The Uninvited Pest!

When you prepare an offer to purchase a home, be sure that "uninvited guests" don't appear at the closing. The guests I'm talking about are termites! Although termite inspections are not always required, you'll find that most lenders will not approve a loan without one.

A report prepared by a licensed pest control company will show if there is any presence of termite damage, or if there is any evidence of treatment for the wood-destroying insects. It isn't a guarantee that there aren't any termites present - it only reports visual damage or treatment.

Who pays for the inspection? That comes down to local customs and negotiation and between the buyers and the sellers. When buyers pay, it’s easy to avoid any conflict of interest by being sure to use a pest control company that is different from the one currently servicing the home. This ultimately protects the sellers, too, because if problems show up later, it can be shown that the buyers conducted an independent and objective inspection.

Again, understand that the inspection and subsequent report will not prove or disprove the existence of termites, but buyers who ignore this important issue during the purchasing process could be asking for trouble later on down the road. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with the real estate agent and move forward with confidence.

Be Ready For Anything!

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will probably encounter "the inspection." This needn't strike fear into the hearts of sellers, and it needn't encourage buyers to look for fault.

Disclosure and awareness are the most important issues, and a recent survey of the National Association of Home Inspectors sheds some light on the most prevalent problems that they encounter. Sellers will want to address any problems before listing their home, and buyers will want to be sure to pay special attention to the following survey results.

One of the four most common major problems is improper drainage around the house. Unsuitable grading can lead to water penetration and even problems with the foundation. Another of the four biggest problems involves – big surprise – roofing. Look for damage in the form of worn materials or improper flashing.

The survey results also point to a couple of interior problems. In older homes, particular attention should be paid to the electrical system, which might have inadequate overload protection or "suspicious" wiring, if not insufficient power. Also inspect the heating and air conditioning systems, especially if managed with an older thermostat or other controls.

Keep in mind that most homes will not have major problems, but that these are the most common. Trust your agent to prepare you for anything, whether selling or buying.