A homeowner friend bought a beautiful house in a good neighborhood. Everything looked perfect — until the smell started. A faint, musty odor crept through the basement. At first, they ignored it, thinking it was just damp weather. Months later, the smell worsened. Walls felt damp, paint bubbled. A professional inspection revealed extensive hidden mold behind drywall. Remediation wasn’t cheap — over $15,000. Insurance didn’t cover it — mold damage is often excluded. Now the house is safe again, but the financial and emotional toll still lingers. The lesson? Always get thorough inspections before buying. And don’t ignore strange smells or signs of dampness once you own a home. #House #HomeRisk