Termite damage in a home can be pretty extensive, and worse, it can go unnoticed for a long time. Termites love dark spaces, so it can be hard to detect that they are operating in a particular area of the home.
Discovering that you have termites when you want to sell your home can be a hassle. This is because, in addition to expelling them, you would have to fix all of the damage they have caused — if you’re selling the traditional way.
So, here’s what you need to know when selling a house with termite damage.
Signs That You Have Termites In Your Home
Three key signs indicate the presence of termites in your home:
- Their bodies
- Traveling shelter tubes
- Termite damage to your house
Termites work very quietly and can go unnoticed for a long time, so the moment you detect them, you need to get to work ridding your property of these pests.
Their Bodies
The type of termites you would likely find are those with wings, which are known as swarmers — they are the colony starters. Seeing swarmers around your home can indicate a major issue, especially since they only surface a few years after a colony has been established.
Now, it’s not enough to get rid of the swarmers because there’s still the whole colony to tackle. Swarmers would typically be found around twenty-five meters or farther from your house.
If they aren’t in your foundation, then the situation is less severe. Also, if your home has a history of termite infestation, then it would be advisable to call in a professional exterminator.
Traveling Shelter Tubes
Shelter tubes are structures made out of mud; you would find them on walls, in ceilings, and at the base of homes. They measure about half an inch in diameter, and termites use them for traveling when tunneling wouldn’t work.
Seeing these shelter tubes is a definite sign that you have termites in your home. When you break a small section, you may or may not find them moving within it. If you do, call an exterminator right away.
If you don’t see termites, look out for recent activity or watch the tube to see whether it’s been fixed. Either way, have a professional come in to examine the situation.
Termite Damage to Your House
To check for damage, keep an eye out for sunken sections in the ceiling or wall. It usually indicates termite tunnels beneath the surface.
If your walls or ceilings are sagging, it could indicate that there’s structural damage caused by excessive eating by termites. If you notice shelter tubing or swarm castles on foam insulation, this is another indication.
What Are Your Options for Selling a House With Termite Damage?
There are two options for selling your house with termite damage.
- Selling traditionally or on the open market
- Selling as-is
Selling Traditionally
Selling a house with termite damage follows the same process as selling any other house traditionally. However, you must take several measures before getting to the actual selling stage.
Schedule a Pest Inspection
The purpose of a pest inspection is to check all the potential areas where termites may be lurking. For this, you would need to pay a professional pest inspector.
When they detect the presence of termites, they will proceed to exterminate these critters. Extermination would set you back anywhere between $230 and $930, with an average cost of $575.
Fix Any Damages
Depending on the areas where the termites operated, you may be spending a little or a lot. Some repairs are very minor and only require some wood hardener and sealant.
Others, such as if they’ve gotten into your foundation, would be more extensive. This is because termites can gradually eat away at the wood structure and impact the integrity of your home.
Repairs may set you back between $500 to $6,000, depending on the severity of the damage. Repairs may include any of the following:
- Replacing drywall
- Repairing your house’s framing
- Reinstalling insulation in attic or crawl spaces
Disclose to Buyer
Whether or not the state laws mandate it, you should mention to the potential buyer that you’ve dealt with termites in the property. This, of course, follows the entire process of finding an agent, staging the home, and listing the property.
Mentioning this helps you build trust and also prepares them in the event of another infestation. When termite issues are not extensive, or you’ve fixed most of the damage, they’re seldom a dealbreaker.
Selling As-Is
The other option for selling a house with termite infestation is selling it as-is. This implies selling the property in the very state that it is in with the termites and damage.
If you’re in a position where you’re either not interested in making repairs or dealing with an extensive sales process, then this is an avenue that allows you to sell your house fast.
In addition, there’s a chance that you either cannot afford the repairs — particularly if they are extensive. Selling your home to a cash buyer allows you to get the value of the home and get out of the transaction fast.
Who’s going to buy? We can help out with that! We buy houses that need serious repairs or are in various other conditions. At dsouzahomebuyers, we can provide you with a cash offer for your house in no time!
You don’t have to deal with any of this hassle. No need for repairs or renovations!
Fill out this form to get the process started, and we could be closing in as few as 7 days! Remember, no fees, no commissions, no closing costs!
If you have any other questions, definitely call us at (925) 503 8193.
Final Thoughts
Termite damage in a home can be pretty extensive especially if not detected early. If you’re looking to sell your house and you have termite damage, you would have to get it fixed. On the other hand, you could choose to skip that hassle and simply sell fast for cash. Either way, ensure you opt for the option that works better for you.
