Do I Have to Fix Termite Damage to a Deck Before Selling a House?
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No, But You May Have to Disclose It
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A house owner seeking to sell a house with a deck damaged by termites is under no legal obligation to make repairs to the property, unless the terms of the sales contract require him to. However, according to Realtor Mag, the official publication of the National Association of Realtors, in some areas a seller must legally disclose to potential buyers that his house has a history of termite damage.
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You Probably Should
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It is in a seller's best financial interest to make repairs. According to Realty Mag, termite damage to a property, particularly damage by termites that are still active, can greatly erode a home's value. Also, according to the law firm Pollack Cooperman & Fisher, institutional lenders will usually require a home inspection and treatment for termites before issuing a mortgage for it.
Bottom Line
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According to the financial website Bankrate, a history of termite damage can lower the resale value of a house significantly, even if the infestation has been eliminated. However, homeowners can recover some of their value by hiring a pest control professional to inspect the property inspected and declare it termite free.
References
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