When you’re planning on buying a property, the last thing you want to deal with is an unwelcome guest. Termites can be one of those unwelcome guests, especially if they are in your home when you are planning on making an offer.
Many people think that termites only invade homes during warm months to feed on the sap from trees and other vegetation. However, termites can really attack through cold months as well. They prefer warm places with lots of moisture to increase their chances of survival. So, even if your home isn’t attacked by termites during the summertime, it is still not a good idea to buy a house that has termites as tenants.
Although most real estate agents won’t tell you about it before you make an offer, some properties may have termites as tenants. If this is the case with your target property, it may be a deal breaker for you and should not be overlooked. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t ignore termites in a real estate deal:
Termites Can Cause Structural Damage
If termites are found in a property, they do not only attack on the inside walls. They can also cause structural damage to your home and even the foundation of your home. If you are planning on buying a property with termites as tenants, you will want to make sure that these pests have been exterminated before you buy the house.
They Can Be a Health Hazard
One of the biggest reasons not to buy a home with termites is because they have the potential to be health hazards. Termites eat wood and can cause structural damage. They are also a potential vector for disease. Termites can carry diseases like
Repairs to Your Home Are Much Costlier
Although it’s difficult to estimate how much the cost will be for repairs to your property, it is believed that repair costs are between $1000 and $5000 per square foot. If there is no insurance on your property, you could be responsible for these costs.
Termites can also cause structural damage in homes. They love wood and will create tunnels that eventually collapse the entire house. This could lead to other problems like mold or even fire hazards.
They Are Hard to Get Rid Of
Termites are not easy to get rid of, especially if they have already infested your home. After traveling on the ground and entering your home, it can be hard to stop them. Termite bait is very expensive and many people who try this method see no results.
If you know for certain that a property has termites as tenants, it’s advisable to pass on buying it. Termites are hard to exterminate and their effects can be long-term. If these effects can ruin your furniture or other items in your residence, then it may not be worth the hassle at all.
Buyer’s Remorse Is Real Thing
If you’ve seen some wood rot on the property, it may be a sign that termites have been in the same house for a long time. If your home has termites, you might get buyer’s remorse. After all, when you come to see your future home, there are likely no signs of their presence.
Also, if you discover termites during construction, it will cost more money for the builder to fix them than to simply remove them from the property. This can cause a lot of trouble down the line and make it difficult for you to sell your new home.
Lastly, if you have buyer’s remorse after buying your new house, it is unlikely that any other buyer would want to buy your property with so many problems.
Final Words
The presence of termites in a home is a deal breaker for many buyers. There are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t buy a property that has termites as tenants, including the fact that they can attack during any season. Termites can also pose a health risk to humans and your personal belongings. It might not seem like it at first, but if termites are in the house, they will definitely be hard to get rid of. Termites are one of the most common pests that homeowners deal with, so make sure you’re not one of those people who unknowingly buys a property infested with these critters.
