If your house is a typical one, there is probably some kind of small, leggy creature that makes its home with you. Whether they are termites, fleas, roaches, ants, or spiders, it is a good idea to serve them with an eviction notice before you put your home on the market. If home remedies like ionized boric acid don't work, paying a professional exterminator will be money well spent.

Most standard sales agreements require that a property be inspected before the closing and treated for termite infestation, if necessary. It is a good idea to check for insect problems as soon as you sign a listing agreement, so that they don't become an issue of contention in the sale. Some insects may not physically damage the house, but may reduce its chances of selling for top dollar. Constantly having to push back spider webs while touring the house could seriously undermine a prospective buyer's ability to fully appreciate your home.

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Christina Danley
Sotheby's International Realty
200 Clocktower Suite 100D
Carmel, CA 93923
Cell: 831-601-5355
Fax: 831-855-0210
christina.danley@sothebyshomes.com

Christina Danley ranked in the top 5% for all Monterey Peninsula Sotheby's Real Estate Agents in 2009, and top 20% for 2008. Christina has been a broker associate since 1987. Christina earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which distinguishes a higher level of education in real estate and a professional affiliation affording up-to-the-minute industry information and local market knowledge. She is the proud receiver of the John Leo Award, in recognition of top sales volume within the Monterey County Association of Realtors, for 1998. She holds a lifetime limited service credential for California Community Colleges and was honored with the Papa Vince award for excellence in hospitality.