If you have a house in Baltimore with termite damage, don’t worry, you are not alone. It is quite common for properties in Baltimore, especially those built over 50 years ago, to face some form of termite damage during their lifetimes. Even national termite control companies have acknowledged this issue. According to Orkin’s website, Maryland is located in Termite Infestation Probability Zone #2, which means there is a significant potential for termite damage, as stated by the experts in pest control. To ensure compliance with International Residential Code building standards, areas with higher termite activity require more termite control measures for new homes compared to areas with less activity. In this article, we will discuss the potential damage termites can cause to your home and what steps to take if you are selling a property with termite damage.
How Do Termites Do Damage?
Termites Eat The Structural Wood
Some types of termites, such as subterranean termites, need moisture to live. They build their colonies in damp soil underground, often starting in the foundation or lower parts of a building. Repairing damage in these areas can be expensive and complex, and can impact other parts of the house as well.
Termites Eat Wood Around Doors and Windows
Your home has many areas with wood that are hard to check for termite damage, such as the wood under the house, within the walls, and in the attic. To inspect these areas, you will need to intentionally crawl under the house and into the attic. You can check for termite damage on any wooden parts of your house as frequently as needed, including the wood around your windows and doors. Usually, doors and windows in houses are installed with wooden frames. If the wood appears wavy, porous, or brittle, it may indicate the presence of termite damage.
Termites Eat Wood Inside The House
If you don’t get rid of termites that start eating the wood under your house, they will eventually move into your walls. A type of termite called “dry wood termite” can even eat wooden furniture and other parts of your house without needing moisture like other termites.
This list does not include all possible damages that termites can cause. They can infest any wood in or around your home and will continue to damage it until they are eliminated. To prevent termite damage, it’s best to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
To clarify, it is advisable that individuals confirm the specifics of their insurance coverage with their respective insurance providers. Nevertheless, as mentioned on Progressive Insurance’s website, termite damage is generally not covered by most home insurance policies. This can be a significant cause for worry and can result in extensive damages if your home suffers from these destructive insects.
What Are The Usual Signs of Termite Damage?
- Drywall that is discolored or drooping.
- The paint is peeling in a way that looks like water damage.
- There are tiny, precise openings in the drywall.
- The wooden or laminate floorboards are buckling.
- Termites can introduce moisture to your floor which may cause tiles to loosen.
- The floorboards make an excessive squeaking noise.
- The wood is deteriorating and has damages.
- The windows and doors are not opening or closing properly.
- Maze-like patterns in furniture, floorboards or walls
Follow These Steps To Sell A House In Baltimore With Termite Damage
Deal With Those Pesky Bugs And Get Rid Of Them.
It can be difficult to locate where the termites are coming from if the source is unknown. They could have multiple entry points and tunnels which are hidden by wood and beams. To unravel this mystery, it’s recommended to enlist the help of an exterminator. Any wood in contact with the ground is a probable source of termite infestation and should be removed. Proceed with a termite treatment to avoid further damage.
Identify The Damage They Did And Get It Repaired
Before presenting the property to regular buyers, determine the expense of fixing any significant termite damage once the termites have been eliminated. Unfortunately, termite damage is often concealed and can accumulate behind layers of drywall, revealing more extensive damage. Therefore, repairing all the damage is necessary before selling the property.
Disclose The Problem To Your Future Buyer
If you are planning to sell your home with the help of a traditional real estate agent, it is mandatory to follow the termite disclosure law and inform the buyer about it. The home inspection will uncover any and it is important to disclose them both legally and ethically. No one wants to be faced with termite damage after closing on the deal.
In order to sell a home, the seller must provide a termite inspection report, proof of any past termite treatment, and may need to offer a termite warranty. These requirements can be costly for the seller, so some choose to explore different options.
What If I Can Not Afford All Of This And Need To Sell My Termite Damaged Home In Baltimore Quickly?
If you cannot afford pest control treatment for active termites or face the expense of structural damage, Property Pro Solutions can help you.
We are able to assess your Baltimore home. Our team has prior experience with similar issues, so we are confident in our ability to tackle this problem. As we are purchasing with cash, a traditional home inspection will not be necessary because we specialize in repairing homes for resale. These types of concerns are exactly what we aim to address.
If we buy your termite-damaged home, we will take care of removing the termites, making any necessary repairs, and you won’t need to provide a termite letter or warranty. Also, we will cover all the closing costs. It’s usually hard for people to buy homes with termite damage, but we’re not discouraged. We buy homes from homeowners in their current condition without any repairs, including inherited properties and homes going through foreclosure.To learn more about our operations at Property Pro Solutions, please click on the provided link. If you need assistance and would like to receive an offer within approximately 24 hours, please call us today at 443-775-2768. There is no obligation to do so.