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Community Corner

Getting Ready to Sell: Termite Check

Pesky pests can undermine a real estate deal.

There’s a seamy underside to every home sale, one that’s undeniably important if you’re buying or selling a home in Echo Park: the termite inspection. 

Woe to a buyer or seller who overlooks this very unglamorous but essential aspect of the home sale process, particularly in this area where wood is a predominant construction material.

Don’t overlook dark spaces

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Increasingly recommended by real estate agents before a house goes on the market, a licensed termite inspector looks for evidence of termites and spotlights termite damage in places typically out-of-sight and out-of-mind. A pre-emptive inspection means fixes can be made prior to escrow, when a termite report can become an issue.

“A house may look fantastic after it’s staged and painted,” reminds realtor Hattie Rami rez, of Coldwell Banker-Los Feliz. “But until you’ve been through an inspection, you won’t know the good, bad and ugly of what you’re buying,” notes the veteran agent.

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“Everyone thinks their house is in great shape,” finds David Olivas, Pyramid Pest Control, who has 30 years experience inspecting local buildings. Two kinds are termites are found in Southern California: drywood and subterranean termites. Surprisingly, newer homes and construction (like remodels or additions) can have more problems than older homes, as termites prefer newer wood. 

Dryer, older wood is not as tempting. Vintage redwood and cedar-wood made Craftsman bungalows are typically not attractive to the pests.

However, hillsides can cause drainage issues.  Wood that gets wet, and leads to dry rot, is a termite feast.  Olivas explains that his first look at a property involves the search for moisture, water stains or mold, plus inspection of roof eaves.

Newer construction (a deck add-on for instance) is often a problem.  “You can’t avoid the issue,” says Olivas who recommends periodic inspection even if you’re not selling a home.

Charming architectural details attract more than compliments

“Wood doors and windows add character, but termites love them too,” says Ramirez. “If a home has been lived in 10 years or longer and there has been no recent termite work or inspection, you can almost guarantee there will be some kind of damage,” advises Ramirez. 

Until a home has been inspected, a seller or buyer won’t know the extent of repairs or cost to mediate damage. Fixes can vary from spot treatments to full house fumigation utilizing Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride).

A worst case scenario: Olivas once inspected a 30-year old Highland Park home where all of the wood siding had to be replaced due to termites. Cost: $30,000. 

Echo Park resident Julie Solomon has made an effort to restore her 94-year old home using eco-conscious and sustainable materials.

Prior to buying her house, the termite inspection turned up some minor damage. But a basic home inspection missed an infestation:A den of raccoons had lived in the attic for decades and left behind almost 900 pounds of waste which became a major clean-up issue.

“You need to have an inspector look at every nook and cranny,” she admonishes. She adds,  “For the buyer, the better the inspection, the better your bargaining power.”

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