Termites, Anyone? Roaches? (Delmar: sales, real estate, insurance)

[rdlr]

Termites happen!......Especially in Delaware, and the southern states. Termites love damp wood, and thrive in this area. A termite inspection is required by any and all lenders, prior to issuing the final loan commitment. While I'm not a termite expert, or inspector, I've seen hundreds of reports during the span of my profession. Usually, if the termite inspection reveals "termite damage", "previous termite damage" or "active infestation" the lender will require a structural inspection and/or treatment. If they don't, you should take the initiative to insist on it, even if you're not borrowing money and are paying cash. The seller is responsible for providing a termite report, treatment, or structural repairs, if needed. If you come from elsewhere, don't be alarmed if the termite inspection shows either one of these (active infestation, or previous termite damage). I know most people would become alarmed, if they are not accustomed to seeing that. Most cases can be "fixed", in the form of a beam/joist replaced, threshold replaced, and/or treatment. Repairs, as you might guess, can range from between $150 to thousands of dollars, if inspections/treatments have not been performed previously. Once treated, a yearly visit from your pest inspector is a smart thing to plan for. They offer yearly contracts for those re-inspections, and if you don't have that yearly service, you may have some unwanted guests living in, around, and under your home. They multiply quickly, love to eat, and love Delaware! During the mating season, you may, or may not, see swarms flying (white wings) around the basement area, perimeter of the house, in the attractive wood mulch you've applied against your foundation, or in any wood pile in your yard. When that period is over, you most probably won't notice them, because they work quietly and are not easily detected. A termite inspection report is a required attachment to a Delaware Real Estate Sales Contract, as well as a Radon Inspection. This includes new construction, as well as resales.

Roaches? I rarely see them in homes in Delaware, not even in bankruptcy properties, because they are usually vacant with no food around. But, most restaurants I know have them, and continue treating for those nasty things. Motels/hotels I've visited in Delaware (and other states) seem to have their share, also, no matter how clean the building appears. In the south, I've seen more than in Delaware, although the people I've met down there are not typically alarmed. By the way, the people in the south (especially Tennessee) I've met are the best in the world, as far as having a laid back attitude, and friendly demeanor......in my opinion. Nothing seems to alarm them!

[movn2del]

It's a good idea to have pest inspection even if the house is sold in an as-is condition and the report is for informational purposes only. Hubby and I made a terrible mistake of trying to save a few hundred dollars on our first home purchase by not doing a house inspection. Had we done so, we probably would not have purchased the home. We strongly recommend doing all inspections, required or not. It might make a big difference in your decision to purchase, or the price offered, and might save you headaches as well. Different locations have different conditions. If you aren't familiar with the territory, you may not know of all potential problems. There may also be things you are aware of but assume don't exist in your potential new home. We all know what happens when you assume.

[maryCh]

EXCELLENT advise! I grew up in Va Beach, another favorite spot for termites, as the soil conditions are quite similar to the Delmarva peninsula. And being a former insurance agent for 20+ years, I will tell you I have never seen a homeowners policy that provides coverage for termite damage.

We are in the early stages of buying a house in Kent County, and are praying all is good in the termite department. Very woodsy property, so hopefully if there are critters, there's plenty for them to munch on in the woods. Keepin' our fingers crossed until inspection time!

Now roaches... eee-gads! Having moved here from central NC, shall I tell you about the FLYING roaches there? Honest to goodness! And there are different varieties/species.. not all types seek out food droppings. Some love living in and around paper... boxes, etc. So keep THAT in mind when stashing unpacked/empty cardboard boxes; you might just be inviting "friends"!

Delly, I think you're right on the money about folks in TN. Seems everyone I've met there are very laid back; must be that Smokey Mountain atmosphere or something! Beautiful state, by the way!

Mary

[TootsieWootsie]

I gather none of you have seen the Tree Roaches of Texas? They are around 2" long, and everyone screams the first time you see them. They fly into everyone's homes. A cat comes in handy for killing, by the way.

[xz2y]

Originally Posted by maryCh

Now roaches... eee-gads! Having moved here from central NC, shall I tell you about the FLYING roaches there? Honest to goodness! And there are different varieties/species.. not all types seek out food droppings. Some love living in and around paper... boxes, etc. So keep THAT in mind when stashing unpacked/empty cardboard boxes; you might just be inviting "friends"!

Mary

Flying roaches in NC??? This sounds gross! How prevalent are these huge insects?

[maryCh]

Oh Tootsie, I see you know the roaches I'm talkin' about! Yep, about 2" long, flyin' around pretty as you please!

xz2y, they are pretty prevalent in NC.. if they are tree roaches, then they must be all over the state. Lots of beautiful woodsy areas throughout NC... from the mountains to the coast! Could they be "imported" from Texas, TootsieWootsie? Or just "cousins" that flew east??

Mary