Imagine buying your first home, doing everything right to avoid mistakes, and then finding out it's so termite-infested with LIVE termites it needs to be demolished. This is indeed a nightmare, but could this have been avoided?

In this episode, we dive into the tragic story of a young couple who faced this exact situation, and we discuss the steps you can take to prevent such a disaster.

So, in the story, this particular couple hired a building and pest inspector, but still ended up with a house that had to be demolished due to severe termite damage.

Today, we explain the role of a building and pest inspector, the importance of thermal imaging technology, and why it’s crucial to insist on seeing evidence from these inspections. We also talk about the variations in seller disclosure laws across different states and why you can’t always rely on sellers or agents to disclose everything.

Join us to learn the preventative measures and expert tips that can save you from a similar fate. Stay tuned and let’s explore together!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:24 - What termite damage looks like in the rafters of a roof

03:13 - The story of the couple who bought a two-storey home riddled with LIVE termites

07:27 - The importance of a building inspector in property purchases

09:51 - Reasons why the purchase pushed through despite awareness of property damage

15:10 - Dealing with vendor disclosure in areas where the disclosure requirements are limited 

17:01 - Some tips on finding a reliable building inspector

19:45 - What are the risks of performing due diligence after signing a contract in Queensland?

21:42 - How will Queensland's new vendor disclosure laws impact property sellers?

23:28 - Lessons to learn from a real-life case of undisclosed termite damage

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Gold Coast family say seller disclosure laws could have stopped them buying termite-damaged home https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-06/gold-coast-family-termite-damaged-home-qld-new-property-laws/103638508

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

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