Have you decided to sell your home but are worried those little critters scurrying in the attic or buzzing in the walls will turn off potential buyers? You’re not alone. Pests are one of the top reasons buyers walk away or demand steep price reductions. As a seller, pest control should be at the top of your to-do list.
You’ve spent years building equity in your home, so don’t let a few ants or cockroaches chip away at your investment. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and take on those property pests before listing your home. By tackling pest problems head-on, you’ll safeguard your sale and get the best possible price. Over the next few minutes, we’ll look at four key things every home seller must do to control pests and protect property value. Take these steps and you’ll have buyers battling over your listing, not battling those creepy crawlers in the basement.
The Impact of Pests on Property Value
Pests can devastate a property’s value. As a seller, it’s critical to address any infestations before listing to avoid turning off buyers and facing lower offers.
Do a thorough inspection.
Carefully check inside your roof, garage, and yard for signs of pests like rodents, termites, bed bugs, or cockroaches. Look for droppings, damaged wood or drywall, shed exoskeletons, and the pests themselves. Better safe than sorry – hire an exterminator to do a professional evaluation.
Eradicate existing pests.
If pests are found, get rid of them. Eliminate access points to prevent re-infestation. Treat the entire property, not just visible areas. Use eco-friendly pest control methods when possible to avoid hazardous chemicals. Get documentation from the exterminator to assure buyers the problem was properly solved.
Note: If you conduct your own pest inspection, that may directly impact the price offers you receive as a buyer may not be content with the standard of inspection. Hiring a professional pest control expert for inspection and treatment can actually earn you money by raking in larger offers when buyers find out all the pest work has been handled.
Make necessary repairs.
Fix any damage from pests like torn screens, holes in foundations, or wood rot. Repair or replace damaged structural elements. Patch and paint walls as needed. Addressing damage helps avoid buyers trying to negotiate a lower price due to repair costs.
Disclose any past issues.
In some areas, sellers are legally required to disclose previous pest infestations, even if eradicated. Check with your local regulations and consider voluntarily disclosing any past issues resolved during your ownership. Honesty and transparency build trust with buyers, potentially avoiding future legal issues.
Taking these key steps to eliminate pests, repair damage, and openly communicate with buyers helps maximise your property value and sell faster at the best possible price. A pest-free home is a happy home for both current and future owners alike!
Organise a Professional Pest Inspection Before Listing
If you want top dollar for your property, organising a professional pest inspection before listing is a must. Pests like termites, cockroaches or rodents can significantly impact a home’s value, not to mention a buyer’s enthusiasm.
A reputable Brisbane pest control company like Cure All will do a thorough inspection of your home – inside and out – to check for signs of any unwanted creatures. They’ll look in the attic, basement, garage and yard for indicators like droppings, chewing damage or live sightings. Don’t try to handle this yourself; professionals have the proper training, equipment and pesticides to eradicate infestations properly.
If pests are detected, addressing the issue upfront will save you headaches later. It’s best to eliminate invaders completely before listing your home. Disclosing any known issues to potential buyers is legally required in many places. Why risk turning off interested parties or facing legal trouble down the road?
A professional pest inspection and any necessary treatments are well worth the investment. Peace of mind that your property is pest-free, and protecting your home value, are so important. Make this a priority and schedule an inspection as soon as you consider selling.
Cost and Contracts
The average pest inspection costs between $110 to $330, depending on the size of your home. Most companies offer single treatments or ongoing prevention contracts. For the best results, opt for the latter to keep pests out of your property long-term. Maintaining an active contract, or leaving one in place for the new owners, will safeguard your home’s value even after it’s sold.
Common Property Pests to Watch Out For
As a home seller, being aware of common property pests is important. Certain critters can damage your home’s structure or turn off potential buyers. Stay on the lookout for these unwanted visitors to keep your property pest-free.
Termites
These wood-eating insects are a top concern for home sellers. Termites chew through wood, flooring, and walls, compromising a home’s structural integrity. Have a professional inspect for signs of termite damage like sagging floors or ceilings, buckling wood, or small holes in walls. Treat any infestations before listing your home.
Rodents
Mice and rats are unwelcome guests that can gnaw on wires, contaminate food sources and spread diseases. Inspect roof spaces and garages for droppings, nests or chewed items. Seal any holes or cracks leading into the home and set humane traps or baits. Remove all traces of rodents before showings.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches spread germs and disease as they feed on leftover food and waste. Roaches are nocturnal, so you may spot them scurrying at night or find droppings and egg cases during the day. Apply boric acid powder, gel bait or bait stations in areas like cabinets, pantries and behind appliances. Use caulk or weatherstripping to eliminate access points.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny blood-sucking parasites that hide in cracks and crevices of beds, furniture and walls. They’re difficult to spot but leave behind telltale signs like tiny dots of blood or moulted exoskeletons. Use a magnifying glass to inspect mattress seams, bed frames and linens. If found, treat the infestation with heat or chemical treatments before listing the property. Most buyers will walk away from a home with an active bed bug infestation.
Taking steps to control common property pests will give buyers confidence in your home and help you get the best price. Staying on top of inspections and treatments is well worth the investment.
Effective Pest Control Boosts Sale Price
Effective pest control is one of the best ways to maximise your property’s selling price. Buyers will pay top dollar for a home that is pest-free. Neglecting to properly deal with any pest issues before listing your home can cost you thousands of dollars in the final sale price.
Inspections Reveal Problems
Home inspections are standard procedure in most home sales today. An inspector will thoroughly check the attic, basement, yard, and every room in between for signs of wood-destroying insects like termites, rodents like mice or rats, and other common pests. If an infestation is found, the buyers will likely want it eliminated before finalising the sale, or will significantly lower their offer price.
Treat Existing Issues
If you are aware of any current pest problems with your property, it is in your best interest to treat them as soon as possible. Hire an exterminator to eliminate termites, ants, cockroaches, mice, rats or any other pests in and around your home. They can also help prevent future infestations. The investment in professional pest control services before listing your home will pay off when you get a higher selling price.
Prevent Future Problems
In addition to eliminating any existing pests, take steps to pest-proof your home. Seal up any cracks or holes leading into the attic, basement, garage, and crawl spaces. Store food in airtight containers and clean up food waste. Move firewood, lumber, and debris away from the foundation of the home. These actions will make your property less inviting to pests and more attractive to buyers.
Value Added
Effective pest control and prevention adds value to a property in the eyes of home buyers. They will feel more at ease knowing the home they are purchasing has been protected against unwanted pests that can damage the structure or make the living environment unhealthy. This peace of mind often translates into a higher offer price and faster sale. As a seller, professional pest control services are worth the investment.
DIY Pest Control vs Professional Pest Management
When it comes to DIY pest control versus hiring a professional, there are pros and cons to consider as a seller.
DIY Pest Control
Taking a DIY approach to pest control may seem like an easy way to save money, but it often ends up costing more in the long run. Over-the-counter sprays and baits you purchase may not fully eliminate an infestation and the pests frequently return, requiring repeated treatments. You also run the risk of pesticide misuse, which can be dangerous to your family and pets.
Professional pest control technicians have the proper training, equipment, and pesticides to get the job done right the first time. They can also spot and eliminate pests you may miss or identify, reducing the chances of a future homebuyer discovering an issue during their pre-offer home inspection.
Professional Pest Management
While professional pest control does cost more upfront, it provides peace of mind and truly protects your investment. Reputable companies offer flexible inspections and work with you to develop an affordable and effective treatment plan based on the types of pests present and the level of infestation. They use targeted pesticides and seal up entry points to prevent pests from returning.
With regular professional service, pests have little chance of gaining a foothold in the first place. Technicians also provide helpful tips for pest prevention around the home. When selling, you can honestly say you have an ongoing contract for professional pest control, instilling confidence in buyers.
The bottom line is that as a seller, safe and effective pest elimination is a must. Professional pest control guarantees the job is done thoroughly and properly, protecting your home’s value and ensuring a smooth sale. While DIY methods may work for some, for the best results, call in the pros.
In Brisbane, pest control becomes a necessity for many homes. While a pest infestation can happen at any time of the year, choosing the right time for your house can have long-lasting benefits. If you’re struggling to keep up with the pests invading your home, Cure All Pest Control is here to help. We are trusted by more than 10,000 residential properties in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast to fulfil all their pest control needs. Find out more about our many pest control services available, or contact us for more information.
