The Advantages of a Pre-Listing Home Pest Inspection

Attractive Addition

Previous negative experiences with pests can turn a potential home buyer off. If the buyer suspects pests, or has their own pre-existing anxieties, proof of an invader-free environment makes your home more attractive. For the buyer, this security makes for one less potential problem to worry about - creating a sense of comfort.

Increase in Price

Along with actual cost of the home, the buyer may have repairs to make or upgrades to pay for. Knowing that termite control or a full-home pest service isn't on the table may make the buyer more likely to pay a higher price. While home prices depend on many factors, with a clean pest evaluation complete, you won't need to negotiate around the added costs of removing insect invaders.

State Requirement

Some states require pre-sales pest inspection. Waiting to start this service until you have an offer may turn your home sales excitement into a major disappointment.

While plenty of home sellers decide to wait until they're required to hire a pest inspector or until a general inspector finds possible pest damage, an early start reduces the likelihood that you'll lose your buyer. This precaution can decrease the total sales time, getting you out of your old house and into a new one sooner.

Preemptive Removal

What happens if your pre-listing pest inspector finds termites or another insect invader? You could disclose the problem and dramatically reduce the price. Or you remove the pests. A DIY pest removal strategy is never advisable - especially when you're selling a home. The potential buyer wants to see that a professional has made the home pest-free or is currently treating the space. After finding pests, work with the inspector/technician to create a plan that removes the insects efficiently and entirely. Depending on your time needs, consider waiting to list the house until the pest control service is complete.

Repair Damage

While not every pest causes major home damage, some (such as termites) do. Not only are the pests unattractive to potential buyers, but the damage can turn them away from a quick sale too.

What types of damage can pests cause? The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has stated that termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage each year. If you have termites, it's possible that you also have damage in your:

• Support beams. Posts that are either in or outside of walls can have serious wood damage. As the termites erode the wood in these beams, they compromise the structure of your home.
• Drywall. Your walls may also have damage from termites. These often-noticeable holes or breaks aren't attractive to a home buyer.
• Floors. Wooden floors can also suffer from a termite infestation. Never attempt to cover the damage with a carpet. Instead, hire a professional to repair the damage.
• Decks. Termites don't always cause problems inside of your home. If they infest your wooden deck, you'll need to make sure that it's in good repair and structurally sound before putting your home on the market.
  

Termites aren't the only destructive invaders. Rodents, powderpost beetles, and carpenter ants can also cause problems. Finding these pests, removing them, and repairing the damage before listing your home adds to its sales appeal. Do you need a pre-listing home pest inspection or removal service? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.