Should I buy a house that once had termites?

• <div><p>Termite damage isn’t always a deal breaker when buying a house, but don’t dismiss it. If that’s the case, you should hire a professional termite inspection to understand the extent of the damage, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/talking-termite-treatments.htm">type of termite</a>, state of repairs, and whether the infestation is gone.</p><p>If the termites are gone and the current owners repaired the damage, you might want to proceed. You may even be able to use the damage as a bargaining point. However, don’t forget that home insurance policies often don’t cover termite treatment or repairs and active infestations are tricky to shift.</p></div>

Can a seller negotiate after an appraisal?

• <div><p>In most cases, no, a seller cannot negotiate after an appraisal if they signed an offer agreement. The only exception would be if there was a contingency in the offer that stated that the offer acceptance was contingent on the appraisal amount. If that’s the case, the seller can negotiate a higher sale price to match the appraised amount. If the appraised amount comes in below the sale price, both sides have to agree to negotiate, but there may be no other option since the buyer’s lender might not approve the higher amount.</p></div>

Best real estate agents near Merced, CA

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TRUSTED BY MERCED, CA HOMEOWNERS

3.9
Average homeowner rating
13
Verified real estate services reviews

Verified Reviews for Real Estate Service pros in Merced, CA

*The Angi rating for Real Estate Service companies in Merced, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Real Estate Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Real Estate Service companies in Merced, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Real Estate Service needs.

Last update on May 28, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Rob was quick efficient and very professional. His work is excellent, the window screens and door screens came out better than I was expecting. I would definitely hire him again and would recommend him..
Elite Window & Gutter Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2023
Can't recommend this guy enough. He came in, got straight to work and was able to problem solve quick and effectively. On time and extremely knowledgeable. Other "Handy-man" or electricians wanted to rip things out or have invasive procedures. This gentleman values your time and money just as...
Astorga Electrical
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Reviewed in April 2022
Arrived on time. Both movers were very professional and worked efficiently, but still handled all of my property as if it belonged to them. Would hired them again.
Merced Moving Helpers, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2022
Wendell was real professional in his work. He explained to me what was wrong and what needed to be done to fix the problem. I can tell you that he takes real pride in the work he performs. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed roof work done.
Webb Roofing
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Reviewed in February 2021
Real good guy. Explains everything and is very honest. I really like the work he does.
Calor Air HVAC
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Reviewed in March 2020
All work was done very professionally. All crews were very friendly. Andrew did a real good job.
AW Construction
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Reviewed in February 2020
Excellent service. Very knowledgeable. Real nice person
A-1 Water Quality
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Reviewed in November 2017
It is always a pleasure working with them. Every time I order a Pest Inspection from them, I know that they will come, on time, do their job well, and the report will be available shortly after. Considering that we are always dealing with short deadlines with our real estate transactions, it is...
Phillips Exterminators
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Reviewed in August 2014
I just finished my second rehabbed home, with Dave Pope Construction as our contractor. I interviewed 6 contractors for my first home, and Dave was by far the right choice. He's professional, friendly, returns phone calls or texts quickly, and does a beautiful job! I have NO hesitation...
Dave Pope Construction
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Reviewed in March 2012
They are just real professional in how they do their stuff. They always take care of the road signs and different things that you see when people are out on the street. They do a clean job and always take care of their customers. Their pricing is fair. They are great.
Anderson Tree Service
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Top-Rated Real estate agents in Merced - Updated Nov 2026

Showcase Regional Housing LLC

5.0(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The process started out strenuous but ended up being a breeze once I hired Showcase Regional Housing to do the all the tedious work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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West Coast Appraisal Services

5.0(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

"very professional experience; honest, thorough appraisals."

Response time20 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Us Appraisal Group, Inc.

0.0(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Warranties offered

The best source for a residential home appraisal. First clients receive 20% off when ordering same day. You can Count on US to be professional, quick, and accurate.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jeff Conway Appraiser

New to Angi

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

At Jeff Conway Appraiser, we are your premier choice for appraisals. We have provided high quality work, and friendly customer service for years. \nWe take pride in our work. \nWe work hard to provide the best service possible with integrity, and accountability. We would love to help you. Give us a call today!

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CL Hollins Appraisal Services

New to Angi

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

CL Hollins Appraisal Service has been in business since 2004 and will be happy to come and give you a fair appraisal on your residential home or commercial property. Call today to set up an appt.

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Xpress Valuations , is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time5 days

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Real Estate Agents FAQs, answered by experts

Factors considered in a property appraisal include its size, location, and overall condition, as well as recent comparable sales (comparables) and current market trends.

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Termite damage isn’t always a deal breaker when buying a house, but don’t dismiss it. If that’s the case, you should hire a professional termite inspection to understand the extent of the damage, type of termite, state of repairs, and whether the infestation is gone.

If the termites are gone and the current owners repaired the damage, you might want to proceed. You may even be able to use the damage as a bargaining point. However, don’t forget that home insurance policies often don’t cover termite treatment or repairs and active infestations are tricky to shift.

An attic ladder could increase your home’s value. This is especially true if there was no access before and you plan to turn your attic into a valuable bonus space, like a bedroom, home office, or a beautifully organized and updated storage space. Potential buyers would likely see easy attic access as an attractive selling point.

In most cases, no, a seller cannot negotiate after an appraisal if they signed an offer agreement. The only exception would be if there was a contingency in the offer that stated that the offer acceptance was contingent on the appraisal amount. If that’s the case, the seller can negotiate a higher sale price to match the appraised amount. If the appraised amount comes in below the sale price, both sides have to agree to negotiate, but there may be no other option since the buyer’s lender might not approve the higher amount.

The Merced, CA homeowners’ guide to real estate services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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