Buying a Tucson home includes many steps. First, finding a real estate agent you trust. Then, searching for properties. Writing an offer when you find the house you like. And once a seller accepts your offer, you enter escrow. During this time, you have the opportunity to perform a home inspection. Your inspector may find possible pest problems (mice, ants, termites). The tricky thing with termites is that they can be difficult to see until extensive damage occurs. So, even if the inspector does not report possible termite damage, you might want to get a termite inspection done anyway.
Home Buyers Should Never Skip a Termite Inspection
Is it Required?
Arizona does not require a termite inspection as part of the home buying process. No federal law exists that demands one either. However, most Arizona lenders do require a Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR) as part of their loan procedure. Therefore, you might not have a choice about whether or not to skip a termite inspection.
Termites are Sneaky
They live deep inside the framework of homes. Pest control specialists say that these creatures can live inside of your house for as long as five years before you start to see any evidence of their existence. Since they settle so far inside of a home, they tend to insulate themselves from the elements. This allows them to continue their pathways of destruction year-round.
Damage Can Be Costly to Repair
First, there is the cost of eliminating a termite nest. Then, you must repair the damaged wood. This costs several thousand dollars. And these repairs are not covered by most homeowner's insurance. Experts suggest that you perform a termite inspection annually. For around $100, you can potentially save yourself thousands by catching these pests early on.
Rebecca Schulte, Schulte Real Estate Group, Your Source for Tucson Real Estate
