Do you happen to own a house in New York that’s got some termite damage? It’s actually a pretty common issue in the area, especially for properties that are over 50 years old. Even the big termite control companies know about it.
Check out this page on Orkin’s website, where they mention that New York falls into Termite Infestation Probability Zone #2. Basically, that means the chance of termite damage is quite high and considered moderate to heavy. And if there’s a higher likelihood of termite activity, you’ll need more termite control measures to meet the building standards for new homes. In this article, we’ll talk about the damage termites can do to your home and what you should do if you’re planning to sell your property.
How Do Termites Do Damage?
Termites Eat The Structural Wood
Subterranean termites need moisture to survive and build their colonies in damp soil under buildings, usually starting in the foundation or lower sections. Fixing these areas can be expensive and complex, potentially impacting other parts of the house.
Termites Eat Wood Around Doors and Windows
To check for termite damage, you gotta inspect the wood in those hard-to-reach spots of your home – under the house, in the walls, and up in the attic. Yeah, it does involve some intentional crawling into those spaces. Oh, and don’t forget to check the wooden frames around your windows and doors, as they can also show signs of termite damage. Look out for wavy, porous, or brittle wood. And hey, feel free to do this inspection whenever you feel like it!
Termites Eat Wood Inside The House
If you don’t get rid of the termites that munch on the wood beneath your house, they’ll eventually invade your walls. There’s this specific kind of termite called “dry wood termite” that can even chomp on your home’s wooden furniture and other wooden stuff without needing moisture, unlike those subterranean termites.
Please note that the list of termite damages provided isn’t complete, as these pesky pests can infest any wood both inside and outside your home. Termites won’t stop destroying your home until they’re eliminated. To effectively put an end to termite damage, it’s recommended that you seek the help of a professional as soon as possible.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
It’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance provider to double-check coverage, but according to Allstate Insurance’s website, most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage. Finding out that pests have caused significant damage in your home can be really distressing and potentially disastrous.
What Are The Usual Signs of Termite Damage?
Forbes magazine published an article highlighting the telltale signs of termite damage:
- Discolored or sagging drywall may be present.
- The paint is peeling, resembling water damage.
- Tiny holes are visible in the drywall.
- Wooden or laminate floorboards are becoming warped or bent.
- Moisture caused by termites can lead to loose tiles on the floor.
- Excessive squeaking of floorboards.
- Deteriorating wood with visible damage.
- Windows and doors are not operating smoothly.
- Intricate patterns can be observed in furniture, floorboards, or walls.
Follow These Steps To Sell A House In New York With Termite Damage
Deal With Those Pesky Bugs And Get Rid Of Them.
If you’re not sure where those termites are coming from, it can be a real challenge to tackle the issue. They could be sneaking in through hidden entrances and tunnels, lurking behind beams and wood. Bringing in an exterminator would definitely help to uncover the root of the problem. Anything that’s made of wood and has contact with the ground could be the culprit, so it’s important to get rid of those sources of contact. And hey, to prevent any more damage in the future, it might be a good idea to go for a termite treatment.
Identify The Damage They Did And Get It Repaired
Before showing the property to potential buyers, make sure to assess the cost of fixing any major termite damage that may have occurred after completely getting rid of the termites. It’s important to keep in mind that termite damage can sometimes be hidden until it’s discovered, so it’s like peeling an onion with layers of damage to deal with. As you remove each layer of drywall, there might be more significant damage to address, and all of this needs to be repaired before selling the property.
Disclose The Problem To Your Future Buyer
If you’re selling your home through a traditional real estate agent, it’s important to follow the termite disclosure law and inform the buyer. The buyer will have a home inspection that will uncover any termite issues. Disclosing this information is not only legally required, but also the right thing to do ethically. After the sale, no one wants to discover termite damage. Additionally, the seller must provide a termite inspection report, proof of treatment, and potentially a warranty. However, this can be expensive, so some sellers choose to explore other options.
What If I Can Not Afford All Of This And Need To Sell My Termite Damaged Home In New York Quickly?
If you find yourself unable to afford termite treatment or have already experienced considerable structural damage, Velocity House Buyers is here to offer assistance.
No need to worry, we can evaluate your New York home without any hesitation. As cash buyers, we specialize in buying homes, fixing them up, and selling them. So, we don’t require a typical home inspection to spot and address any issues because that’s what we’re already experienced in handling.Don’t worry about dealing with termites or repairs. We’ll take care of everything for you. If we decide to buy your termite-damaged home, we’ll cover all the closing costs. We understand that it can be tough for most homebuyers, but we’re determined to help you out. We buy homes directly from homeowners in any condition, including inherited properties and homes in foreclosure. To learn more about how Velocity House Buyers operates, click on this link. And if you need assistance or want a quote without any obligation, just give us a call today at 845-367-4898.
About Greg Helbeck
Greg is passionate about real estate investing in his home state of New York. He is known for his dedication to solving property challenges for homeowners, no matter their situation. Greg successfully juggles his career, family commitments, and his physical fitness. He is also actively engaged in his community and consistently aims to excel in all his endeavors.