Termite damage is a bane for both homeowners and realtors as it not only significantly decreases a home’s structural integrity and aesthetics, but can also put a damper on home value. As a real estate agent, make sure any home you’re about to sell is subjected to a thorough inspection before it is shown to prospective buyers. This way, you’ll have sufficient time to repair termite damage and make the property as attractive as possible.
Termites and Paranoia
For the most part, it doesn’t take massive structural termite damage for buyers to come running out of an open house. The very fact that there is clear evidence of termite infestation is already enough of a red flag for many. This isn’t surprising, though, seeing as how these critters can stealthily eat a house off its foundations.
Termites and Structural Damage
Termites tunnel through wooden structures and basically sleep where they eat, making infestations rather difficult to detect until most wooden structures have already been hollowed out. The good news is that termites chew through wood at an incredibly slow pace, so you should be able to detect them early enough to prevent further damage.
Disclosure Needs
Home sellers or realtors should disclose any problems stewing within their home for sale, and such a disclosure should include any signs of a termite infestation. Be honest about the condition of the house you’re pushing out of the market and prepare a disclosure form that details past and current termite activity.
Signs to Look out For
Lawyer and Realtor Magazine contributor Pete Cardillo writes about the signs that a house might be infested with termites:
- Mud tubes. About the size of a pencil, these tubes connect to infested wood. They may be visible on concrete foundations or hidden under floor boards or behind siding.
- Swarms. Winged termites are attracted to lights and may be found around windows or exterior light fixtures.
- Wood damage. Tap wood every few inches and listen for a telltale hollow sound or see if a tool easily penetrates the wood you’re tapping. Dark areas or blisters in wood flooring may also be a sign of infestation.
You can always depend on a trusty contractor like Times Up Termite to check the premises for a possible infestation. Such a contractor comes to any site equipped with a reliable termite treatment solution and prepared to carry out a thorough inspection.
(Source: Pest Protection: Termites, Realtor Magazine)