We made an offer on a $1.1M house in Southern California, but it came back with a dry wood termite infestation on at least one side.
I have friends who struggle with termites even after treatments like local treatments, tenting, and tearing out wall they keep coming back or moving to other parts of the house. From my experience flipping homes, I’d avoid any house with this issue.
How can I convince my husband that this is a problem we do not want to handle and that we should walk away?
My realtor says this is common in San Diego and I need to accept it.
Am I overreacting, and is it true that most homes here will have termites? Or should I find a different realtor and rethink this?
It might be best to walk away from this house. Your realtor might say it’s common, but wouldn’t you want a house that doesn’t have this big problem hanging over your head? There are bound to be other houses out there that aren’t termite magnets! Maybe you should think about finding a new realtor who listens to your concerns more.
Termites can be difficult to eliminate and provide serious structural problems completely. It makes sense to steer clear of buying a house with a dry wood termite infestation given your fears and experience. Talk to your spouse about your concerns, highlighting the possible long-term financial and psychological strains. Getting a second assessment from a realtor or reputable specialist might help put things in perspective. Have faith in your intuition.
Don’t budge on the termites! Drywood termites in California are a persistent problem, and your flipping experience tells you it’s a hassle. Talk to your realtor about your concerns and why termites are a dealbreaker. If they dismiss you, find a new realtor who respects your priorities. It’s a buyer’s market – there are plenty of houses without termite problems!
If you live in a region where Drywood termites are common, you will almost certainly have to deal with them. If you live in the area and have exposed wood, you are at risk from drywood termites.