Everyone dreams of owning a home to share with their loved ones. For one American couple, that dream came true—only to turn into a devastating ordeal shortly after.
A Promising Start
Sarah Smith, 28, and her husband Colin
from Ohio, USA, purchased what they believed was their dream home in May 2024 for around $400,000 (approximately Rs 3.3 crore). At first, everything seemed ideal. But just days after moving in, Sarah began experiencing strange health issues that soon spiralled out of control.
From Common Cold To Alarming Symptoms
Initially, Sarah dismissed her cold-like symptoms as a seasonal illness and began medical treatment, which offered only temporary relief. Over the next six months, her condition deteriorated: she developed red rashes, itching around her eyes, and eventually painful skin cracking and bleeding.
A Shocking Discovery
The real culprit turned out to be mould. After sharing her experience online, social media users urged her to have the house professionally inspected.
A specially trained ‘mould dog’ revealed extensive water damage and mould hidden in carpets and walls. Shockingly, roof damage had been covered up with white paint to conceal the issue.
Emotional And Financial Toll
Sarah says the experience took a severe toll on her mental health, triggering anxiety and depression. Financially, the couple spent nearly $10,000 (around Rs 8.3 lakh) on treatment and inspections, all without support from their insurance provider. They were also forced to dispose of 90% of their belongings due to mould contamination.
The situation began to affect their relationship as well. Sarah, who worked from home, was constantly exposed to the harmful environment, while her husband, who worked away, remained largely unaffected. Eventually, Sarah moved out and began alternating between her parents’ and in-laws’ homes for health reasons.
Her condition improved significantly when away from the house but worsened each time she returned to collect her things.
A Community Rallies To Help
An online fundraising campaign helped raise $5,000 (around Rs 4.38 lakh) to ease their burden, but the emotional and physical damage remains. Sarah’s experience has been life-changing, serving as a cautionary tale for homebuyers everywhere.
What began as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream became a harsh lesson in hidden dangers and property fraud. Their story highlights the importance of thorough home inspections and transparency in real estate transactions.
