Los Angeles

[Pell528]

Ok...so I am in escrow on a bank owned condo in a 103 unit buliding, had the inspection done, needs some work, expescially in the bathroom where it appears there is some water damage on the floors (hardwood in bathroom).  Ants were seen crawling through cracks but nothing an extermator and a remodel probably couldnt fix.  The place was a great price so I got rid of the inspection contigency.  Never had a termite inspection.

Now, 3 weeks later  with close right around the corner, I finally get the HOA docs and meeting minutes reveal that termites were found in 47 units (doesnt disclose which ones) and they are planning on potentially doing an $80,000 tenting for the problem.  Now, I'm not sure if this was done yet or not, waiting some missing minutes that should have been disclosed to me.  But my concern is that the damage in the bathroom could partially be from termites as well.

I am a first time home buyer and am just nervous that this just seems like a huge mess to walk into.  If the tenting was done will it have treated for any possible termites in my unit?  If it wasnt done, it will be a huge inconvience to have to find lodging while it is done.  Basically Im just wondering if I could ask for a termite inspection at this point or ask the bank for any concessions, or if its advisable to just walk away at this point...AHH help!

[HarryV]

Believe it or not but termite is not THAT bad of an issue. The fact that the HOA already mentions the termites is a good sign if they cover your unit. You only have to stay away for 3 days max, I wouldn't worry about that. Termite is almost given in any residence. The question is to what extent and how often.

[JK_1]

I'd ask the HOA if there is an assessment for the tenting though as so many HOA's are underfunded these days.

[TheHoff]

Most of the houses build here have termites to some extend. Over years they can do some damage, key thing is to keep them in check by tenting, and/or secondary treatments. Ants do eat termites, so they could be an indicator.

Talk to someone from the Hoa, see if you can get a look at the report or at least the name of the company who did the inspection, follow up with them, just for your own piece of mind may hire them to inspect that unit as good as they can, so you feel good about your purchase. Termites are an issue of the Hoa, however it can affect how you can use your place. 

[Kristof]

HI,

I am a termite inspector and can give you some advice from my point of view. The fact that they are plannning doing the tenting and disclosed it to you is a good sign. Tenting will kill all the termites in the building. Just make sure you are not responsible for paying your share when it comes to that. The seller should be paying for that, or you should get a concession for that amount from the seller, including your stay away for 2 nights. As far as damage from the bathroom goes, I can't tell you what caused it. I would have to look at it, which I can if you contact me directly. I wouldn't walk away from the sale though.

[n00b]

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HarryV wrote:

The fact that the HOA already mentions the termites is a good sign if they cover your unit.

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Actually, I'd be inclined to believe it's a bad sign. Thirty days after the tenting they'll probably up the HOA dues and say, "whoops, had to cover the termite problem and will now have to pay for Termite Insurance, and sign up for a spiffy new termite prevention maintenance program (which is probably run by one of the HOA board member's relatives).

[dansup]

my management company doesn't want anything to do with covering termite costs, so at least your's is willing to address it