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Originally Posted by clossonjunk
I agree with him. Been in FL for 50 years. Been in TV for 1.5 yrs. This is my 4th home that I have owned as an adult. So far, 2 of my 4 homes have had termites. Both homes were brand new when I bought and only several years old when termites swarmed in. We didn't have new furniture or cabinets to blame. They come up through the ground and into house under the siding, in window seals, etc. The third home was built in the 70's and was treated with chemicals that are now banned, but never had termites in the home....in the yard, it did tho. I expect this home will eventually have termites. Each house we sold and bought had major termite clauses in them. Mant people will not purchase a home in FL without a history of termite treatment because the repair of unseen damage is crazy expensive. The damage is usually not found until there is remodeling or future termites. A bond does not cover past damage. Many people I know have dealt with termites. It's more rare to see someone who hasn't.
Basically, termites in FL are like gators in FL. You can tell yourself that they aren't there because you don't see them, no one has seen one, yadda, yadda, but they are there. It's not if, it's when you get termites in FL....
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Some of the things you mention regarding termites seem unusual. The majority of Florida residents have not experienced termites in their houses. You had termites in two houses which you purchased brand new and after a couple of years, had termites -- a "swarm" of them?
That is extremely rare! And you mentioned that you had "major termite clauses" in houses (in a contract, I assume) that you both sold and purchased? Other than what is pre-written into a standard contract for sale on a house, how did these clauses differ?
I can only tell you that in all my years as an active Realtor in Florida (30+ years) I have
never had a customer not by a home because it didn't have an ongoing termite contract. Never! As I said previously, if the termite inspection was clear, that is all the buyer wanted to know. If the inspection showed some activity, the problem was treated and a warranty was issued. Either way, it did not present a problem. And no, it is not rare to find someone who has never had termites. I've never had them although I know at some point I probably will. Luckily, most people do not have the problem but yes -- termites in Florida are not uncommon.