What Realtors Get Wrong About Termites (And What They Should Tell Clients)
- Jameson Elam
- Nov 28
- 6 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.
Termites And Real Estate: Where Good Intentions Go Sideways
Most real estate agents are not termite experts, and that is completely fine. Their job is to manage timelines, emotions, paperwork, and negotiations.
The problem starts when termite issues get boiled down to a line item instead of treated like a real condition of the property. A quick “It passed inspection” or “It is just Section 2” may sound reassuring in the moment, but it can leave buyers and sellers exposed to big repair bills later.
At Good Sense Termite, we work with agents across the Bay Area on pre-listing inspections, buyer inspections, and mid-escrow surprises. We have seen deals go smoothly when termites are handled honestly and early. We have also seen the opposite.
Here are the most common misconceptions we see from agents, the risks behind them, and how to handle termites in a way that protects everyone involved.
1. “It’s Just a Section 2 Item”
What agents think it means: “It is not active infestation, so it is not urgent.”
What it often means in real life: Section 2 covers conditions that can lead to infestation, not just current activity. That includes:
Earth-to-wood contact
Planter boxes against siding
Leaky plumbing or roof leaks
Poor drainage and standing water near the foundation
Left alone, these conditions are where future Section 1 findings come from.
For example, earth-to-wood contact under a deck may sit in Section 2 today. A year later, that same area can become active Subterranean termite territory, now Section 1 with real structural repair costs.
What agents should say: “It is Section 2 now, but if we do nothing, it can turn into an active problem. Let’s talk about whether to address it before or after close.”
2. “The Seller Already Had It Treated”
What agents assume: “If there was treatment, the problem is handled.”
Important questions often left out:
Was treatment full-structure or localized?
Was it for Drywood or Subterranean termites, and was that the right call?
Is there a warranty, and does it transfer to the buyer?
Is there documentation showing what areas were treated and what was not?
We have seen situations where:
A seller treated one deck and left the rest of the perimeter untouched
The work order covered only visible areas, not the crawlspace
The warranty stayed in the seller’s name and expired at close
What agents should do:
Ask for the full work order and completion report, not just “We had it treated.”
Ask if the warranty is transferable, and get that in writing.
Encourage the buyer to get their own inspection, even if treatment was recent.
3. “Termites Are Normal Around Here”
What is true: Yes, termites are common in the Bay Area. Most neighborhoods have some level of termite pressure.
What is not true: “Normal” does not equal “no big deal.”
Termites can cause:
Subtle damage at first (cosmetic repairs)
Significant structural issues later (joists, beams, sill plates, subfloors)
Delays or credits in future sales if the problem is uncovered then
Normal termite pressure simply means termite control is part of ongoing home care, like roof maintenance or plumbing checks. It is not a reason to ignore findings.
What agents should say: “Termites are common here, so inspection and maintenance are part of owning a home in this area. Let’s understand what this property needs so there are no surprises later.”
4. “The House Passed Inspection”
What buyers hear: “No problems.”
What the report may actually say:
Areas were inaccessible (crawlspace, attic, behind finishes)
Only certain units or sides of a property were inspected
Findings were present but marked as monitor or “no visible evidence at time of inspection”
Inspection reports are not pass-or-fail in the strict sense. They are a snapshot based on:
Where the inspector could physically go
How much time they had
What was visible on that day
If the crawlspace is blocked, or one unit of a duplex is occupied and not opened, then a “clear” report is not a full opinion on the entire structure.
What agents should do:
Read the access notes and highlight them for their clients
Ask, “Was the attic and crawlspace fully inspected?”
Clarify that “no visible evidence” is not a long term guarantee
5. “You Can Just Tent It Later”
Fumigation often sounds like a magic reset. Cover the house, fill it with gas, and the termites are gone.
Here is what is often missed:
Fumigation only treats Drywood termites, not Subterranean termites in the soil
It does not fix entry points, moisture problems, or wood-to-soil contact
It requires the home to be vacant for days, which means cost and planning
If the real problem is Subterranean activity in the crawlspace, tenting alone will not solve it
“Just tent it later” ignores the type of termite, the pattern of damage, and the long term plan for the home.
What agents should say: “Fumigation can be part of the solution for certain Drywood issues, but it is not the answer to everything. Let’s get a clear opinion on what this home actually needs.”
What Realtors Can Do Instead
Realtors do not need to become termite specialists. They simply need a consistent approach to handling wood-destroying organisms in a way that protects their clients.
Here are four simple habits that help:
Encourage buyers to order their own inspection.
Even if the seller has a report, a fresh inspection ensures the buyer has a direct relationship with the termite company and a clear explanation.
Disclose termite reports early in escrow
Early disclosure allows time for questions, second opinions, and negotiation if needed, instead of rushing at day 19.
Clarify treatment scope and warranties
What exactly was treated?
Is the work under warranty?
Does that warranty transfer to the buyer?
Work with termite companies that explain, not just report
Partner with companies that are willing to walk clients through findings in plain language, not just send a PDF and a bill.
How Good Sense Termite Supports Realtors And Their Clients
We work alongside agents, not against them. Our goal is simple: clear information, fewer surprises, smoother closings.
With Good Sense Termite, you get:
Thorough inspections for buyers,
Fast, honest, clearly explained reports
14+ years of Bay Area experience, including raised foundations, older housing stock, and local microclimates
Transferable warranty options and post-close service plans
Responsive scheduling for pre-listing inspections and time-sensitive escrows
We are happy to be the ones who explain terms like Section 1, Section 2, and “inaccessible,” so you do not have to.
FAQ: Termites And Real Estate
Q: Is a seller’s termite inspection enough?
Not always. It might be partial, outdated, or limited by access. We strongly recommend that buyers get their own inspection so they can ask questions directly and understand the current state of the property.
Q: Can a termite issue delay escrow?
Yes. Significant Section 1 findings without a clear treatment plan can delay closing or trigger last-minute renegotiations. Addressing termites early in the process reduces stress for everyone.
Q: Do you offer same-week inspections for listings or tight escrows?
Yes. We regularly work on short timelines for listing agents and buyer’s agents. We will do our best to fit the inspection into the schedule so the deal can keep moving.
Q: Can you review an existing report from another company?
Yes. We can review a prior report, walk the property, and give a second opinion so buyers and agents feel confident before moving forward.
Final Thoughts: Better Termite Conversations, Better Closings
When termites are handled honestly and early, transactions go smoother, not harder. Buyers feel informed. Sellers know what they are agreeing to. Agents avoid the last-minute panic of “Why did no one tell us this?”
At Good Sense Termite, we help bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood parts of the real estate process.
Schedule an inspection today whether you are listing, buying, or simply getting ready for the next move.
It's just Good Sense.
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