Am I required to disclose termite history?

Disclosure requirements vary by state. Most states require disclosure of known termite activity. Consult your real estate agent or attorney for your state's requirements.

Who pays for termite treatment?

Varies by state, contract, and negotiation. Typically seller covers treatment if active infestation found. Consult your agent—we don't provide legal advice.

Should I treat proactively before listing?

Proactive treatment can prevent buyer concerns and transaction delays. Get inspection and treatment quotes. Disclose any treatment performed.

What if buyer finds termites during inspection?

Negotiate with buyer. Options: you treat before closing, you credit buyer for treatment, or buyer walks away. Consult your agent and attorney.

Seller's Termite Playbook

Understand disclosure obligations, remediation options, and transaction timeline.

TL;DR: Disclose known termite history transparently. Consider proactive treatment before listing. If buyer finds issues, negotiate quickly. Delays hurt everyone. — How inspections work or call (833) 404-3632.

Disclaimer: We provide educational guidance only. We do not offer legal or commercial advice. Consult your real estate agent, attorney, or licensed pest professional for transaction-specific guidance.
Disclosure requirements vary by state.
Proactive treatment prevents buyer concerns.
Quick negotiation prevents transaction delays.

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

Disclosure Obligations

Transparency is essential. Failure to disclose known issues can create legal liability.

Know Your State's Requirements

Disclosure requirements vary significantly by state. Some require detailed termite history; others require only known active infestations. Consult your real estate agent or attorney for your state's specific requirements.

Disclose Known Termite History

If you know the property has had termites, disclose it. Include timing, location, type of treatment, and professional who performed it. Provide documentation if available.

Disclose Previous Treatments

If the property has been treated for termites, disclose it. Include treatment date, type, and professional. This shows you took action responsibly.

Disclose Moisture Issues

Moisture attracts termites. Disclose known water intrusion, basement flooding, roof leaks, or plumbing issues. These are material facts buyers need to know.

Remediation Options

Option 1: Treat Before Listing

Pros: Prevents buyer concerns, shows proactive ownership, speeds up transaction. Cons: Upfront cost ($500–$2,000+). Best for: Properties with known history or high-risk areas.

Option 2: Treat After Buyer's Inspection

Pros: Only treat if needed, buyer sees professional report. Cons: Delays closing, buyer may walk away. Best for: Properties with no known history.

Option 3: Credit Buyer for Treatment

Pros: Buyer chooses contractor, you provide credit. Cons: Buyer may choose expensive option, less control. Best for: Negotiations where buyer wants to handle treatment.

Option 4: Price Adjustment

Pros: Buyer handles everything, clean break. Cons: May reduce sale price significantly. Best for: Negotiations where buyer wants to walk or renegotiate.

Pre-Listing Inspection Checklist

Consider getting a professional termite inspection before listing. Use this checklist:

Hire licensed inspector: Get professional termite inspection before listing.
Review report: Understand findings and recommendations.
Get treatment quotes: If issues found, get 2–3 treatment quotes.
Decide on treatment: Treat proactively or disclose and let buyer decide.
Document everything: Keep inspection report and treatment documentation.
Disclose findings: Include inspection results and any treatment in disclosure.
Fix moisture issues: Address any water intrusion or moisture problems.
Consult your agent: Discuss strategy with your real estate agent.

Transaction Timeline & Negotiation

Inspection Period (Days 1–10)

Buyer schedules termite inspection. You provide access. Be prepared to respond quickly to findings.

Negotiation (Days 3–7)

If issues found, negotiate quickly. Delays jeopardize closing. Have treatment quotes ready if needed.

Treatment (Before Closing)

If you agree to treat, schedule immediately. Ensure work is completed and documented before closing.

Final Walkthrough

Buyer verifies any agreed-upon treatments were completed. Keep documentation available.

Cost Considerations

Termite Inspection

Cost: $100–$300. Professional inspection provides documentation and peace of mind.

Treatment (Preventive)

Cost: $500–$1,500. Liquid barriers or bait systems. Varies by property size and treatment type.

Treatment (Active Infestation)

Cost: $1,000–$3,000+. More extensive treatment required. Varies significantly by severity and property.

Repairs (Damage)

Cost: $500–$10,000+. Structural repairs if damage found. Can be significant depending on extent.

Red Flags to Address Before Listing

Moisture issues: Fix leaks, improve drainage, address water intrusion.
Visible wood damage: Repair or replace damaged wood.
Signs of previous treatment: Have documentation ready.
High-risk areas: Crawl spaces, basements, attics—ensure they're clean and dry.

Next Steps

Ready to move forward? Consider these actions: