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Should I Buy a Home With Termite Damage?

When buying a house, the last thing you should have to worry about is dealing with a termite infestation. But, if you found the perfect home and the only drawback is that it used to have termites, should that be a dealbreaker?

Generally, it’s safe to buy a home with a history of termites as long as there’s no active infestation. Just because a house used to have termites doesn’t mean that it’s any more likely to become infested in the future. However, it’s crucial that you invest in a WDI report to get a detailed look at the situation.

a long island home due for a termite inspection

Can I Sell My House If It Had Termites?

Because of how feared termites are, it can be pretty difficult to sell a house that once had termites. However, if you take the right steps, you can absolutely still sell your property. Here are our tips for selling a house with a history of termites:

  • Get rid of the infestation: The first step should always be to eliminate the termites. Call a licensed pest control company to get thorough treatment and ensure the colony is completely gone before listing your home. 
  • Repair any termite damage: Termite damage isn’t just unsightly; if they attacked structural beams, it could also be unsafe. Completely restoring your home will make it more appealing to potential buyers. 
  • Be up-front about the history of termites: Be completely honest with potential buyers about the fact that the home once had termites. During the WDI report, which is a mandatory part of the selling process, an expert will bring the truth to light. 
  • Be flexible with the potential buyers: If a potential buyer asks for additional treatments, inspections, or repairs, be willing to work with them. Doing so will help them feel more secure in moving forward with next steps.

Tips for Buying a Home With Termite Damage

Buying a home is already stressful enough. Finding out it once had termites can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. To get some peace of mind and make sure your investment is sound, follow these tips:

  • Obtain a WDI report to discover evidence of past, present, or potential infestations. 
  • Ask the seller about the home’s infestation history in case the WDI report missed any details. 
  • Negotiate costs with the seller to cover treatments or repairs if the WDI reveals damage. 
  • Decide if the damage is too severe to feel comfortable moving forward with the purchase. 
  • If the termites are gone and the repairs have been made, know that it’s safe to buy this home. 

If you are unsure as to whether you should buy a house with a history of termites, don’t hesitate to contact Arrow Exterminating! Our termite control team can provide you with a meticulous WDI report and give you recommendations based on their findings. That way, you can rest assured that your new home won’t be riddled with pests. Contact us today to get started!

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