the mold bandwagon, the topic became even more prominent.

The publicity and the top-dollar verdicts surrounding mold created a trickle-down effect for the homeowner, who is now struggling with the change in the way insurance companies deal with claims and property insurance. That's why Byron recommends policyholders don't make claims involving water damage because that could impact the ability to get insurance in the future.

For Realtor Toby Vanderbeek of Intero Real Estate Services, the mold issue seems to have faded into the background lately. "Mold has just become a part of all things we do along with all the problems of the past like asbestos, lead-based paint and termites. Insurance remains a problem if a prior claim has been made, so sellers are usually requested to fill out a form stating if they have made any claims or not," he said.

Homeowners can avoid making claims by taking care of any signs of mold well before it grows into a significant problem. The California Association of Realtors suggests homeowners inspect their homes regularly for any indications of moisture and mold. During the rainy season or if any flooding occurs, it's especially important to make sure to act quickly by stopping the source of the leak or flooding and removing any excess water. Wet carpet or rugs should be pulled up and wet items should be moved to a well-ventilated area where they can dry.

Opening closet and cabinet doors and moving furniture away from the walls to increase circulation and running portable fans will help the drying process. But using the home's central blower may be problematic and fans should be avoided if mold has already started to grow or more than 48 hours has gone by since flooding occurred. It's not a good idea to turn on the heat or use heaters since higher temperatures should increase the rate of mold growth, but dehumidifiers and window air conditioners could be used to lower humidity. If water has seeped into the walls or baseboards, they may need to be opened up to dry.

Moisture is the main culprit in mold growth, so removing the source of moisture and cleaning the contaminated area is the best way to deal with mold.

Since Realtors have now added a mold-disclosure form as part of the buying and selling process, they have become knowledgeable about the problem and can help buyers and sellers understand what's required. For more information about mold contamination, visit www.dhs.ca.gov.