Spring is the air, and Warming Weather and Swarming Weather, The housing market is about to ramp back up! When prospective buyers tour a new home, they tend to focus on the cosmetic updates they’ll need to make if they purchase the house. From outdated fixtures and appliances to unappealing paint colors or landscaping, buyers often initially measure a home’s value by its curb appeal or lack thereof. What they may not consider are the potentially serious issues lurking beneath the surface, such as termites and other wood-destroying insects that can silently consume a home’s wood and cause major property damage.

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year and are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected.

Unless a buyer knows what to look for, In Warming Weather termites can be hard to find with the naked eye and therefore it could take three to eight years before the signs of an infestation are apparent. To avoid getting stuck with extensive damage that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance, buyers should always request a wood-boring pest inspection before finalizing the purchase of a home.

When purchasing a home, it is always best to know exactly what one is getting into ahead of time. By proactively scheduling a termite inspection with their home inspection, buyers can feel confident that they have all the facts before making such a big decision. Any repairs that are needed could also be negotiated with the seller prior to closing.

A home is often the single largest investment a person will ever make. Home buyers should arm themselves with as much information as possible about the existing home so they can make informed decisions for their families.