FSBO Jane

(This Q & A is a new series at FSBO Jane. Have a question you’d like answered? E-mail fsbojane at gmail dot com.)

Q:  A few years ago we found out our house had termites.  We called in a professional and had the entire house and garage treated.  We have a guarantee, but they professionals come back every year and inspect and, knock on wood, we have not had termites return. Will I be able to sell my house if I disclose that the house had termites?

A:  First of all, you must disclose your home had termites, but make sure to add that it was immediately treated.  If you try to hide the fact, you could be sued later.

Second, the good thing is that you found the termites and had them treated immediately. Termites do not just move in and choose one house. If you had termites, odds are your neighbors have them.  Hopefully, they had their houses inspected when they found out your house had termites.  If not, when your house was treated they probably moved next door and are going to town on their wood.

Third, you are smart to have paid for a guarantee and to regularly have the house inspected. If you can prove there was no real damage to the wood frame of your home, some home buyers might look at your house because they know it has been treated for termites and inspected regularly.  It happened to a friend of mine.  Their house had been treated for termites and they sold it quickly because of the lifelong guarantee.  (Keep in mind that the guarantee usually has a minimal yearly fee, much like an insurance policy.) The new homeowner knew that because they lived near a forest preserve, termites were a reality. They also were pleased to know that the problem was resolved and the home inspected annually.

A note here: Make sure to go with a national company when inspecting your home. You want to find a large company that can offer a 100 percent guarantee and will be around for years to come in case the pests return.  Also, a larger company can afford to use methods that are environmentally friendly.