Buy Bug-Free

If your house is a typical one, there are probably some small, leggy creatures that make their home with you. Whether they are termites, fleas, roaches, ants, or spiders, it is a good idea to serve them with an eviction notice before you put your home on the market. If home remedies like ionized boric acid don't work, paying a professional exterminator will be money well spent. Many times a buyer will require a property to be inspected for evidence of pest infestation.

So, as a seller, it’s always a good idea to check for insect problems at the time you sign a listing agreement, so that it doesn’t become an issue in the sale. Some insects may not physically damage the house, but may reduce its chances of selling for top dollar. A prospective buyer having to constantly push back spider webs while touring the house could seriously undermine their ability to fully appreciate what your home has to offer.

Before you sign an agreement to buy or sell a home, you should read the termite clause and be sure that you understand it. Who selects the exterminator and pays for the inspection? If bugs are found, who pays for the treatment? Are the sellers obligated to repair any damage and have they placed a limit of the dollar amount they will spend on those repairs? If treatment is required, the buyers may want a chance to discuss the options with the pest control company, especially if someone in the family is sensitive to the chemicals used to control the termites. Ask about the exterminator's guarantees or service contract options.

Sound more involved than you thought? That’s why it’s important to use professional representation when purchasing or selling your next home.

If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.

When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!