The Hidden Deal Killer
For most homebuyers, the idea of termites is unsettling. For real estate professionals, it’s potentially devastating. Few things can stall or kill a sale faster than the discovery of termite damage during escrow. Termites work silently, often undetected, but their impact can be loud, expensive, and disruptive at the closing table.
If you’re a Realtor, mortgage broker, HOA leader, or property manager, termite damage isn’t just a home issue; it’s a business risk. Understanding how termite issues surface during transactions and knowing how to proactively address them is critical to protecting your clients and your pipeline.
Why Termite Damage Is a Serious Threat to Real Estate Transactions
Termites affect more than 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year, and according to the National Pest Management Association, they cause over $5 billion in damage annually, damage that is rarely covered by homeowners’ insurance.
In real estate, the problems start when:
- A required Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection uncovers damage or active infestation.
- Lenders, especially with FHA, VA, or USDA loans, require clearance before proceeding.
- Buyers renegotiate or walk away, scared by unexpected structural repairs or health risks.
- Closings are delayed due to remediation, estimates, or the need for second opinions.
In short, termite issues introduce uncertainty, and that’s the last thing any real estate transaction needs.
Real Cost of Termite Damage
How expensive can it get?
| Damage Type | Estimated Repair Cost |
| Minor framing repair | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Subfloor and beam replacement | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Major foundation structural work | $10,000–$25,000+ |
| Treatment and monitoring system | $800–$2,500 |
These numbers don’t include lost equity, additional inspections, or price negotiations that favor the buyer. Sellers may also face out-of-pocket expenses if the issue wasn’t caught early, further complicating an already emotional process.
Insurance Challenges: Why Most Policies Don’t Help
One of the most common misconceptions is that termite damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance. Unfortunately, standard policies don’t cover insect damage, as it’s considered “preventable” through regular maintenance.
That leaves homeowners, often in the middle of a pending sale, scrambling for immediate funds to correct the problem. This is where preemptive action by agents and property professionals becomes crucial.
How Realtors and Pros Work to Prevent Termite Surprises
Smart Realtors, builders, and property managers don’t leave termite discovery to chance. Here’s how top professionals stay ahead of the issue:
- Pre-Listing Termite Inspections
Listing agents often recommend a WDI inspection before a home hits the market. It provides a proactive look at issues that could derail the deal later. - Vendor Network for Fast Turnaround
Top agents maintain relationships with trusted pest control providers who can deliver WDI letters within 24–48 hours, helping meet tight lender or escrow deadlines. - Transparent Disclosure Practices
Sellers informed of past termite activity can disclose appropriately, preventing liability and giving the buyer confidence that the issue was handled professionally. - Homeowner Education
Realtors who guide clients toward ongoing protection (e.g., termite bonds or annual inspections) help prevent post-sale problems that reflect poorly on the transaction. - Collaboration with Pest Control Companies
The best real estate pros don’t just call a pest control company when there’s an issue; they partner with them to avoid issues altogether.
How Pest Control Companies Like Arete Step In
This is where Arete Pest Control becomes a critical asset for Georgia’s real estate professionals. Our team specializes in:
| Service | Benefits of Real Estate Deals |
| WDI Letter Delivery (24–48 hrs) | Keeps closings on track with certified documentation. |
| Termite Treatment & Prevention | Stops current activity and prevents future buyer headaches. |
| Damage Assessments | Helps agents and clients get accurate repair estimates. |
| Homeowner Pest Programs | Offers buyers protection and peace of mind post-move-in. |
| Agent Perks & Priority Service | Realtors get faster response times, exclusive pricing, and rewards. |
The Realtor Partner Program is built to give agents, brokers, and transaction coordinators full visibility, confidence, and speed throughout the closing process. If you’re the listing agent or managing a multi-unit HOA, our systems are designed to reduce stress, increase client satisfaction, and protect your bottom line.
Arete’s Realtor Partner Program at a Glance
We go beyond the basics:
- Same-week inspections available across Georgia
- Exclusive agent rewards, like Amazon gift cards or marketing features
- Custom homeowner welcome kits that make you look like a hero
- Seasonal newsletters and pest alerts to keep your clients engaged long after closing
As a partner, you gain access to responsive, licensed inspectors who know how to work under real estate pressure and care about your reputation as much as you do.
Partner With Arete: Protect Your Deals and Your Clients
Termite damage may be invisible to the eye, but the impact on real estate deals is massive. By taking proactive steps, building strong pest control partnerships, and aligning with a reliable team like Arete, real estate professionals can safeguard their deals and deliver exceptional service every time.
Want to simplify closings and avoid termite surprises?
Join the Arete Realtor Partner Program today.
Get fast inspections, professional WDI letters, and ongoing client support, all backed by Georgia’s most trusted name in pest control.
