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Slime mold can thrive for weeks or months in the perfect environment, but that rarely occurs. The mold will typically die within a week of you noticing it. However, it could be dead long before it disappears, and since it’s safe to handle, it’s easier to get rid of it all at once. This eliminates its chance to spread, and also won’t leave you looking at decaying slime mold.

It’s unlikely your leaves are a hazard, especially if you get to them while they’re dry. However, a couple of rare risks exist. University studies suggest that decaying leaves can produce organochlorines, toxic pollutants similar to man-made PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), so avoid keeping them in an enclosed area.

Also, leaves and compost may cause the growth of fungi that can cause diseases like histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, as well as mold spores that are unhealthy for human lungs. Again, severe issues are rare, but those with compromised immune systems or allergies to mold should wear face masks when directly handling leaves.

In most cases, it's not worth the risk of buying a home with mold. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision—and there are far more drawbacks than benefits. For one, buying a house with mold opens you up to health risks since mold can cause respiratory and allergic reactions. If the mold is widespread throughout the home, the cost to completely remove it, make necessary repairs, and prevent it from returning is often not worth the cost savings of buying a mold-infested home for a bargain.

You normally won’t see any dust or mold actively floating out of your vent, but you might notice your vent looks dirty. Mold will cling to the sides and collect almost like black soot. Dust will look, well, dusty, but there will usually be a heavy buildup so expect thick gray layers on the bottom and sometimes the sides of the vent. If you suspect you have mold in your vents, call a professional immediately.