What Realtors Get Wrong About Termites (And What They Should Tell Clients)
- Jameson Elam
- Aug 28, 2025
- 2 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.
Introduction
Most real estate agents are not termite experts, and that is okay. But when termite issues are oversimplified or downplayed, buyers and sellers can get blindsided.
At Good Sense Termite, we work with agents across the Bay Area and have seen the good, the bad, and the termite-infested. Here is what realtors often get wrong, and how we help buyers and sellers make better decisions.
Top 5 Realtor Misconceptions About Termites
1. “It’s Just a Section 2 Item”
Translation: It is not urgent.
Reality: Many Section 2 items, like earth-to-wood contact or roof leaks, turn into infestations if left unaddressed for even a few months.
2. “The Seller Already Had It Treated”
That is good, but was the warranty transferred? Was the treatment partial? Was it even for the right species?
3. “Termites Are Normal Around Here”
True, but normal does not mean harmless. Even minor activity can cause serious structural damage if ignored or mismanaged.
4. “The House Passed Inspection”
Passed does not mean perfect. Many inspection reports are limited, especially if the inspector could not access crawlspaces or attics.
5. “You Can Just Tent It Later”
Fumigation is not always the answer. It does not work on Subterranean termites, and blanket solutions often lead to poor outcomes.
Real-Life Example: Santa Clara Duplex Sale
Seller provided a “clearance letter”
Realtor did not mention that clearance only applied to one side of the duplex
Buyer faced $12,000 in termite repairs six months later when the other half of the structure became infested
What Realtors Should Be Doing Instead
Encourage buyers to get their own inspection, even if the seller already provided one
Disclose termite reports early in escrow to allow for negotiation
Clarify warranty status, scope of prior treatment, and who is responsible
Partner with termite companies that offer buyer-specific inspections and education
How Good Sense Termite Supports Realtors and Their Clients
Thorough and in-depth inspections.
Fast, honest, and clearly explained reports
14+ years of experience supporting Bay Area closings
Transferable warranties with optional post-close service plans
Responsive service for pre-listing inspections or urgent needs
FAQ
Q: Is a seller’s termite inspection enough?
Not always. It may be partial, outdated, or done with minimal access. We recommend buyers get their own.
Q: Can a termite issue delay escrow?
Yes, especially if there are Section 1 findings and no treatment plan in place. Acting early is key.
Q: Do you offer same-week inspections for listings?
Absolutely. We often work with listing agents on tight timelines to provide fast, professional reports.
Final Thoughts: A Better Experience for Everyone Involved
When termites are part of the real estate conversation, deals go smoother. At Good Sense Termite, we help agents close with confidence and give buyers real peace of mind.
Schedule an inspection today, whether you are listing, buying, or just preparing.
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