Knoxville, TENN. (WVLT) -- A West Knoxville family says mold has ruined their health, home, and finances. So much so, the House family says it's forced them into foreclosure. But they're not alone.

Tennessee now ranks 18th in the nation when it comes to the number of home foreclosures, according to the online foreclosure tracking company RealtyTrac. The company says 1 in every 504 Sevier county housing units were foreclosed on in October, which is the third highest rate in the state.

The House family bought a brand new home nearly two and half years ago, and they say they've battled mold problems just about ever since.

Now, they've given up that battle and their home.

Cherie House says her home was supposed to be nice.

But instead inside she says, "This was literally the money pit and our health was suffering."

House says it's because of the mold that's living in the walls of her West Knoxville home, again.

"I wouldn't put a family in with child in this house. I wouldn't put a family in this house," House said.

It all started about two and half years ago with a bathtub leak in what was a brand new home.

"The first time, the mold incident it was draining into the (office) window," House said.

She says mold grew and so did her family's health problems, including headaches, loss of vision, joint pain, and upset stomachs.

"The toxicology report found we had four of the most dangerous molds," House said.

House blames Developer John Luttrell for the problems. House says Luttrell, along with the family's insurance, fixed the dry wall in what was thought to be the damaged area. However, when the family pulled off kitchen cabinets just this week...

"We noticed this is the mold. It's exactly what we thought we got rid of two years ago," House said.

Houses' daughter Maxey said, "My headaches are getting worse. This is the second time so every time it keeps getting harder."

The original mold forced them into a hotel for a month, and House says it made her and her husband so sick, they couldn't work.

"We lost nearly every form of income temporarily. We haven't recovered yet," House said.

So, they're saying the "f word," foreclosure.

"Never missed a payment, never made one late, four months ago we just got to where we couldn’t take it anymore," House said.

And now the house, and everything in it, will go up for sale on Wednesday.

"I intend to be there, and make it known that this house has mold and as far as I'm concerned, no one with any type of ethics at all will sell this house," House said.

But it's really buyer beware. Volunteer TV talked to a realtor who deals extensively with foreclosures tonight. He said if you buy at a "cry sale," you buy "as is" and "where is." In other words, it's your responsibility to get the foreclosed home mold tested.

Volunteer TV tried to talk to John Luttrell tonight. He refused to comment.
The House family is considering legal action. They say it's not just about their home anymore, it’s about their health. For now, the House family plans to rent.