How do I guide buyers through termite inspection timing?

Schedule during inspection period (7–10 days after offer). Recommend licensed pest professional. Explain that specialized termite inspections are more thorough than general home inspections.

What should I tell sellers about proactive treatment?

Proactive treatment before listing prevents buyer concerns and speeds transactions. Get inspection and treatment quotes. Disclose any treatment performed. Consult attorney for state requirements.

How do I handle negotiations if termites are found?

Act quickly. Get treatment quotes. Facilitate negotiation between parties. Options: seller treats, seller credits buyer, price adjustment, or buyer walks. Keep communication flowing.

Agent's Termite Playbook

Q: What red flags should I know about?

Mud tubes, frass, discarded wings, hollow wood, bubbling paint, water damage, and signs of previous treatment. Multiple signs in one area are especially concerning.

Guide clients through termite risks, manage transactions, facilitate negotiations.

TL;DR: Educate clients on red flags. Schedule inspections early. Facilitate quick negotiations. Keep communication flowing. Smooth transactions require proactive management. — How inspections work or call (833) 404-3632.

Disclaimer: We provide educational guidance only. We do not offer legal or commercial advice. Consult your broker, attorney, or licensed pest professionals for transaction-specific guidance.
Proactive communication prevents surprises.
Quick action prevents transaction delays.
Professional confirmation is essential.

      Important: This guide provides educational information only. Real estate transactions involve legal and financial considerations. Consult your broker, attorney, and licensed pest professionals for guidance specific to your transaction and state.
    

Buyer Representation: Client Guidance

Early Education

Educate buyers about termite risks before they make an offer. Explain that termite inspection is separate from general home inspection. Discuss regional risks using climate zone guides.

Inspection Scheduling

Schedule termite inspection early in the inspection period (days 1–3). Don't wait until the last day. Licensed pest professionals provide more thorough inspections than general home inspectors.

Red Flag Recognition

Teach buyers to spot red flags: mud tubes, frass, discarded wings, hollow wood, bubbling paint, water damage, and signs of previous treatment. Multiple signs in one area are especially concerning.

Professional Confirmation

Emphasize that only licensed professionals can confirm infestation. Buyers should not make decisions based on visual inspection alone. Professional inspection provides documentation for negotiations.

Seller Representation: Client Guidance

Proactive Approach

Recommend sellers get pre-listing termite inspection. Proactive treatment prevents buyer concerns and speeds transactions. Disclose any treatment performed. Document everything.

Disclosure Requirements

Ensure sellers understand their state's disclosure requirements. Most states require disclosure of known termite activity. Failure to disclose creates legal liability. Consult attorney for specifics.

Remediation Options

Help sellers understand remediation options: treat before listing, treat after buyer inspection, credit buyer for treatment, or price adjustment. Each has pros and cons. Help sellers decide based on property condition.

Quick Response

If buyer finds issues, respond quickly. Delays jeopardize closing. Have treatment quotes ready. Facilitate negotiation promptly. Keep communication flowing with buyer's agent.

Transaction Management Checklist

Use this checklist to manage termite issues throughout the transaction:

Pre-listing (sellers): Recommend termite inspection before listing.
Educate clients: Explain red flags and inspection process.
Schedule inspection: Early in inspection period (days 1–3).
Review report: Understand findings and recommendations.
Facilitate negotiation: If issues found, facilitate quick negotiation.
Get treatment quotes: Have professional quotes ready if needed.
Verify completion: Ensure agreed-upon treatments completed before closing.
Final walkthrough: Verify any treatments were completed.

Red Flags & Talking Points

Mud Tubes on Foundation

Talking point: "Mud tubes indicate subterranean termite activity. This is a major red flag that requires professional inspection and likely treatment."

Frass or Discarded Wings

Talking point: "Frass or discarded wings indicate active or recent termite activity. Professional inspection is essential to confirm and determine treatment options."

Water Damage or Moisture Issues

Talking point: "Moisture attracts termites. Water damage or moisture issues should be addressed regardless of termite concerns. This is a material issue."

Signs of Previous Treatment

Talking point: "Previous treatment indicates past infestation. Ask seller for details: when, where, what type of treatment. This helps assess current risk."

Negotiation Framework

If termite issues are found, use this framework for negotiation:

Option 1: Seller Treats

Seller arranges and pays for treatment. Buyer gets professional confirmation. Fastest resolution.

Option 2: Seller Credits

Seller provides credit for treatment cost. Buyer chooses contractor. More buyer control.

Option 3: Price Adjustment

Sale price reduced to account for treatment and repairs. Buyer handles everything.

Option 4: Walk Away

Buyer terminates contract. Rare but possible if issues are severe or seller won't negotiate.

Regional Risk Awareness

Understand termite risk in your region. Use climate zone guides to educate clients:

Tropical zones: Year-round risk. Annual or bi-annual inspections essential.
Subtropical zones: High seasonal risk. Inspect before spring season.
Temperate zones: Spring/summer peaks. One annual inspection usually sufficient.
Arid zones: Lower risk but present near water sources. Inspect every 2–3 years.
Coastal zones: High moisture + salt spray. Annual or bi-annual inspections essential.

Resources to Share with Clients

Share these resources with clients to educate them: