Want to avoid unexpected guests at your housewarming party? Then make sure that your new vacation home is properly inspected for pests. The last thing you want in your new second home are creepy-crawlies that bring germs and diseases into your new place—not to mention the destruction these creatures can cause. A reputable pest control company like one found on Angi can do your inspection and even help you remedy an ugly situation, but before you sign on the dotted line for a property, Mortgages for America suggests working through these pest-prevention tips.
Think Twice About Buying “As Is”
You’ve found your vacation perfect home, but there’s a little problem with pests—or maybe there’s a full-blown infestation and the seller won’t cover the costs of eliminating it. This sort of home issue can cause buyers and sellers a lot of grief. While you could still purchase the home “as-is” and take care of those critters on your own, be sure to consult with an attorney and a contractor before you proceed.
Research Repair and Remedy Costs
Knowing what type of insect or vermin may be hiding out in the home can help you make an informed decision. For example, treating a termite infestation costs between $221 and $916 to get rid of those bugs, according to Bob Vila, plus the added expense of remedying any damage to the structure of your new home. While a few roaches or spiders shouldn’t necessarily give you pause, termites could be a dealbreaker.
Understand Health Hazards of Pests
We totally get it: that little guy pictured above is kind of adorable, but as cute as that little critter may be, it’s important to keep in mind the sort of health risks that mice and other rodents can bring into your house. Mice and rats can spread dangerous diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus around any surfaces they come into contact with. Rodents also tend to bring ticks and fleas into the home, which can cause additional problems for both people and pets.
Try to Negotiate a Lower Home Price
As you can see, there are a lot of additional risks and costs that can come with buying a vacation home that has a pest problem. If you have your heart set on a problematic property, talk to your realtor to see if you can negotiate a deal that will help offset these expenses. If you can’t get the seller to immediately agree to a lower price, BiggerPockets notes you may be able to lower other home buying costs by shifting the close of escrow or increasing the earnest money.
Know When to Walk Away From a Home
Getting a good deal on your new vacation home will make dealing with any potential pest problems more affordable. In fact, these problems may not be as bad as they seem. For instance if you notice racoons or possums, getting rid of bird feeders and repairing roof holes could resolve the issue. Even so, USA Today explains there may be times when it’s in your best interest to back out of a sale, like a termite infestation and major structural issues.
Honestly, the only critters you want hanging out in your new vacation home are the ones you adopt from a shelter. Allowing mice, insects and other pests to take up residence in and around the place could put your home value and your family’s health at risk. So know the costs of forgoing pest inspections on a new home so you can find the perfect vacation spot for your family to enjoy for years to come.
