Does the home seller have to provide a termite clearance?

Question: “Last time I bought a home, it was normal and expected for the seller to provide a termite clearance. Now I hear that’s changed. Why did that change?” Answer: Great question! We California Realtors used to have a contract addendum specifically to request a pest control / termite clearance. Then a few years ago,
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Should I get a second pest control report?

Question: “I’m going to sell my home and got a pest control report calling for almost $10,000 in repairs. So I’m getting a second report. The termite inspector told me that as the owner I can choose the lowest report and use that one…” Answer: Let me stop you right there.  That well-meaning pest control
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The Lowdown on Termite Fumigation

Question: “Gary, I had my house tented about two years ago. I believe it is effective for three years, so is it true that I won’t need to tent again should I sell within three years?” Answer: I’m not sure if you’re asking… Does a fumigation kill termites for 3 years? Is there a 3-year
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How to Know if Your New Home Was Fumigated

Question: “I just bought a house and closed a couple of weeks ago. My neighbor said he never saw a termite tent go on. How do I know it was fumigated?” Answer: Let me ask a few questions… First, did the contract call for a pest control clearance? If so, was a fumigation required for
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Must I Fumigate My San Diego Home Before Selling?

Question: “Do I have to fumigate my house for termites in order to sell it?” Answer: Almost never. I’ll explain when you do have to fumigate, but first let me correct three myths about termite fumigations: Myth #1: “You’re legally required to fumigate when you sell.” Over the years, many of my clients have thought
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Pest Control Clearance Approval

Question: “I’m selling a townhouse.  My agent is a friend, but he’s new and inexperienced, so I’d like your opinion.  We accepted an offer and the buyer’s lender insists that it be tented.  The homeowner’s association pays for that, but it’s taking a long time to get their approval, let alone get it scheduled and
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Pest Control Clearance Covers More Than Termites

Question: “I just looked at a house that’s overrun with fleas.  Does pest control clearance cover termites only or all bugs and pests?” Answer: A “pest control clearance” is often called a “termite clearance.”  Both are misnomers. “Pest control…” implies all kinds of bugs, rodents, and other pests will be eradicated. “Termite…” sure sounds like
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Should Buyers Get Their Own Pest Control Inspection?

Question: “We’re in escrow on a home.  The seller’s termite report costs seem low and many areas I feel were overlooked (dry rot apparent).  If we get our own termite report can it hurt the deal in any way?  What if my inspector points out many more areas and the costs doubles.  I don’t want
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Pest Control Clearance: Section 1 vs. Section 2

Question: “My husband and I made an offer on a home a couple of weeks ago and asked for a termite clearance. The agent said we should ask for all repairs for Section 1, but not Section 2. When we asked the agent what the difference was, she didn’t know. Can you tell explain the
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What “Pest Control Clearance” Really Checks For

“My wife and I are looking for our first home…I heard I get something called a pest clearance with the house we buy. What is that? Do they check for ants, rats, spiders, etc.?” Answer: You’re talking about what’s commonly referred to as a “termite clearance,” but officially called a “pest control clearance.” A pest
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