Real Estate Sale - Termites found in garden?

Question

Hello. I am selling my home. The termite inspection showed termites in the landscape timbers in the garden. This is right next to the house where the landscape ties (2) are a couple inches from the cement foundation. The report showed no termites in the home. They gave an estimate of $1500 to treat the entire house.
What is my responsibility to the seller since the termites are just in the garden? I want to be fair, but not overspend for termite removal during the winter (Delaware) when termite companies want business. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am unsure of the laws in Delaware, but in other states the termites must be in, on or under the structure. Termites in mulch near the structure or in timbers that do not contact the structure do not meet that criteria. A Wood Destroying Insect Report should make it clear where the termites were found.

Regardless, I would not suggest that you hide the problem, ignore the problem or do it yourself. Most people do not know how to properly treat for termites. It is not like treating for ants or other insects. Removing the timbers and spraying the mulch may kill termites on the surface, but the colony is deeper in the ground.

A pest control company can only inspect visible areas of the structure, so termites could be in the structure in an area where the inspector couldn't see (i.e. in a void, under a slab or within a wall).

If you try to hide the problem, ignore it or do it yourself, then it could be a liability for both you and your realtor if you are both aware of the termites. All it would take is for the buyer to do some remodeling and discover hidden termites or their damage to cause a lawsuit. I am not trying to scare you, but I have seen these situations occur.

The seller is not required by law (at least where I live) to pay for such treatment but most lending institutions would require it be done prior to their passing money to the closing table. Most buyers would want it paid for by the seller. You could refuse, which might mean the sale falls through, or go ahead and get it treated.

I would suggest getting several estimates (at least three) from licensed pest control businesses. There are products (nonrepellents) that are labelled for exterior perimeter treatments with limited interior treatments in areas such as crawlspaces, basements, etc. If the termites are only in the mulch areas, then this might be adequate for your situation.

Your state's regulatory agency may be able to give some guidance. If your unsure what agency it is, then contact the cooperative extension agency in your county. They should be able to help.

Answer 2

How about you get a second opinion on the cost. It seems to me there is no reason to treat the whole house if they are only found in the garden. I would say tell the termite co. you want an estimate to get rid of the termites in the yard only. And get two opinions.
RE Agent,
Remax

Answer 3

you can treat it urself. 1500 is a rip off. just remove those timbers or do spot treatment yourself. those termite company will just drill holes around your house (approx every 1 1/2 ft and 3 ft deep) and insert a termite poison thing that sips into the ground. and then spray some stuff on your timber and maybe inject some poison into your timber.

Answer 4

not a lawyer...
but you have a report....
when you fill out the realtor's "property condition statement"
fill out the report as asked...
if the report says.."house has termite"...you reply per the report
and put in the comments.........on the "PCS" you had report from such and such company...

when an offer comes in..they will probably ask for a "building inspection"......and...that will if that says "no"..you have no liability..you have 2 professional reports..

i had "carpenter ants" from all my trees...but the ants didn't get into "treated wood"......."regular wood" yes...but all my deck was treated wood and they don't like that.........had a terrible time with them..when the trees were taken away..but they eventually found another feeding area.. friend of mine had a "log cabin" and carpenter ants...and she paid..a professional to spray....and she said it was hillarious to watch the ants move away..it was an actual parade down the sidewalk to the fire department..
(real story honest)

Answer 5

Are you using a real estate agent? If so he will tell you what you have to do. In Illinois you would have to fill out a disclosure form.
The house will sell faster if you have it treated. If you don't, you will scare away half the potential buyers and the other half will want a credit anyway. I would at the least get three estimates and have them ready to show any interested buyer so they will know exactly what it will cost. If you have the money , do it. If you don't, give a credit at closing to the buyer.

Answer 6

I had the same thing happen. Remove the landscape ties and toss them and voila..no more termites. You also have to option of offering to split the cost of treatment if that is what buyers wanted.

Answer 7

Termite inspections are actually not a state requirement in North Carolina. in case you presented to purchase this sources devoid of contingencies proper to inspection consequences, i'm afraid which you have a binding settlement, termites or no longer. you are able to ASK for the broking to repair damages, yet and not utilising a contingency in this regard, the broking can only refuse, and you nevertheless have a binding settlement.

Answer 8

?