Last Updated on December 19th, 2022: A termite bond is required in some states when buying a property, however, what it is and what it does varies between states, so you need to know what you’re signing up for. In this guide, we’ll go through what is a termite bond, and everything you need before making the decision to purchase one or not.
What Is A Termite Bond?
A termite bond is an insurance policy for your new house against damage from termites with a pest control company. Sometimes referred to as “pre-purchase termite protection” or “termite warranty. It essentially is designed to provide homeowners with peace of mind, and it’s a warranty in the sense that a pest control company will provide termite monitoring as well as repair any termite damage. It’s used as overall protection against termite warranty in a contractual setting.
What Is The Purpose Of A Termite Bond?
Termite bonds or warranties are designed to give homeowners protection and peace of mind so they don’t have to worry about costly termite damage costs.
The bond is what you pay to ensure that if your house falls victim to termites, the damage will be repaired by the pest control company that issued the bond.
Along with this, termite bonds can be important when physically purchasing a home. Some mortgage loans won’t give you a loan for a house unless there is a termite bond in place. If a home being sold has a history of termites or has a current termite infestation, then the mortgage company wants to ensure that the house is protected.
What Are The Costs And Benefits Of A Termite Bond?
If no termite damage occurs, you’ve lost what was essentially an insurance policy (costs money but provides no payout).
How Much Is A Termite Bond?
This varies from state to state and pest control company to pest control company. It can cost anywhere between $1000 up to about $2,000.
Who Provides Termite Bonds?
Only certified and eligible pest control companies can provide termite bonds. This generally means that any company that offers termite bonds are trusted and skilled enough to do the job.
When Should I Get A Termite Bond
If you are listing your home for sale and you know there has been past termite activity or a current termite infestation, then you should get a termite bond prior to listing your home for sale. If you delay the termite bond until the home inspection, it can delay your homes sale by weeks, so it’s better to be proactive and get this done prior to listing your home.
Should I Get A Termite Bond?
Overall, if you’re someone that wants to have peace of mind for a very large investment, then a termite warranty or bond will provide you with peace of mind.
If you have a property that is already listed for sale, then you should also get a termite bond. When a buyer’s loan company reviews the inspection report, they will want to know what kind of warranty or guarantee your property has against any future damage from termites. In order to ensure that the property is termite-free and this matter is taken care of, it would be in your best interest to get a termite bond before going on the market.
At the end of the day, if you get a termite warranty at least you know that you’ll be covered for any future termite costs and you don’t have to worry about it. I always suggest getting a termite bond if possible. If you have a termite bond, you don’t even have to wonder how do I get rid of termites, because you’ll be covered by a professional service!
What Does A Termite Bond Cover?
Every termite bond is going to be slightly different depending on what’s included in the contract. When you are reviewing a termite bond you should look for the following terms and specifications:
- Term: This is the length of your termite bond contract and coverage.
- Initial Inspection: Most of the time they will perform an initial inspection to discover if your house currently has termites or has signs of past termite damage.
- Frequency Of Treatments: This will outline how many times per year your pest control company will come and treat for termites on your property.
- Damage Repair: Some termite bonds cover any termite damage that happened during the Term. Other bonds don’t cover any damage costs, so it’s important to know the specifics here.
Is A Termite Bond Worth It?
Yes, a termite bond can definitely be worth it. Since each contract can be so different, it’s hard to say that all termite bonds are worth it. But if you are in a termite-prone area, then having that peace of mind can be invaluable. That being said, it really depends on your specific contract coverage and the cost.
Final Thoughts On Termite Bonds:
Termite bonds are going to be different for everyone depending on the specifics of their contract. That being said, they can be very beneficial to homeowners and can deliver much-needed peace of mind. That being said, you should review your contract and make sure that it makes sense for you!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on what is a termite bond and I hope it’s been helpful for you to decide if you need one or not!
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