MOLD IN THE POCONOS

In November of 2000, I started purchasing a house in the Poconos. I was told by the seller ( who also said that he was a contractor) he totally renovated this house. He allowed me to move in 2 months before closing. I had many belongings to store, and he had one of his employees go into my crawlspace and stack everything down there stating that it was no place for a lady like me to go.

On January 3, 2001 I closed on the house for much more than the Mortgage broker (that the seller had taken me to) had originally told me. The mortgage came out to be over half of my income.

I had no idea that this was all part of a large mortgage scam that had been going on in PA for many years.

The following April, when I went into the crawlspace to store Christmas decorations and bring up the Easter ones, I discovered 1 foot of water and heard water running. I followed the sound to my west wall and removed some insulation that was unrolled against it. I found 9 holes, the largest being 3 foot by 1 foot with water gushing in. I immediately called my insurance company who then informed me that this was a prexisting-existing condition and a total loss for everything stored down there.

I then contacted many contractors, whose estimates just for repairs were close to $40,000.

This was ridiculous for a house I bought for $60,000.

I spent months removing things from

under the house, trying to salvage what I could.

In late summer of 2003, I received a post card from a public adjustment company for a free estimate.

When they arrived, They were extremely concerned with mold that had been growing on some walls and belongings in the crawlspace. After contacting a testing company, I learned that my whole house was contaminated with Black Toxic mold. Everything porous in the home would have to be destroyed. The structure is water logged and unsound.The home is a total loss and must be torn down.

I have been trying since then to move. I am disabled and raising my 3 children alone with very little resources. I moved here from Long Island to give my children a safer, stable life, but now we all have asthma and many other health problems due to the condition of the house. I have applied for section 8, but having a hard time because I own my house, and they want proof that the property is contaminated. My 11 year old daughter has even sent in an application to Extreme Home Makeover with pictures of some of the damage, but our time is running out. We may be homeless if the floors collapse any more than they already have.

I invite anyone to come and see these conditions, and hopefully help us in getting a safe living situation, even if just temporary until I can get restitution from the legal system in PA.

Yours Truly, 

Carolyn in the Poconos