How To Sell A House With Termite Damage In Pittsburgh

 Have a house with termite damage in Pittsburgh? You are not alone! Many properties in Pittsburgh will encounter some form of termite damage during their lifetimes, especially older houses built over 50 years ago. National termite control companies have even taken note. Orkin, the nationally known pest control experts, say on their website regarding termites in Pennsylvania that “According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), Pennsylvania is located in TIP Zone #2 (moderate to heavy), which means the potential for termite damage is considered significant. Areas with higher probabilities for activity require more termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.” Below we explore how termites can damage your house and what to do if you have termite damage and would like to sell your property.

How Do Termites Do Damage?

Termites Eat The Structural Wood

Certain termite species require a moist environment to survive. This is illustrated by the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites typically inhabit moist soil and construct their colonies there. Usually this means that the problem began in the foundation or lower structure areas. Damage to these areas can be costly because it is difficult to repair and frequently affects other areas of the residence.

Termites Eat Wood Around Doors and Windows

There are numerous wood-containing areas of your home that are difficult to inspect. This includes the wood beneath your home, within your walls, and in your attic. In order to inspect these areas for termite damage, you will need to crawl underneath the house and into the attic on purpose. You can easily inspect for termite damage other wood-constructed areas of your home as often as you like. This includes the wood surrounding your windows and doors. Typically, wood frames are used to install doors and windows in homes. The presence of termite damage is indicated by wood that is wavy, porous, or brittle.

Termites Eat Wood Inside The House

Termites that begin on the wood beneath your home will eventually enter your walls if they are not eliminated. There is even a type of termite that will eat your home’s wooden furniture and other wooden components. This type of termite is known as a “dry wood termite,” and it does not require the contact with moisture required by subterranean termites.

This list of potential termite damages is not exhaustive. These destructive pests can infest any wood in and around your residence. Termites will continue to destroy your home until they are eradicated. The most effective way to stop termite damage is to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

Each person should check with their insurance company regarding coverage, but Allstate Insurance states on their website that most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. This can be very concerning and potentially devastating if you find that your home has been severely damaged by these terrible pests.

What Are The Usual Signs of Termite Damage?

An article in Forbes magazine about termites lists the follow signs of termite damage:

• Discolored or drooping drywall
• Peeling paint that resembles water damage
• Small, pinpoint holes in drywall
• Buckling wooden or laminate floorboards
• Tiles loosening from the added moisture termites can introduce to your floor
• Excessively squeaky floorboards
• Crumbling, damaged wood
• Stuck windows and doors
• Maze-like patterns in furniture, floorboards or walls

Follow These Steps To Sell A House In Pittsburgh With Termite Damage

Deal With Those Pesky Bugs And Get Rid Of Them.

This can be challenging if the source of the termites is still unknown. They may have multiple entrances and tunnels that are concealed by beams and wood. An exterminator will assist you in solving this mystery. Any wood-to-ground contact is a likely source of termite infestation and must be eliminated. Get a termite treatment to prevent further damage.

Identify The Damage They Did And Get It Repaired

Once the termites have been eradicated, calculate the cost of repairing any extensive termite damage prior to showing the property to conventional buyers.

The worst aspect of termite damage is that it is frequently hidden until it is discovered. The procedure can be compared to peeling an onion. Damage piled upon damage. Behind each additional sheet of drywall, you will find more extensive damage. All of this must be repaired prior to selling.

Disclose The Problem To Your Future Buyer

If you plan to sell through a traditional real estate agent, you must comply with the termite disclosure law and inform the home buyer. They will receive a home inspection, and these issues will be revealed in some way. Disclosure is not only required by law, but also the ethical thing to do. After closing, no one wants to find termite damage.

A termite inspection report, proof of termite treatment, and possibly a termite warranty are also required. This can be prohibitively expensive for the home seller, so some opt for this alternative.

What If I Can Not Afford All Of This And Need To Sell My Termite Damaged Home In Pittsburgh Quickly?

717 Home Buyers can assist you if you cannot afford pest control treatment to stop active termites or face the expense of extensive structural damage.

We can evaluate your home in Pittsburgh. Since we have dealt with issues like this before, we have no qualms about addressing this issue. As a cash buyer, we will not require a standard home inspection because our expertise lies in repairing homes for resale. Such concerns are precisely what we intend to address.

You will not be required to provide a termite letter or warranty, and we will remove the termites and pay for the necessary repairs. In addition, you will not be required to pay any closing costs if we decide to purchase your termite-damaged home. Most homebuyers find it difficult to purchase a termite-damaged home, but we are not deterred. We purchase homes directly from homeowners in as-is condition, as well as inherited properties and homes in foreclosure.

You can learn more about how we operate at 717 Home Buyers by clicking here. Please consider reading our Google reviews here or watching some videos of satisfied customers here. If you feel that we can be of help and would like a no-obligation offer within about 24 hours, give us a call today at 717-639-2164.