Termite Damage and Real Estate Transactions
When buying a new home, termite damage should always be a consideration. Termites are widespread in the United States and the damages caused by an infestation are rarely covered by insurance policies.
Potential buyers should not sign contracts or purchase real estate until a termite inspector has been to the property and provided them a termite report. Termite inspectors are trained to recognize existing termite damage that homeowners and real estate agents may not recognize as threats. It is the seller's responsibility to address existing infestations and damages to structures.
Termite inspectors also issue a report outlining potential threats for future infestation, such as damp basements, piles of wood, wood to ground contact, or fallen trees near the home. Buyers are responsible for eliminating these threats.
Termite inspectors commonly offer termite bonds to potential buyers. Termite bonds are referred to as "termite insurance." Buyers pay an extermination company a retainer to receive annual termite inspections. The retained extermination company will then treat any future infestations at no additional cost to the buyer. It is wise to purchase a termite bond when purchasing real estate.
