Dear Legislator,
I am resident and real estate agent. I am contacting you about something I heard about a proposed state regulation that could make it harder for me to help my customers buy or sell homes in our community.
In order for me to sell a home or apartment, most buyers demand a property to be free of termites and other pests. The only way to make sure of that is to tent a home and have it fumigated. This process has worked well ever since I started selling homes, so I am not sure why the State of California wants to add more restrictions. I have been told the agency that regulates termite fumigations – Dept. of Pesticide Regulations – is thinking about making it more restrictive to kill termites and make homes ready for sale.
While the state may have its reasons, I doubt if they have thought through how the housing market depends on a treatment that is effective, quick and convenient. My concern is that the state will discourage termite treatments by making them too expensive or difficult. I am afraid potential sellers may not want the hassle and could decide to take homes off the market. Also, if new regulations make it more complicated to treat termites, it could delay the process and slow down the time it takes to complete a sale.
Homebuyers and sellers don’t like to wait, especially when it is for no good reason. Our industry can’t afford another layer of red tape.
Because you represent our community, I am hoping you can look into this and let the right people at DPR, Cal-EPA and Governor’s office know they shouldn’t be trying to fix a something that is not broken.
Thank you!