New Homeowners Are Caught By Surprise!
After months of going from one house and to another, a young couple thought that they had found a “good deal” on the home of their dreams. They had recently announced their engagement and it was now time to celebrate by opening a fine bottle of French champagne.
But, they soon were reminded that some dreams become “nightmares” when they discovered that their dream home had more than $50,000 in termite damage repairs!
How could this happen? They had just received a 13 page termite inspection report that said that the home was in perfect shape!!
Unfortunately, it was too late to pull out of the deal. They had waived the standard “cooling off” period and were told that they would be sued if they tried to back out of the deal.
Little did they know that this very same termite company had done an inspection on this very same home several years earlier. And, in that report, they stated that there were live termites with corresponding damage in several areas.
The termite company that issued the bogus report wouldn’t comment on the situation. The young couple has a strong case, but due to financial constraints, they can’t afford to pursue legal action.
They might as well get out the mustard and ketchup because they are going to wind up eating this one!
I’ve got another report I’m now holding in my hands. In this case, a new owner had purchased his home and he was given a “Certificate Of Completion” stating that all of the termite treatment and repairs had been completed. However, after moving in the house and taking a closer look, he started noticing more and more areas of concern. That’s when he decided to call a different termite company and get their opinion.
In the other company’s report, the inspector noted a substantial amount of termite damage plus dryrot damage. The new estimate was $41,450.00 for repairs!
Don’t You Just Hate It When That Happens!
Ladies and gentlemen, this type of problem occurs almost every single day in Orange County. The good news is that you can prevent this and you don’t have to let yourself become a victim of these bogus termite inspections. Here’s Termite Terry’s Rule;
Don’t Even Think About Buying AnyProperty Until You Have Us Do A Thorough Termite Inspection, FIRST!
In order to do an accurate termite inspection report, we will need to inspect the home’s substructure, stall showers, foundation, porches, abutments, attics, garage, patios, interior and the exterior. On an average three bedroom home with a slab foundation, our inspections will usually take about 1 ½ hours to complete. Homes with raised foundations take about thirty minutes longer to do. Homes with significant dryrot or termite damage will take even more time to complete. Also, the larger the home, the more time will be needed.
The key point to consider, here, is that good termite inspections can’t be rushed. You’ve really got to take your time and do it right or you may wind up overlooking some major problems. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate report so that you don’t get caught by surprise.
Pay extra attention if you’re considering the purchase of a bank owned property, REO (real estate owned), foreclosure home or a short sale property. You know that the sellers of these homes are losing a ton of money. With that in mind, you know the owners of these properties aren’t going to do any more work on these homes than they have to. Many of these homes will be sold in as in condition. Another real big thing to look out for is that a lot of these homes are in horrific shape with huge maintenance problems. Many of these appear to have been repaired or modified by unskilled or unlicensed persons and may have serious building code violations. What that means to you is that you could easily get hit with extraordinary repair expenses. Don’t even think about buying one of these homes unless you’ve had a very thorough termite inspection, first. We strongly recommend that you hire a very competent licensed contractor to do an inspection, also.
Are you considering purchasing a home and you’ve been told that they’ve already had a termite inspection done on the property? I just told you about two cases where the termite reports were bogus. Unless the home is really new, you know that you’ve got to get a second opinion. Loan us a copy of that report and we’ll take a look at the house for you. If their report is good, we’ve got no problem with telling you so. If there are problems with the house, we’ll give you our recommendations and then you can decide the best way to deal with them.
NOTE: If you are making a new offer on a home, don’t forget to write “Termite Terry Pest Control” in on the offer sheet as your termite company of choice. It’s your right as a buyer.
When you’re buying a home, you’re talking about a lot of money. Call us at (949) 631-7348 and have your termite inspection done before you start negotiating any deals. That way, you’ll know exactly where you stand before you literally “sign your life away”.
Rave Reviews!
This letter is being written to inform your company how pleased I am with your service.
Joseph Johnston recently gave me a bid to do some work on our backyard wood patio. Many of the joists were full of dry rot. In addition, the original joist were installed so that the nails pointed down into them. The result was that one of the joists fell. Fortunately, no one was underneath it at the time.
Joe gave me a very reasonable bid and I hired him to supervise the work. Jose and Saul did the actual installation.
All of the old joists were removed. Their replacements were treated before installation. The new joists were painted and matched the existing post perfectly. Every detail was carefully and expertly followed up. In addition, the joists were installed so that they could not fall down even if there were to be future dry rot.Thank you for your wonderful work and service.
Dr. Marvin Marshall, author and speaker
Cypress
We want to thank you for the termite treatment you did recently. We live in a town home, which makes termite treatment a challenge. A few years ago, we had a bad experience when our association decided to tent. The company was chosen for us and the guarantees were not honored, which made us hesitant to treat again.
You company representative, Joe Johnston, was inspecting our neighbor’s home when I asked him about your service. He answered all my questions, with a smile and I immediately asked for his card. We spoke to our neighbors and they were pleased with the work that was cone on their place. We set up an appointment and could not believe the attention to detail that Joe put into his inspection. We were sold.
Your termite technicians, Jose and Saul, did a very thorough job and were careful about every detail. They were very vigilant about cleaning up when they were finished. We are completely satisfied with the work and your service. We have already recommended your service to friends and neighbors. Thanks for a great job!
Peter and Gigi Bouffard
Costa Mesa
Orange County’s first case of West Nile virus in 2009 was recently confirmed. The woman resides in Fountain Valley and she is the second confirmed case in California this year.
The woman, who is in her forties, may have been bitten by a mosquito. She was hospitalized in early July, but later went home to recover. Orange County’s Health Care Agency reported that three Orange County residents died last year from the West Nile virus and another 79 people were tested positive.
Dr. Hildy Meyers, medical director of epidemiology stated, “While we are not seeing the level of West Nile virus activity that we experienced last year, it is important for the community to recognize that West Nile virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall. The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites“.
Most people infected with the virus do not have symptoms or become ill. Symptoms would include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, fatigue and from time to time some may have swollen glands or perhaps a rash.
Those over the age of 50 and those with certain medical conditions have an increased risk of serious complications if they become infected.
You can help control mosquitoes around your home. Remember, mosquitoes have to have water in which they can lay their eggs and where they can develop into adults. Get rid of places where you have standing water and you will reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Here are some key items to look for and correct:
- Old tires
- Cans or buckets
- Bird baths or ornamental ponds
- Swimming pools or spas that have been left un-maintained.
- Clogged rain gutters
- Discarded bottles, drinking cups and jars.
- Street gutters
- Broken lawn irrigation systems that cause flooding in planters and lawns.
It doesn’t take much standing water to produce a lot of mosquitoes. Just a little bit in the bottom of an old Coke can may produce many biting mosquitoes. Please be sure and notify the Orange County Vector Control if you see an abandoned swimming pool or spa that’s full of old stagnant water. Their website is at www.ocvcd.org . Having a problem with mosquitoes or other pest? Call us today at (949) 631-7348 for your complimentary 57 Point Pest Audit. You’ll receive a wealth of valuable information and recommendations on how you can solve your pest problems!
Cockroaches Are The Main Asthma Source In Cities
Cockroaches are filthy and can be a major nuisance. But, for many inner-city children, they can be a major health hazard. Dr. Peter Gergen, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says that cockroaches are the most prevalent source of allergens in cities. On the other hand, cats are the main culprits in the suburbs. According to the Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, from 1997 to 2006, the number of pediatric hospitalizations with asthma noted as a secondary condition rose by close to 54%.
The pest control industry has been aware of this issue for sometime. Dr. Ginger Chew, of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, did a study in 2005 of children from an inner-city of a major East Coast city. Her study noted that cockroach allergens were a large trigger with a greater effect than dust mites, dogs or cats. Dr. Chew stated, “That study made me a firm believer that if children with asthma have cockroaches in their environment, pest control operators need to eradicate them.”
Dr. Chew warns that pest control treatments have to be chosen carefully because some products could exacerbate asthma symptoms and at Termite Terry Pest Control, we couldn’t agree with her more. That is why we prefer to use products that have virtually no odor. And, when we do make applications, we strive to place our products in wall voids and under cabinets or appliances so that you and your family will not be exposed to them. Have a problem with cockroaches and need help? Call (949) 631-7348 and we’ll be glad to assist.
The History Of Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is a tribute to what American workers have done to build the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
After more than 100 years since we first started celebrating Labor Day, we’re still not sure who first came up with the idea of this holiday for workers.
Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounder of the American Federation of Labor is believed to be the first to suggest that we honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
Many others believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, founded the holiday. He was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York and research supports that he proposed the holiday in 1882. We know that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to set up a demonstration and picnic.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882. That was in New York City and it was set up by the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day was celebrated a year later on September 5th, 1883.
In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday. It was originally proposed that way and the Central Labor Union urged others around the country to follow their lead. In 1885, many industrial centers of the country joined in on the celebration.
On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday.
The U.S. Department of Labor says, “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.”
Final thoughts…
I still remember that day, September 11 2001. It started off like any other work day with my alarm clock going off and me getting ready to go to work. But, within only moments after I turned on the radio, I realized that this was no ordinary day. For the first time in my lifetime, our country was being attacked by people from a foreign country. I can’t forget hearing the radio host, Bill Handle from KFI 640 radio, yelling out as he described watching another jet airliner go through another one of the Twin Towers. I turned on the TV set and you could see where the buildings were on fire with huge clouds of dust and smoke. That was a life changing moment.
Fortunately for all of us, we haven’t had to live through another terrorist attack like that here in the U.S.. That’s why I’d like to take this time and thank our Government officials for making the difficult decisions after 9/11. I know, we don’t all agree with what they did, but whatever they did worked for the most part and we’ve been able to live our normal lives. Just think what our lives would be like if we were all under constant terrorist attacks like they are in other parts of the world.
I’d also like to thank all of our local law enforcement – Everyone from our Customs Agents, Police, Sheriffs, TSA Agents and the many others that work around the clock to keep us all safe from these attacks. The records are very clear and they show that without your efforts, our part of the world would be much different than what we enjoy today. Thank You!