Over the past few years, real estate trends in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa have shown a steady rise in the average sale prices according to online real estate authority, Trulia. This bodes well for sellers and realtors alike but before you make a listing official, there are some things to consider regarding termite inspections and reports. When should I get the termite inspection? Who is the most qualified to complete the termite report? What if the house needs termite treatment? How much is it going to cost? These are all questions we help answer below to ensure you find a pest control company that you can easily work with for all your termite needs.
Finding a Reliable Termite Control Company
If you are a realtor or you’re thinking of selling your home, it is considered a best practice to disclose any termite issues or treatments that have occurred in the home. If you have never had to deal with termite infestation before consider yourself fortunate! However, just because you don’t see outward signs of termite infestation, does not mean they are not present. Lending institutions and buyers usually require a termite inspection and report to be filed before completing the escrow process. Therefore, it’s important that you find a pest control company that you trust to efficiently complete a termite inspection and submit the W.D.I.I.R. (Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report). Learn more about the termite report and inspections in Arizona. To find a termite control company, you can easily search the website of the Better Business Bureau for the category of ‘termite control’ and it will provide a list of businesses with the number of years they have been part of the BBB, their rating and any complaints filed against them. When calling pest control companies, always be sure to ask if they offer a full guarantee on their services, a warranty on their termite treatments and if their termite inspectors or technicians are licensed. You can always double check that a termite company is licensed by looking up the company’s name on Arizona’s Office of Pest Management website.
When to Get A Termite Inspection & Understanding the Report
As mentioned above, a termite report is usually required by most lending institutions before they will complete escrow and if a buyer is paying cash, then it is still very likely that they are going to want to know the termite history of the house or any possible concerns that a termite inspector lists. Many realtors suggest that sellers get the termite inspection and report before officially putting the house on the market. That way the seller knows if they are in the clear or if they need to budget for any termite treatment or repairs. Plus, the realtor will need to negotiate in the purchase contract what the seller is responsible for. Because the report is only as good as where the termite inspector can look and gain access (attics and crawl spaces should be viewed when accessible) there is no guarantee that termites are not present or that they won’t be in the future. Depending on findings in the termite report, there are items termed ‘Section 1’ issues or ‘Section 2’ issues. Section 1 refers to any infestation or damage in the wood while Section 2 lists any potential problem areas that could be preventatively treated to avoid termite infestation.
Negotiating Termite Treatment & Costs Between Seller/Buyer
Different areas throughout the country may have different practices when it comes to who is responsible for paying for the termite report and any issues that are listed. There are no laws specifying which party is responsible so that is where the realtor’s expertise comes in handy. Generally in Arizona, the seller pays for the termite inspection and report plus any Section 1 issues. This means that if there is a termite infestation the seller will pay for termite treatment plus any damage, which could be fairly pricey (in the $2,000 range for treatment or much more for repairs). That leaves the buyer to pay for any preventative measures from the Section 2 findings in the termite report. This could mean localized treatment to areas of concern such as anywhere that wood touches the earth or any place that excess moisture is present making it easier for termites to invade.
As realtors, sellers or home buyers it is important to be open and honest when it comes to termite issues and treatments. Unfortunately many homes have termite issues but that means you are not alone and you shouldn’t be surprised if the house you are buying or selling needs termite treatment or repairs. Luckily, we are always here to lend a hand so don’t hesitate to call for any termite inspection or treatment needs!
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