Termite Positive Inspection Results: 3 Reasons Why It May Not Be A Deal Breaker

If you're in contract to buy a new home, there are often several contingencies that will allow you to break the contract without any repercussions. One of the most common contingencies has to do with inspections. As a buyer, you're responsible for having the home inspected by a professional home inspector before the sale is final. You are also encouraged to have the home inspected for termite activity by a termite expert. If the inspections uncover problems, you have legal options to get out of the contract, but you may not want to. Following are three reasons why a termite positive inspection is not always a deal breaker. 

Old Termite Activity

After a termite problem has been eliminated, there will still be signs that termites were there. Your inspector will know the difference between a current infestation and an old one. If an old infestation has been taken care of and all of the necessary damage has been fixed, you shouldn't worry about it so much. However, you may want to ask the seller to provide you with proof of the termite treatment along with proof of any repairs they had to have done. This is useful knowledge that may come in handy in the future. 

Minor Termite Infestation

Termites are fairly common, especially in regions that experience a great deal of warm and humid weather. In areas where infestations are high, it's not uncommon to find an infestation. The mere presence of a minor termite infestation should not deter you from purchasing the property. It is possible to successfully treat termites. As long as there is no structural damage, you or the seller can have the home treated for a few thousand dollars, depending on the treatment you use and the level of infestation. 

Seller Covers Cost

If an inspection does uncover termite damage, you may be able to negotiate with the seller and have them cover the cost of the treatment as well as any repairs that need to be performed. If the seller agrees, you can still purchase the house for the agreed upon price, but the termite problems will be eliminated. 

Learning that there is or has been termite activity in a home that you're wanting to buy can be stressful. However, termites aren't always a deal breaker. There are several practical reasons why you may still want to honor the contract and go through with the sale. 

For more information about home inspections and what to do after getting one, talk with an inspection company, like Watson Inspections.


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