Buying a house in Forest Lake. Some termites found? OK?

[zebra]

Hi all,

Well, I'm a first home buyer, currently in the market. We've got a place under offer in Forest Lake, just outside of brisbane-major.

3 beds, 2 bathrooms, flash new kitchen, pebblecrete pool out the front, and a nice patio. $429k they want for it. Around ~14 years of age. Cladding is blue-board/Fibro by the looks. Not a brick home.

Had the building + pest inspector out today - and they found evidence of previous termite damage, and the potential for plenty more if several slab/surface issues aren't sorted out (the required 75mm clearance for the concrete slab has not been taken care of - and needs redigging).

For $429k, it's a fairly serious amount of house, given not many of the other places in Forest Lake have a pool for this price range.

1. Does it sound like a good buy?

2. In terms of "thing that can be done to improve value" to the home, it's sort of all done already. Pool. Nice kitchen. Decent bath rooms et al. What more can one do to make sure the investment somehow ends up paying off/ends up making money, in the long run? I thought maybe water tanks, and solar hot water systems?

3. The termites issue scares me. Even if they've only found old, inactive damage where termites *were*, it still concerns me a lot. I've got the inspection people coming out with a "Borer-scope and Thermal Imaging" hardware, to totally check the place over. On the outset, it all looks minor, but it could cost to fix..

Thoughts/feedback/suggestions?

Thanks all!

z

[jbocker]

Hi Zebra
Always feared that termites might attack a property of mine. Therefore always have them treated regularly.

Not exactly sure what to do in your case and I am interested in your outcome.
To me you seem to be doing the right things by way of inspections, but if me, I would like to know the extent of damage structurally, do the reports cover that? If not I would enquire further with maybe a engineers report and ask do they 'stand by' their report. May even look to have the repairs done (if you purchase at the right price), that will quickly re-establish the value back to your home.
I would talk to the insurance people they will certainly have a cost against risk that may help with your decision. And talk to local and government experts (housing associations), pest control association.

Of course this all costs so weigh it up against the purchase pricing of the house.

Good luck :thumbs:
jb

[francinemelbour]

Termites really scares me too. I guess it is not applicable to buy that kind of house. Better buy buy good quality and of course with out termites.:)

[jemstoky]

The fenced section is ideal for children and animals and the positioning of the house ensures there is bright sunshine and a beautiful section for the outdoor life, entertaining.The city also has many parks of various equipment such as beaches, playgrounds for younger children, picnic facilities.