You’ve finally located the perfect house, and you’ve done the responsible thing by having it inspected for structural damage and pests. But what if the inspector finds something wrong, like a hole in the foundation or termites (white ants), in the building?

Buyers usually want to know two things when they find a problem with a building: what the issue is and how much it will cost to fix. On the other hand, when it comes to termites or termite damage, potential buyers frequently back out of the sale out of panic and irrationality caused by a lack of knowledge.
However, with some research, you can figure out if the pest report’s issues are fixable and how much it will cost to do so. You’ll be in a great position to negotiate a lower price if you do decide to move forward.
A termite infestation is when a colony of termites, also known as white ants, invades a structure or area of land and causes damage to wood and other cellulose-based materials. Termites can cause significant damage to homes, buildings, and other wooden structures if left unchecked. Signs of a termite infestation include the presence of swarmers (winged termites), mud tubes, and damaged wood.
It is essential to call a professional exterminator if you suspect a termite infestation in your home or building. Regular inspections and preventative measures can also help to reduce the risk of a termite infestation.
What If The House I Want To Buy Has Termites?
If the house you want to buy has termites, there are a few things you can do:
1. Have A Professional Pest Inspection Done:
Having a professional pest inspection done is an important step when buying a house that has a termite infestation. A professional pest inspector will have the knowledge, experience and equipment to properly identify and assess the extent of the termite infestation and provide treatment recommendations. They will also be able to check for other pests that may be present in the house such as rodents, cockroaches and other common household pests.
The inspector will typically provide a detailed report on their findings, which can be used to negotiate with the seller and can also be helpful for the lender if you need a mortgage. It is important to hire a reputable and certified pest inspector to ensure you get a thorough and accurate inspection.
2. Negotiate With The Seller:
Once you have the results of the professional pest inspection, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller. If the termite infestation is minor and can be treated, you may want to negotiate with the seller to have the cost of treatment included in the sale price, this way you are not responsible for the cost of treatment.
If the infestation is severe and will require extensive treatment and repairs, you may want to negotiate with the seller to have them cover the cost of treatment before the sale is final. This way, the cost of the treatment is not your responsibility and the house will be treated and repaired before you take ownership.
If the infestation is so severe that you are not comfortable going through with the purchase, you may also want to negotiate with the seller to have them cover the cost of the pest inspection and any other expenses you incurred while considering the purchase of the property.
It’s important to have a professional real estate agent with you to help you with negotiations, they can help you to understand the cost of repairs and treatments, and help you to understand the market conditions and how they may affect the negotiations.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the seller may not be willing to negotiate, so you should be prepared for the possibility that you may need to walk away from the sale.
3. Get A Termite Bond:
A termite bond is a type of insurance that provides coverage for termite treatment and repairs. If the house you are buying has a termite infestation, getting a termite bond can provide peace of mind knowing that you are protected against future infestations.
A termite bond typically covers the cost of treatment and repairs for an agreed-upon period, usually between one to five years. This means that if termites are found within the bond period, the company will come and treat them at no additional cost to you. Some termite bond also includes an annual or bi-annual inspection to ensure that the house remains free from termites.
You can get a termite bond from a pest control company, and the cost is usually a one-time payment or an annual fee. It’s important to check the details of the bond, the company’s reputation, and their response times when selecting a provider.
It’s also important to keep in mind that getting a termite bond does not replace having a professional pest inspection done, it is an additional protection that can be taken after identifying a termite infestation and can be used to protect the house in the future.
4. Hire A Professional Exterminator:
Hiring a professional exterminator is another option if the house you want to buy has a termite infestation. A professional exterminator will have the knowledge, equipment, and experience necessary to effectively treat the infestation and prevent future infestations.
The exterminator will first conduct an inspection of the house to identify the extent of the infestation and determine the best course of treatment. This may include using chemicals, baits or other methods to eliminate the termites. The exterminator will also provide recommendations on how to prevent future infestations.
It’s important to hire a reputable and certified exterminator, who is licensed and insured. You should ask for references and check the exterminator’s ratings with professional organizations.
It’s also important to keep in mind that hiring an exterminator to treat a termite infestation may not be a one-time cost, it’s important to budget for the cost of treatment and follow-up inspections to ensure that the infestation has been eliminated.
It’s also important to keep in mind that extermination will not repair the damage caused by termites, it’s important to have a professional contractor evaluate the structural damage and make the necessary repairs.
5. Re-Evaluate Your Decision To Purchase The House:
Re-evaluating your decision to purchase a house with a termite infestation is a valid option, depending on the extent of the infestation and the cost of treatment.
If the infestation is minor and can be treated at a reasonable cost, it may not be a deal breaker. However, if the infestation is severe and will require extensive treatment and repairs, it may not be worth the investment.
It’s important to consider the overall condition of the house, the cost of repairs, and the cost of treatment, as well as the market conditions, before making a decision. If you are not comfortable with the cost of repairs and treatment, or you are not comfortable with the overall condition of the house, it may be in your best interest to walk away from the sale and look for a different property.
It’s also important to keep in mind that purchasing a house with a termite infestation can come with additional costs such as the cost of the professional pest inspection, the cost of the termite bond and the cost of the exterminator, which can add up quickly.
It’s important to have a professional real estate agent with you to help you navigate the process, they can help you to understand the cost of repairs and treatments, help you to understand the market conditions, and help you to make an informed decision.
It is important to keep in mind that untreated termite infestations can cause considerable damage to a home, so it is vital to solving the problem before acquiring the house.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a house with a termite infestation can be a tricky situation, as termites can cause significant damage to a home if left untreated. It is important to have a professional pest inspection done to identify the extent of the infestation and to use this information to negotiate with the seller or re-evaluate your decision to purchase the house.
It’s important to keep in mind that extermination will not repair the damage caused by termites, it’s important to have a professional contractor evaluate the structural damage and make the necessary repairs. It’s also important to have a professional real estate agent to help you navigate the process, they can help you to understand the cost of repairs and treatments, help you to understand the market conditions and help you to make an informed decision.
To widen your perspective and to help you choose the best termite exterminator, read additional information here at what if the house i want to buy has termites.