Don’t Pass on Home Inspections!
Purchasing a home is the largest investment that most people will make in there lifetime. With that being said, it would be crazy not to have a termite inspection and a home inspection. Inspection costs vary depending on the size of the house. A termite inspection on a 1500 square foot home will run around $200 to $250, and a home inspection will be $300 to $400. This is a small price to pay considering how large of an investment you are about to make!
We do not have a termite problem in Tahoe, but termite inspectors also inspect for dry rot, fungus, mold, water damage, water leaks, wood condition and other structural problems that the house may have. Termite inspecters will inspect the attics, sub-floors, interior and exterior for any problems that are not visible to the untrained eyes.
A recent termite report for one of my clients reveled extensive dry rot and excessive moisture and fungus in the sub-floor area. The cost to repair the problems will be around $7,000!
It is important to find these problems out, because if left untreated, the moisture problem could be devastating. The buyer can also ask the seller to preform the repairs, or ask for a credit to help pay for the repairs as long as it is not an “as is” deal. If the repair cost is to much in an “as is” deal, the buyer can opt out of the purchase as long as the contingency period is still in effect.
Buyers be aware that when dealing with foreclosures in South Lake Tahoe, the banks will not do any work, and the sale is “as is”. With short sales, the seller often does not have the money for any repairs, and may be “as is”.
A home inspection covers just about everything in the home from the appliances, electrical system, plumbing system, windows, foundation, roof condition, smoke detectors, fans, ect. It is amazing how thorough these home inspectors are. They even find a good list of items to be addressed on a brand new home!
I hope that this blog will insure that when you have your new South Lake Tahoe home in escrow, you have a termite and a home inspection. It is well worth the cost!
