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>

Best real estate agents near Christopher, IL

Q: How can a new garage add value to my home?

• <div><p>Provides additional space and enhances property appeal, potentially increasing resale value.</p></div>

Q: How much does a kitchen remodel increase home value?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-a-kitchen-remodel-increase-home-value.htm">kitchen remodel can increase home value</a> significantly, with a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 50% to 80%. A well-executed kitchen remodel that enhances functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency attracts more buyers and commands a higher selling price. Smaller remodels can have a higher ROI, since less cost is invested than what would go into major or complete remodels while still offering valuable enhancements.</p></div>

Q: Does mold affect appraisal?

• <div><p>Mold can greatly impact your home's appraisal and lower your selling price if your home's on the market. Home appraisers take mold into account when figuring out a property's overall value. Mold will lower your home's price because it poses a health risk to household members and can compromise the structural integrity of the house. Mold will require remediation, which in extreme cases can be costly, so that is factored into your home's appraisal as well.</p></div>

Q: Can a buyer back out if the appraisal is lower than the offer?

• <div><p>If the appraised value comes in lower than an offer, a buyer will normally be able to back out because a low appraisal can prevent a mortgage from going to underwriting. The buyer can also try to negotiate for a lower sale price or offer to put down more cash to bridge the appraisal gap.</p></div>

Q: Should I buy a house that once had termites?

• <div><p>Termite damage isn&rsquo;t always a deal breaker when buying a house, but don&rsquo;t dismiss it. If that&rsquo;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&rsquo;t forget that home insurance policies often don&rsquo;t cover termite treatment or repairs and active infestations are tricky to shift.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Real Estate Service pros in Christopher, IL

*The Angi rating for Real Estate Service companies in Christopher, IL 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 Christopher, IL 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 October 07, 2026

Reviewed in October 2026
We had them raise the foundation but the brick wall cracked even worse now. I wish I hadn&#39;t done the work. The guys that did the work. They did a great job but because the foundation was raised the brick wall cracked worse than it was and they said there&#39;s nothing else they can...
Foundation Recovery Systems
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Reviewed in June 2023
Great quality work, very fair and reasonable pricing, very good on communicating and keeping you updated. Overall, a great contractor.
A1 Home Repair and Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
I had good vibes about Josh from the first time I met him, when he came out to give an estimate on removing all of the old vinyl siding on our house and installing new board and batten vinyl siding. As time progressed through the project those vibes proved to be correct. Josh is an extremely...
JL Construction
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Reviewed in July 2022
I have dealt with this company for 8 or 9 years. They have staged many houses for me that I have rehabilitated. They are timely, very visionary and they do an excellent job and I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs their service.
Southern Illinois Staging
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Reviewed in May 2022
Contacted me next day, come over to house the following day then did the job the day after that. Completed the job and it was done right.
Collins & Son's Driveways
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Reviewed in February 2022
Can’t believe the work they did in my home. It’s an older house and they came by and moved my outlets from the floor to the walls and made sure everything was up to code. Can’t recommend these guys enough!
J&B Electric
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Reviewed in January 2017
It went real well. Chuck is a book of knowledge
DMC Environmental Services
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Reviewed in August 2015
just hurts too much to crawl up Buyer Beware. Before letting them "clean and inspect" look your system over yourself, take a few pics maybe. That way you'll know exactly what they did to it to make it quit working. I wasn't so smart, and too trusting. <br /> They suggested i install a drain...
RSP Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in February 2013
Bill Butler under values every home he looks at. He is known by most agents in this area as a deal killer every time he is hired. He is rarely hired by a local bank. The only time he is hired is if it's for an FHA loan where the bank has no control over who the appraisal is. I normally don't...
BUTLER APPRAISAL
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Top-Rated Real estate agents in Christopher - Updated Nov 2026

Akrivis Real Estate Valuations

4.4(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Christopher, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2018

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"David was responsive and answered my questions in detail. Great experience working with them. Just wanted a third party opinion on a property before selling, which is exactly what I received. Miranda (person who came to property) was communicative and nice to work with."

Response time5 hrs

Response rate89%

957 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Raila & Associates PC

4.5(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Christopher, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"
I have used her service numerous times to have my assessment appealed on my house. The tax saved for 3 years of the assessment cycle with the second installment of my 2014 real estate tax bill is $2557.59. They are very professional and would recommend them to reduce your taxes. My brother who owns two apartment buildings also has used their services. Angie's List had a $50.00 coupon off of their services which reduced my fee to $291.04.

"

Affordable and Client-Friendly -- You Pay Only if Raila & Associates, P.C. is successful in winning tax relief.

Serving owners, taxpayers, property managers and developers of real estate in Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Raila & Associates, P.C., an Illinois law firm, has thousands of satisfied clients. THIS IS LEGAL SERVICES ADVERTISING.

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Christopher, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"It went very well. Sales agent was very kind and friendly. He explained the policy and the discounts to me along with how it works. It was a pleasant experience speaking with him."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Showcase Regional Housing LLC

5.0(

)

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Christopher, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Edward was professional and kept in constant contact through the entire process."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Appraisal - Real Estate

Serving Christopher, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Credit card accepted

"Mr. Thompson appeared to be conscientious in his overall approach to obtaining as much information as possible on the existing exterior of the property by measuring and photographing the area. His quick walk thru of the interior was simple and painless with very few questions resulting in an average rating of the overall property. I would encourage others to fully engage anyone they hire to provide a "true" snapshot and spend more time exploring the interior/exterior in total before rendering an "average" opinion."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Real Estate Agents FAQs, answered by experts

Provides additional space and enhances property appeal, potentially increasing resale value.

A kitchen remodel can increase home value significantly, with a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 50% to 80%. A well-executed kitchen remodel that enhances functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency attracts more buyers and commands a higher selling price. Smaller remodels can have a higher ROI, since less cost is invested than what would go into major or complete remodels while still offering valuable enhancements.

Mold can greatly impact your home's appraisal and lower your selling price if your home's on the market. Home appraisers take mold into account when figuring out a property's overall value. Mold will lower your home's price because it poses a health risk to household members and can compromise the structural integrity of the house. Mold will require remediation, which in extreme cases can be costly, so that is factored into your home's appraisal as well.

If the appraised value comes in lower than an offer, a buyer will normally be able to back out because a low appraisal can prevent a mortgage from going to underwriting. The buyer can also try to negotiate for a lower sale price or offer to put down more cash to bridge the appraisal gap.

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.

The Christopher, IL 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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