Will you buy a home with termite treatment before? (lender, buying a house)

[CharlesH]

Hello folks. Thanks for your previous suggestions about where to buy a home. It is really helpful.

We have now seen several homes, but found termite treatment histories in all the disclosures. Some even had termite treatments twice in the past 5 years! Since our family came from a place where termite is really rare, we have no idea whether we can buy a home with termites. Can anyone tell me whether we shall step away from such homes? Or, just buy a termite bond when buy a home? To what degree can a termite bond protect a home? Thanks.

[HeyEng]

Termites are pretty common here, some would even say inevitable. Buying a house with an existing bond is not a bad idea, but I bought mine without one...and it's a snazzy 1979 cedar-siding house! I have had the house for about 2 years and no issues as of yet with termites.

Oh yeah, basically the bond is a "guarantee", but there are stipulations...it equates to a annual pay-plan to treat, and insect for termites.

[CharlesH]

Thanks HeyEng. I will definitely add a "repair and retreatment" bond contingency to the contract.

[George Chong]

Check also whether or not your State or your Lender requires a termite letter for closing. Termite activity is pretty common in Georgia too. So as long as you don't have active termites and the previous damage was repaired properly - you should be fine.

[CharlesH]

Thanks George. We have never seen termites before. It really made us nervous.

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by CharlesH

Thanks George. We have never seen termites before. It really made us nervous.

What scares me and I know that this is the norm, is when they tent homes in South Florida for termite fumigation I have never seen that in Georgia. In Georgia, most of the treatment just involves soil treatment and then follow-ups with baiting systems.

You are on the right path with a retreat and repair termite bond.

[Mal93]

Originally Posted by George Chong

What scares me and I know that this is the norm, is when they tent homes in South Florida for termite fumigation I have never seen that in Georgia.

I've wondered about the tenting too as I've only heard of it in FL and CA. I wonder if it is to help minimize introducing pesticides into the water table? My sister in law had it done and apparently it kills ANYTHING inside the house-- birds, rodents, bugs, etc. Can't imagine cleaning up after that. I'd also be concerned about long-term exposure effects from coating every surface inside with chemicals.

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by Mal93

I've wondered about the tenting too as I've only heard of it in FL and CA. I wonder if it is to help minimize introducing pesticides into the water table? My sister in law had it done and apparently it kills ANYTHING inside the house-- birds, rodents, bugs, etc. Can't imagine cleaning up after that. I'd also be concerned about long-term exposure effects from coating every surface inside with chemicals.

I have read reports where looters have died in the house that has been tented for termites

[lorilove]

My house has been treated for termites and anyone would be thrilled to buy my house in the condition that I keep it.

Just get information on what they did to eliminate the termites. When I bought my house, they had railroad ties around the flower beds - they eventually became termite infested. I had them all pulled out and replaced with brick pavers. No sense it treating termites if you don't solve the problem.

Termites by themselves does not indicate a poorly maintained home. There are termites everywhere because we don't typically get cold enough winters to naturally kill them. You just want to keep a barrier that keeps them away from the perimeter of our house.

[staywarm2]

I have heard that next to Florida, Georgia has the most termite infestations.