Termites And Your Home’s Resale Value: How To Avoid Last Minute Surprises When You List
- Jameson Elam
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
When Termites Become A Real Estate Problem
You can live with a small squeak in the floor or a tiny crack in the baseboard for years. Once you decide to sell, those small things turn into big questions.
Termites move from a “someday” problem to a “right now” problem the moment:
A buyer orders an inspection, or
A lender or agent asks for a termite report, or
A swarm happens while the home is on the market
At that point, anything that looks uncertain can:
Slow down the sale
Give buyers a reason to ask for credits
Make your home feel risky compared to the one down the street
This post explains how termites affect resale value in real life and what you can do long before a sign goes in the yard.
How Termite Issues Show Up During A Sale
Termite concerns usually surface in a few ways during a sale:
A buyer’s termite inspection finds active termites or fungus damage
Reports from different companies do not match
Old repair areas show signs of fresh activity
Crawlspace or attic access was limited in older reports
Buyers and their agents then have to decide:
Do we ask for repairs
Do we ask for a credit
Do we walk away
If things are unclear or feel rushed, buyers often assume the worst.
How Termites Can Affect Offers And Pricing
Termites do not automatically ruin a sale, but they do influence how buyers think about price and risk.
Common reactions:
Active termites with no plan yet
Buyers may press for full treatment and repairs at your cost, or seek a large credit and take control of the work themselves.
Old damage with no clear history
If reports are missing or vague, buyers may worry that unseen damage is still there and adjust their offer.
Clear, recent report with repaired work
Buyers may feel more confident and see the home as well cared for, not “termite free forever” but handled responsibly.
In short, the more unknowns, the more tension around price.
Why Waiting Until Escrow Is Risky
Some sellers wait until they are in contract to think about termites. That can work, but it puts you in a tight spot:
You are on a timeline
Emotions are high
Every discovery feels like a crisis
If major damage or activity is found then, you have limited choices:
Rush repairs
Offer large credits
Risk the buyer walking away
A calmer option is to get ahead of it.
Smart Timing: When To Get A Termite Check Before You Sell
You do not need to start years in advance, but you also do not want to wait until the week your home hits the market.
Good times to schedule an inspection:
When you first start thinking about selling in the next 6 to 18 months
Before you start pre sale projects like new floors, paint, or kitchen refreshes
Any time you notice fresh cracking, soft floors, or new signs of activity
Advantages:
If repairs or treatment are needed, you can handle them on your own schedule
You can plan upgrades in the right order, so you are not putting new finishes over hidden damage
You arrive at listing day with fewer unknowns
How Termite Repairs Can Actually Support Resale Value
Buyers do not expect an older Bay Area home to have a perfect history. What they respond well to is:
Clear, recent reports
Reasonable repairs done by licensed pros
A story that makes sense
For example:
“We found Subterranean termites under the back bathroom three years ago. We had Good Sense treat the area, correct drainage, and replace damaged framing. Here are the reports and photos.”
reads very differently from:
“We think there was some dry rot under there once, but a contractor handled it.”
One feels like care. The other feels like guesswork.
Handled the right way, a termite issue becomes a story about maintenance, not neglect.
What To Do If You Already Listed And Now Termites Show Up
If your house is already on the market and something surfaces, take a steady approach:
Confirm species
Confirm scope
Get photos and a written report
Discuss with your agent
Decide whether repair, credit, or a mix makes most sense for your situation and your market
Be ready to explain
Buyers do not like surprises, but they can handle clear facts
“Here is what was found, here is what we are doing about it” goes a long way
Rushing to cover or hide signs usually backfires once inspections begin.
How Good Sense Termite Helps Sellers And Buyers
We work with both sides of real estate transactions across the Bay Area.
For sellers:
Pre listing inspections to identify issues early
Clear reports with photos that you can share with buyers
Treatment and repair recommendations that match your timeline and budget
For buyers:
Independent inspections so you understand what you are walking into
Honest explanations about what is urgent and what is long term
Optional follow up inspections after repairs, if needed
For homeowners not in active escrow, we provide inspections at no cost. For homes already in escrow, we offer fee based inspections that meet real estate standards.
FAQ: Selling A Home With Termite Concerns
Q: Do I have to fix all termite issues before I sell?
A: Not always. In some markets, sellers offer credits instead of doing all work themselves. The right choice depends on the severity of the issue, timing, and how you and your agent want to position the home.
Q: Should I share my termite report with buyers?
A: In many cases, yes. A clear, recent report can build trust. Hiding information usually causes more trouble once buyers do their own checks.
Q: Can I sell a house that still has termites?
A: Yes, but expect buyers to factor that into offers. Many will want treatment or credits. An honest plan and good information can keep deals from falling apart.
Q: When should I call Good Sense if I plan to sell in the next year
A: As soon as you start planning. The more time you have between an inspection and a listing, the more options you have.
Final Thoughts: Termites Do Not Have To Sink Your Sale
Termites and real estate will always cross paths in the Bay Area. Your goal is not to pretend they do not exist. It is to know where you stand and have a realistic plan.
If you are thinking about selling this year or next and want fewer surprises and smoother conversations with buyers, we can help.
Schedule an inspection with Good Sense Termite. We will show you where things stand and what to do next so termites are a footnote, not the headline in your sale.
It is just Good Sense.
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