It's the Time of Year For Termites in Southern California

 Graphic of ant and termite

Termites often swarm at this time of year, which will expose properties to the damage they can cause.

It's not surprising in my experience to find that an owner may have owned a property for years, but has not done a termite inspection since it was purchased, let alone any repairs. Keeping up with pest control on an annual basis, or biannual basis, can save money.  Tenting or even local wood repair alone may cost thousands, what used to be a $2000 tenting/repair cost a few years ago is now $4000.  So try to avoid this major cost (whether you're selling or not) by taking care of moisture issues and soil contact issues:

1. Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need to thrive.
   
2. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and exterior AC units.
   
3. Repair fascia, soffits, and rotted roof shingles.
   
4. Replace weather-stripping and loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
5. Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
6. Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), uneven or bubbling paint, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes, and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.
8. Maintain an 18-inch gap between the soil and any wood portions of your home.
9. Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Wood-boring insect damage is not covered by homeowners insurance policies. 
10. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house. *
    

There are different kinds of termites, and vary according to region.  In Southern California subterranean and drywood termites are often seen, but dampness draws in termites also.  Amazingly, termites may not just work on wood, I once saw a house in Long Beach with concrete slab foundation for an added family room that was literally crumbled underneath the carpeting from termite damage after it was pulled back, and walking over the carpeting caused a scrunchy sound.

And, if you're thinking of selling, termite damage repairs are considered negotiable in the standard CAR contracts, but most buyers will ask for the seller to cover the cost.  If termite repairs are stated in the purchase contract (and they aren't always), lenders will want to see termite clearance in order to make a loan, and if buyers are footing the bill, the lender has to know that amount and approve it before final loan funding. 

Termite damage is most often seen in houses, but condos are not automatically exempt -- especially if there is dampness and/or trees nearby and a way to termite to enter the interior. If your home is near a park or school where grass/landscaping is watered frequently, then those features may draw termites to your property.

If you are considering making a change of residence with your house, condo or residential units, please contact me for more information on selling.  Getting the right price is very important, but also knowing the terms smooths the way for a successful closing!

*Information courtesy of BPG Inspections

 Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996