What about Termite Reports?
“Hi Gary, it’s XXXXX. As you know, I’ll be calling you to list my house this summer. I want to get your advice. I think the whole termite requirement is a racket. Every home has termites. But I’m a realist and I know I’ll need to clear the house to sell it. But I want the lowest bid, so I plan to get several pest inspections and go with the lowest. How much of the work can I do myself?”
***ANSWER:
You raise a number of great points. Let me address them:
1. Regarding the termite “requirement”, it’s not a legal requirement, but getting a clearance on current problems (called “Section 1”) is the standard expected by homebuyers.
2. It is a “fixed game”, kind of. Most pest control inspectors work on commission, so there IS the incentive to find problems. But… As it’s a VISUAL inspection, if you have any doubts, call the inspector and have him show the area to you. If you can’t see it, neither can he, and he shouldn’t put anything on the report he can’t see.
3. I’m not sure if every home has termites or not, but there are no termites found in about 1/3 of the homes I sell.
4. You want to be careful about getting multiple inspections. Here’s why… If the first report recommends repairs A+B, the second says A+B+C, and the third has C+D, you’ll likely have to do A+B+C+D. That’s because you must disclose all recent inspections, and most buyers will insist on all recommended work being done.
5. You can do any pest control work for a clearance except use termicides. However, give yourself ample time to have the pest control company re-inspect. If you did anything incorrect or missed an area, you’ll need to do it right before they’ll sign off.
