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We recently had a termite inspection on the house we are trying to buy and the report came back with "Live termites in structure", and advised that the treatment be done by the sellers with the option of extending it for 5 years.
The inspector seemed to have told the realtor that the termites were in the soil under the crawl space in a corner of the house. He didn't comment on any damage verbally or in the report.
So the question is--what are our options as buyers. I assume that the sellers will have to make treat the home and probably will not extend it--that will be on us. Is is safe to say that we are at risk of there being termite damage in the house that hasn't been seen?
If we buy the house and the termites come back--are we protected against repair? Doesn't seem like it. If they agree to the treatment, I assume we are bound by the contract?
We are moving up from FL and down here termites are a huge deal. Everyone I talk to in NC says they are very common.
Appreciate anyone's help and advice. Thanks.
Last edited by DudeAbides; 05-07-2010 at 08:23 PM..
Reason: This is specific to Durham. Can it be moved back to the Durham forum?
We recently had a termite inspection on the house we are trying to buy and the report came back with "Live termites in structure", and advised that the treatment be done by the sellers with the option of extending it for 5 years.
The inspector seemed to have told the realtor that the termites were in the soil under the crawl space in a corner of the house. He didn't comment on any damage verbally or in the report.
So the question is--what are our options as buyers. I assume that the sellers will have to make treat the home and probably will not extend it--that will be on us. Is is safe to say that we are at risk of there being termite damage in the house that hasn't been seen?
If we buy the house and the termites come back--are we protected against repair? Doesn't seem like it. If they agree to the treatment, I assume we are bound by the contract?
We are moving up from FL and down here termites are a huge deal. Everyone I talk to in NC says they are very common.
Appreciate anyone's help and advice. Thanks.
Your agent needs help from the broker if he/she can't explain it better than this to you.
The "extension" tends to be an annual fee and you would have to pick up the coverage after closing, unless there is something new going on.
The fact is around the southern warm climates you are going to have termites. Termites enter a structure that has moisture. If there is moist wood, they dine. If the inspector found live activity but did not see damage, chances are there would probably not be much damage. Things can be missed, but in my inspections, damage seems pretty obvious. Beginning stages don't hold significant damage, but should be treated.
Mike is correct that the extension is the annual fee that you want to keep that is cheaper than later having a full next treatment. This extension usually means the company who did the treatment will continue with follow ups and protect the structure.
I have a BS in Entomology and am a board certified entomologist. I no longer work in the industry, but I have in the past and have even done treatments for termites. What I will tell you is that you need to look at where the moisture is. Gutters are imperative to protect the structure and making sure that there is no water accumulating helps prevent termites more. Also, what is the foundation type. Some foundations are more easily treated than others. Poured concrete and foam block is easy where concrete block not so much.
Did your inspector do a thourough job? Did they get into the crawl space, attic, and everywhere? Those are all factors as to whether they saw the damage. If you are confident they did then you shouldn't have much issue.
Oh other things to look at to aid in the issues of termites, make sure trees and wood piles are not too close to the house and if you have shaker shingles, replace them. Those are like inviting termites to a party.
Your agent needs help from the broker if he/she can't explain it better than this to you.
The "extension" tends to be an annual fee and you would have to pick up the coverage after closing, unless there is something new going on.
+1 (as always, MikeJaquish).
Your broker needs to explain your options and potential outcomes. You can also contact the pest control company that you hired to do the inspection and ask them about details.
Thanks so much for the help. I will let you know how it plays out. Thanks.
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