Do You Need a Termite Inspection to Sell Your Home in California?
When selling or buying a home in California, there are several processes that need to be followed in order to change ownership of the home. Inspections are one of those aspects of selling a home that is very important, but not legally required in the state of California. Inspections allow the buyer to have a comprehensive look at the integrity of the home. Flaws, code violations, necessary repairs, and much more are a part of having a home inspected before buying.
In California, one of the most important inspections that need to be conducted is termite inspections. This is due to the fact that termites are part of the ecosystem in California. In fact, there are three different species of termites that thrive in California’s climate. The damage that can be done when termites invade a home can be catastrophic. Therefore it is essential to hire an experienced termite company to conduct a thorough inspection of the home and property. An experienced real estate professional, like the Gluch Group in San Diego, will be able to help a homeowner or prospective buyer find a reputable termite inspection company.
What Is A Termite?
A termite is a small insect that can range in colors of black, white, or tan. There are many different species of termites, but in California, there are three main species. Most commonly seen are the Drywood, Dampwood, and Subterranean species of termite.
Termites survive by consuming and living inside wood structures, and homes are prime real estate for them. They choose to live inside wood structures so that they are close to their food source. Most commonly, termites are seen living and consuming wooden structures such as:
- Trees
- Lumber
- Soil
- Wooden Structures
What Kind Of Damage Can A Termite Do To A Home?
Due to the fact that termites eat wood to survive, it’s easy to see how they can damage the wooden aspects of a home. Many home structures are built with wood, therefore if termites infest a home they can cause irreparable damage to the structural integrity of the home.
If left untreated or unnoticed, termites can cause damage so severe the floors or ceilings can collapse within the home. This is a serious hazard, due to the fact that a collapsed ceiling can seriously injure or even kill an individual within the home. Not to mention that the home can be condemned and the homeowners will then be unable to live in it. Even if termite damage does not severely impact the home’s structure, termites can still create damage by ruining carpets, walls, flooring, and even furniture.
Do You Need A Termite Inspection To Sell Your Home?
In the State of California, no, you do not need a termite inspection to sell your home. However, certain loans may require a termite inspection, and it is always a smart idea to have one conducted anyways. Many times a termite inspection is seen as a negotiable part of the contract.
Even though California does not require termite inspections, when a buyer places an offer on a home they would like to purchase, they should ask the seller to provide a termite inspection. They can also ask the seller to repair any damage found during the termite inspection. To negate this back and forth process, a termite inspection should be done before putting the home on the market.
Many prospective buyers do not want to deal with termites at all, and the thought of termites in the home is a big turn-off when wanting to sell your home. That is why it is recommended to have a termite inspection performed and any damage repaired as soon as possible to ensure the integrity of the home is at its finest when put on the market.
Have any other questions about selling your home? Contact San Diego’s top real estate agent, John Gluch, today!
