Can You Find Out if There’s a Pest Problem Prior to Purchase?

Ideally, when purchasing a home, the property doesn’t include rodents or pests as your future roommates. If they are not in sight during an open house or upon signing, that does not mean they are not there.

The California Department of Real Estate has developed many disclosures that the seller of a home must make to a potential buyer. By law, the seller is obligated to disclose if the home is located in a flood plain, if there was a death on the property in the last three years, prior bedbug infestation, and so forth. No law specifically addresses requiring a homeowner to disclose a prior or existing problem with pests or rodents. However, California law does require that a homeowner must disclose anything that would impact a potential buyer from purchasing that property. There is nothing specific that regulates whether or not a disclosure should be made. If there was any type of infestation, it would ideally be disclosed. This may not be the case if it occurred in the past or was minimal. 

It is highly advised to have an inspection before finalizing the purchase of a home. Professionals are best at looking for clues to any type of infestation. However, you too can look for evidence such as casings and wings, and scratching from the walls and floor. Although it may seem like a lot to look for such details while viewing a home, it can save a considerable amount in the long run.

Sea to Sierras Realty, Inc. has successfully sold properties up and down the California coast, all above asking price with multiple offers. And we have been doing it since long before the current hot housing market. We represent sellers exclusively, not buyers. Contact Sea to Sierras Realty, Inc at (858) 249-1499 today, or email us here.