Selling a Home with Pest Issues: What Homeowners Need to Know
As if the real estate business weren’t already a dog-eat-dog world, we now have to worry about pests, too. Pests such as termites, rodents, and cockroaches are prevalent throughout Philadelphia. Homebuying companies MUST disclose pest issues when selling homes.
Several years ago, Jon and I purchased a property for the purpose of flipping it. We undertook due diligence, but one thing fell through the cracks – RATS. The seller, unfortunately, did not think it was essential to notify us that the attic had rats that had chewed through the electrical wires. It took us three extermination sessions to get rid of the rats.
If you’re someone looking to sell a house with pest issues (which I hope you are not), keep reading. We’re going to look at some common problems that homeowners face when selling a house with pest infestations and the impact of pest issues on the value of your property.
The Impact Of Pest Issues On Home Value
According to Jon, “The impact of pest issues on a home’s aesthetic and structural value can’t be downplayed.”
Without the right pest control services in place, your home can suffer from pests like termites and rodents, which are notoriously known for causing extensive structural damage that can weaken the foundation of your home, making it less desirable among buyers, especially if you want to sell your home.
5 Things You Should Know Before Selling A Home With Pest Issues
There are several aspects you should know, but I will cover the five most essential considerations when selling a home with a pest infestation.
Understanding Disclosure Agreements Can Save You Trouble
The most important thing to remember when selling a home with pest issues is that there’s a list of items to disclose about issues within your property in accordance with the home-selling guidelines of Pennsylvania. Since there are legal obligations associated with selling a home, it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to present a Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS).
By understanding the legalities involved in the process, you can save yourself time and resources. For more information, you can always contact a real estate professional and/or attorney who specializes in real estate.
Prompt Pest Control Will Save Your Home
You could give your home the best chance of selling at a strong market rate; staying proactive about pest control is crucial. In Philadelphia, homes often deal with a wide range of pests, so it’s worth investing in complete pest control for ants, rodents, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and stinging insects.
Not only do reputable pest services make it easier to control the growth of pests, but they also actively remove the pests from your property. If you invest in quality pest control, you can future-proof your home against pests of all kinds, giving it leverage over other houses on the market that may be prone to a less sanitized environment or may not have the same level of protection against a variety of pests.
Repairing Pest Damage Can Add Value To Your Home
The fastest way to sell your home in Philadelphia, especially if you’ve had severe pest infestations in the past, is to repair all damage related to your home in advance. Once you’ve gotten a pest inspection done and have made considerable progress in eliminating pests from your home via high-quality pest control, you can focus your efforts on restoring the structural and aesthetic integrity of your home.
The first step is to assess the damage caused by pests and repair the structural damage by using techniques such as replacing structural items, wiring, and insulating your home, fixing holes in the walls and floors, and addressing any water damage
Inspect Your Property Before Listing It
You must disclose information about your property before listing it in the marketplace. However, if you conduct a thorough inspection of your property beforehand and notice any signs of pest infestation, repair your property and ensure that it’s well-managed.
A pre-listing inspection can help you identify all the issues that are associated with your home at the moment, which can later affect its selling power and value. This can help you save yourself the headache of negotiating the price of your property when these issues arise during the selling process.
Prepare Your Home For Showing
Last but not least, ensure that your investment property is ready for a showing. Even after the right pest control services for your property, you will need to manage the cleanliness of your space, including clearing out debris and items that may attract pests. You must also actively seal any openings in your home that are more likely to attract pests.
Final Thoughts
How you treat your home is up to you. Pests can cause structural damage that may cost you thousands in the future and a potential loss of investment. My best advice is to “be proactive and eradicate the pest infestation before it becomes a problem”.
You can easily improve prospective buyers’ perception by eliminating the pests, for the best.
