Have you noticed signs of a termite infestation in your Maryland home, like discarded papery termite wings or droppings? Maybe you have seen mud tubes on the walls or broken timber.
It’s always upsetting to see signs of termites in your home, but it is worse if you are looking to sell it. If you’ve been hoping to sell a house fast in Maryland, the process can get more complicated and time-consuming if dealing with termites, rodents, and other pests.
Termite infestation is a huge red flag for potential buyers and can cause them to withdraw their offer. Read on to find out how to tackle this pest issue.
How Can I Sell My Maryland Home with Termites?
To sell a home with termites, you need to take the following steps:
Step 1: Get Rid of the Pests
The first and obvious step is to get rid of the pests. If you plan to sell your home in the open market through realtors, you must eliminate the infestation before listing your home.
If the termite infestation is minor, you can tackle it by yourself using termite sprays from your local home improvement store. However, termites are tricky. While it might seem like you have eliminated them, only an expert pest controller can determine whether the infestation has spread to the bones of your home. Those areas are not visible by just looking around your house.
Hire a pest control company to do a top-to-bottom termite inspection of your home. Professional termite exterminators charge a lot, and you may need to spend thousands of dollars to undo the termite damage. However, if you plan to sell your home on the open market, you must spend the money to take care of the issue.
Step 2: Get Your Home Reinspected
When you sell a house, potential buyers hire home inspectors to evaluate and certify your property. You should be proactive and call a termite inspection team to prove that your home is termite-free. This certification provides prospective buyers with peace of mind. Home inspections cost around $500 in Maryland, and the fees vary based on your home’s size.
Step 3: Prevent A Reinfestation
It’s not enough that you have eliminated termites for the time being. You must ensure they do not show up again and cause further damage. Here are a few things to help you avoid a reinfestation:
- Install mesh screenings on windows and external vents to prevent termites, rodents, and other pests from crawling inside.
- Treat your home for subterranean termites that crawl underneath the house and attack it from the bottom.
- Fix any cracks or other openings that termites can enter through.
- Ensure that your woodwork is not damp because termites are more prone to attack moist areas.
Step 4: Be Honest with Potential Buyers
Be honest and upfront when a potential buyer arrives to inspect your home. Let them know that you’ve had a termite infestation in the past. Explain what you had done, and assure them that professionals took care of the issue. You can also share the home inspection certificate with the pest exterminator to provide them with the guarantee that your home is free of termites.
It’s also good to put it in writing that you have shared the termite infestation with the buyer, and the buyer understands the situation. This step helps you avoid any disagreements down the line.
Step 5: Consider Selling Your Home As-Is
Termite infestation is a disadvantage because few buyers are eager to take on a home with visible signs of pest damage. You may have to wait months or years to find the right buyer willing to take a chance with your home.
The easier option is to sell your home directly to cash home buyers in MD like Just Sell It As-Is. We purchase your house in any condition, even if it’s under attack by termites. The best part is that you don’t have to deal with costly repairs and renovations. You can sell it in its current condition and get an attractive price. Connect with our team to get a fair cash offer on your Maryland home and begin the home selling process.