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BUGGED OFF! Why it is good to get 3 Estimates

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with EWM/Christie's-Las Olas, Real Estate

 

Bugged off! Fuming mad! Over what, I hear you ask? To have or not have Termites is the question...bugsinspector

I live in Florida, we have termites, like we have hurricanes, part of the bundle of  joys of living in the sunshine state. We have seasons, spring, summer, TERMITE, hurricane and winter.

I don't have termites, at least I don't think so. But, I know the previous owner had treated for termites, so I know there is a history and as a precaution it is good to stay ahead of these monsters, so I decided to call a professional.

First I called Truly Nolen and met with a charming inspector that actually ironed a shirt for me! He said I didn't have termites in my house and maybe in my garage, but as a precaution I could do a preventative treatment for Drywood termites with the injections for  $1175. He told me you couldn't really prevent Drywood only kill them, but if there were any around that would kill them. I could however, prevent Subterranean Termites for $1,105 and I definitely didn't have them.

Hmmm, a lot of money...so I called Orkin for a second opinion. That charming inspector told me that he didn't really see an sign of them, but there was evidence in the Attic from before and the best thing to do to be sure was to tent the house. Which would mean killing all my lovely vines that creep up the house, paying lots of money and moving out for 2 days. He said the injections don't really work as if you miss a spot, wham bamm! You are in trouble. And all for the special discounted price of $1652!bug

Hmmm, so unsure, I decided to call a third company, Guarantee Floridian. This charming inspector showed up, and said there is no evidence of any LIVE TERMITES, but that it is swarming season and if they are present, I will see them or their little wings especially over the next two months. He told me to keep an eye out and call him at the end of August and he would be happy to have a look again in my attic.

So, the moral of my story...3 inspections later, 3 wasted Saturday mornings, I am a happy, richer, termite free home owner with lush creeping vines.

2nd or 3rd opinions are usually always a good idea. 

bug

termite

 

 

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

We have termite season in Dallas too, and I feel so bad sometimes when someone buys the house in Fall or Winter and they receive a clear termite report, usually showing no previous termite damage, and then they call that Spring or Summer saying they have termites and they wanna sue someone because of it...

So many people are sue happy these days it's so sad.  How could they not conceive that one day the termites decided they liked their new house and just moved in.  With a clear report for loan approval, there's no one to blame.

Jun 13, 2007 08:25 AM
Mr Nameless
NoName - Baltimore, MD
Its funny because in Maryland... termite inspections get done but lenders could care less if we get them done. I wonder if lenders that operate heavily in Florida require termite inspections on all purchases... hmmm
Jun 13, 2007 08:29 AM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO
Congratulations Caroline on being so persevering.  Wish I'd have gotten 2nd or 3rd estimates on several things.  It does pay off.
Jun 13, 2007 08:32 AM
Caroline Carrara
EWM/Christie's-Las Olas, Real Estate - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Donna, that is so true, one minute you don't have them and the next you do! That is why I want to stay on the alert and I liked the 3rd inspector for his honesty for being frank.

Said, I just asked our mortgage guy about your thought...he said no lenders in Florida didn't require termite inspections except for VA and FHA loans, unless a termite landed on the inspectors nose! (His words)

Joan, tell me about it!

Thank you all for reading and your comments :)

Jun 13, 2007 09:10 AM
Maggie Dokic | Indialantic
Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL
Selling the beach in Florida's space coast
Caroline, so this what I have to do to get 3 charming men to come and visit?  ;o)  Nice post.
Jun 13, 2007 02:18 PM
Beth Butler
Beth Butler - Big Mouth Consulting - Miami, FL
Sometimes I wonder.... seemed to me when we did termite inspections all the time that the inspector only found live ones when the house had no warranty...and only "evidence" (translated termite poop) when there was a contract.  In other words - they were going to sell you a warranty and then make sure you never used it!
Jun 13, 2007 02:48 PM
Linda Reynolds
Bradenton Real Estate - Linda Reynolds - Bradenton, FL
Bradenton Real Estate
I always make it a practice to get 3 quotes on anything, it is amazing the difference in answers you will get.
Jun 13, 2007 10:54 PM
Randi Rapp
Randi Rapp - Aventura, FL
Caroline this is so true. We are at the mercy of the inspectors and when they give you a vague suggestion of what to do and what my result its tough to decide!
 
Jun 14, 2007 02:05 AM
Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
AHWD
That is a great story and a word of warning to others! Thanks!
Jun 14, 2007 03:33 AM
Caroline Carrara
EWM/Christie's-Las Olas, Real Estate - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Maggie: They were charming, not cute! UPS men are usually cuter!

Beth: Sounds fishy to me!

Linda: Yep, better safe than sorry.

Randi: Doesn't vagueness drive you crazy in these circumstances!

Bill & Barbara Jo: Thanks for reading!

Jun 14, 2007 04:13 AM
Kevin Tomlinson
One Sotheby's International Realty- Miami Beach Real Estate - Miami Beach, FL
Miami Beach Real Estate

You go girl.  Girl works hard for her cash!

 

Jun 30, 2007 12:58 PM
Debra Spadafora
EWM - Pinecrest, FL
Great post.  I was always told to get 3 estimates on anything that you plan to do. It is amazing the 3 different opinions as well as prices.  Once, when I was getting a quote on painting the interior of my home,  it was a lot of rooms to be painted including a staircase with a vaulted ceiling. I went with one who was priced at the mid range and did a great job. When the one with the highest offer called to see if he and gotten the job and I told him that I went with someone else who was significantly lower but not the lowest. He then said he would go $100 lower if I would give him the job. Not only did I say no, I never recommended him.  He was just trying to rip me off. I guess he figured, a blonde, single women wouldn't know any better!  Think again!
Aug 03, 2007 08:47 AM
Arlyn Mendoza
HomeServices Lending LLC - South Miami, FL
Hi Caroline,  Very nice post!!   Those pesky little buggers!!  Ii know that I have termites in my house,,,my future son in law works for Terminix, so I expect a discount!!!  
Aug 03, 2007 11:07 AM
Scott Neitzel
HomeServices Lending - Coral Gables, FL
Ironed your shirt?
Aug 07, 2007 09:11 AM
Caroline Carrara
EWM/Christie's-Las Olas, Real Estate - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Arlyn: Discounts are good and family V.I.P treatment is a plus!

Scott: Yes, he ironed my shirt and did a pretty good job...(I was in the middle or ironing when he came).

And the good news is, so far, still no signs of live termites...

Aug 07, 2007 09:21 AM