Inspection Reveals Termites (Texas)?

Question

Hi all, I recently posted about a house we are in the process of buying. We just had the inspection today and the pest inspector found evidence of previous termite presence in the bath trap. The bath was replaced within the last year. There were no active termites there, nor was there any damage. The seller's didn't say anything about termites on their disclosure, so there is a good chance that the area had not been treated. There is no evidence of treatment. I am, of course, quite concerned. This house is in the Coppell area, and I'm hoping someone can give me some feedback. To me, termites seem like a big deal. The inspector didn't seem to concerned about it though. He said he saw nothing else on his inspection and no damage at all. He said it was a common area to get termites because of a gap between the foundation that goes down to the soil under bath traps. He suggested having a spot treatment done of the bath trap.

Update:

Thanks for the answers. I am in the option period so I can back out still... its just that I'm not sure I want too. I really like the house and I'm just not sure how worried I should be about this. Thanks for your opinions.

Update 2:

Isn't an entire house treatment pretty costly? I'm not sure this seller would go for that.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Buy the house if you like it, and don't let that pesky bug get in your way. You do need to protect yourself, have the seller pay for a treatment, request  that the company uses the product "Termidor", that the contract transfers to you at no cost to you, and that the contract covers future termite damage repairs. Not all companies are created equal & that means their contracts & treatments, and I would suggest you get involved in the choosing the right company process, and review their contracts and treating specs. Most realtors have their choice company, I would not nessaccarily use that one, I have seen some shady things between companies that work closely with realtors, (not all I will admit), these companies typically will do what the realtors want, and thats to not hold up the closing so that they get their commission. Again I am not trying to stereotype any one, all industries have their bad apples. Don't fall for no "spot treatment" crap, get the whole baby treated and if you followed my advice you'll have no regrets.

An entire house treatment typically costs $750 to $1800, and its not a problem, just make sure you don't cut corners on this because you fell in love with house.

Expert8675309 · Answer

Termites WILL NOT go away without treatment until they run out of wood to eat.  Your terminate inspector can check for treatment b/c holes are bored around the foundation, and it's an easy find for someone who is trained.

The majority of older homes on the market have had previous termite infestation, but an experienced eye (like your inspector) can tell if there was damage...it appears that the seller repaired the damage.

A seller is NOT required to disclose any conditions that have been repaired...people are allowed to repair their homes.. If you read the disclosure statement carefully, it clearly states you are certfying the condition of the home as of TODAY.

The inspector isn't concerned b/c there isn't anything to be concerned about.

Trust the professionals you hire, or get a second opinion.

PS:  You can't get out of the deal based on that report.  The inspector will put "no termites found/no damage noted"...so what more do you want?

There has to be an ACTIVE infestation or DAMAGE to the property that is unrepaired, for you to back out.

estielmo · Answer

Simply use bthe inspection report to back out of the deal if your contract allowed that "out."

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Inspection Reveals Termites (Texas)?

3 Answers