Did you know that newly built homes, treated for termites before or during construction are warranted for 3 years from the date of the original treatment date according to state law? That means a homeowner needing to re-treat their new house during that time should contact the original termite treatment company. But how does a homeowner find out who treated the house and the original date of treatment?
If the builder is still in business, a homeowner can certainly call the builder. But what if the house is empty, the builder is out of business, or the owner can’t recall how long ago they bought the house or had termite treatment? A buyer, seller, property owner, real estate agent, or anyone else, can get the complete detailed termite treatment history on any commercial or residential property from the Arizona Department of Agriculture – Pest Management Division. The report covers treatments over the past 10 years.
This free report was a lifesaver when I was a REO agent. Frequently, the re-treatment was free because the termite warranty was longer than the state mandated three years. I had some listings with termite warranties as long as 10 years. Not only could I disclose the termite treatment history, but if there was infestation within the warranty period it didn’t cost a dime to treat. Don’t have internet access or the information hasn’t been uploaded to the system yet? Call the Office of Pest Management (OPM) at (602) 542-4373.
Do you or your client need more information on termites here in Arizona? Read the OPM’s articles:
Homeowner’s Guide to Termite Treatments
Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Reports (W.D.I.I.R)
Realtors Guide to Termite Treatments