Back in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, almost every home sold in Orange County had to have a full termite inspection. They also had to have all termite treatments and repairs completed before a lender would fund the home loan. Studies have shown that the average person moved about once every seven years back in those days. In other words, many homes were inspected, treated and repaired about every seven years and that was enough to keep most homes in fair shape.
Most lenders in today’s world could care less about wood damage and a majority of homes are being sold without any termite inspections, treatments or repairs. Almost everyone who buys a home says that they are going to have the termite work done someday, but many never seem to get around to it. So, what we’re seeing now are a lot of homes that haven’t had any termite corrective work done on them for 10, 15 years, or more. That is why so many homes in Orange County are being eaten alive!
Ladies and gentlemen, if you are considering purchasing a home in today’s market, this is a subject that you really need to take seriously. I can tell you of many homes in Orange County which have given me a “migraine headache” when I inspected them because they were so heavily damaged and it took so long to perform the inspections.
Some home sellers and real estate agents get upset when you give them a long report and an expensive repair bill. But, please remember that we’re not the ones who created the damage. You can blame the termites, dryrot and deferred maintenance for that.
If you’re selling a home, now more than ever, you’ve got to have us inspect the home before you put it on the market so you’ll know exactly where you stand before you price it. And, if you’re buying a home, insist on having us inspect it before you buy. You don’t want to get stuck with a lemon!
