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Don't Get Bit by the Termite

By Pat Guttery

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Red Stick Partners

November 20, 2014 04:20 AM

As the owner of 6 rental properties, I made a decision a few years ago to put a termite contract on all of my properties. All but one that is... my personal home. I know it makes no sense but for a while I had coverage on all but my personal home which is the most valuable of them all. I later decided to have River City Pest Control come by and check out my home. Sure enough those little suckers were all over the porch overhang and headed into my home.

To say the least all of my homes are now covered by River City Pest Control. Every year they go out to all 7 homes and inspect and spot treat for termites. I can't put a price on the peace of mind this now gives me.

What's crazy is how many folks I come across who have no coverage on their home. If you only knew how many homes I've come across through the years that were eaten up by termites. These homes often need over $10,000 in repairs.

If you would like a free termite check on your home, just give Jeremy a call at 225-295-9321. Or visit http://www.rivercitypc.net

Have a great week.

Pat Guttery

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Bill Cobb Appraiser

Accurate Valuations Group, LLC - Baton Rouge, LA

Greater Baton Rouge's Home Appraiser

Excellent advice Pat! I find that smart homeowners do choose to have termite contracts and then those that wish they had after termites have been discovered. I recently appraised a home for a divorce where the $138,000 home had not been treated for termites in over 22 years, which lowered the value based on the "what ifs?". And, it's not only the lower priced market that ignores termites as I appraised 1 $400,000 home in Kensington Estates in 2014 with obvious termite damage. I've also appraised dozens of REO Foreclosures where entire walls and baseboards were eaten away. And, this all could have been avoided for about $300/year termite contract.

Pat, a question here? Does a termite contract only guarantee that your home will be treated during the year and/or does it mean that if say $5,000 in termite damage is discovered and your home is under termite contract, will the termite company repair your home at their expense? Or, are there different termite contract options to add or pay more for them to pay for any repairs discovered while under contract?

Thanks so much for this helpful advice!

Nov 20, 2014 07:34 AM

Richard C Henley

Baton Rouge, LA

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate

Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Bill Cobb re: Comment #1 Your question is a good one. Many, perhaps most contracts only cover "re-treatment". They may not cover repairs to damages. How do I know what (contract) I am purchasing?

Nov 20, 2014 08:42 AM

Bill Cobb Appraiser

Baton Rouge, LA

Anonymous

Thanks for the comments guys. I will check with Jeremy on your questions.

Nov 20, 2014 09:07 AM

Don't Get Bit by the Termite

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