Termites are nasty pests that are almost invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, despite the fact that they are barely noticeable, they still have the capacity to cause extensive damage before the homeowner even realizes the problem. These insects can be found in more than 49 states, and they have been wrecking havoc in many households.
Performing a thorough inspection for termite infestation before signing any deals is a very smart and practical move. Doing so can save you from potential headaches and frustrations later on. You have to understand that termite inspection for home buying is a crucial part of the procedure, and it is something that you must never take for granted.
Reasons Why You Need Termite Inspections
As a home buyer, you need to be very careful in choosing the house you want to purchase. You want to make sure that it is located at a good neighborhood, its cost is reasonable, and it should provide you and your family a safe sanctuary. With that said, you need to perform compulsory home inspections, including termite inspection. This is a necessary expense since most home purchase agreements depend on the results of the inspector’s assessment. Here are a few reasons why a professional termite inspection is necessary.
- Termite damage can go unnoticed: Termites can eat your home structure from the inside out. This means that these insects leave very little evidence of their presence until the infestation gets out of hand. To that end, you will need a professional inspector to recognize the signs of infestation.
- Termite infestation can cause structural damage: A large colony of these insects can feast on the wooden structures of the house. However, the presence of these wood-eating pests doesn’t immediately imply that the house is unsound, especially if the termite infestation is very recent. A proper inspection will let you know whether the infestation is recent or not.
- Termite inspection is required by lending institutions: These institutional lenders need a termite inspection report before they approve the mortgage application. You have to understand that both you- the home buyer and the mortgage provider are at risk if the house is infested with termites because these insects can easily shatter home values. To minimize or eliminate this financial risk, you need to get the inspections and make sure that the house is a sound investment.
- The result of termite inspection can change your decision: As mentioned above, home purchase agreements are dependent upon the termite inspection result. This means that you can back out of the deal if the inspector discovered an infestation. You can also use it as a bargaining chip to ask the seller to lower the selling price, or you can ask them to fix the problem first before you close the deal.
A termite inspection report usually includes the following information:
- The past or present damage found in the property
- The inspector’s observation on future threats
- The inspector’s evaluation notes whether the infestation is a recent occurrence
Due to the importance of termite inspection, it is critical to hire a professional for the job. The professional inspector can decipher not only the warning signs of termites but also the extent of the damage. These inspectors are trained to recognize the presence of other pests as well. They can also provide you with sound advice whether you should buy a house and hire an exterminator to prevent future infestation or to simply move on to the next property.
Citations:
- Dan Moyle.”Termite mud tube found in pest inspection”. November 15, 2011. Online Image. Flickr. July 15, 2013
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
The author, Kris Lim, writes about real estate. She offers tips for home buyers to help them get the most out of their investment. She also recommends her readers to perform a thorough home inspection before making a purchase. Her readers can learn more about home infestations at http://www.preventivepestcontrol.com/locations/new-mexico/albuquerque/ .
