Would you buy a house with termite infestation?

Depends on how much damage has been done. If the roof has been eaten, structural components, etc could get quite expensive

Yes, OP. Go for it!

R1 do you have any experience? Tell me your experience

R2 something tells me you wouldn’t do it yourself 😎

Yes, we did. They were subterranean termites. Treatment was $2,500. The damage done was trivial, but they're gone now. Pest report also said there was evidence of mice, so we got a cat. Kitty is the most amazing home improvement we've done.

I had a friend buy an older block construction home that was ravaged by termites. Everything wood was destroyed. The had to remove all the interior framing and roof. But they purchased for pennies on the dollar so it worked out for them. You need to get into every crawl space and see if the structure is solid or not. But if you buy for land value might be okay

R5 how did you confirm the level of damage was not beyond what was visible? Those tiny bastards are known to be discreet and they could stay for years in the concealed areas and eat up the structures before making their way out.

I did. Never really knew how much damage had been done. Sold it after 5 years. One of those things home inspectors can easily find and put in their overpriced report - but the actual required damage/work is unknown. As long as you get a good discount.

R8 how bad was the visible damage?

OP, I would never buy such a house without (before purchase) bringing in the guy I'd employ to fix it and finding out, at least roughly, what his quote will be. If he doesn't have ready access to check areas he needs to check, walk away.

r7, Hired a licensed pest inspector and a general contractor. Both said the same things. This particular species of termite is known to exist in this subdivision, which was built on former walnut orchards. Neither found evidence of any other termite infestation. We have enough rattle snakes and hawks, plus the cat to take care of any rodents. We have found and killed several black widow spiders in the garage and wood shed in the back yard. They freak me out. We also have tons of bats and alligator lizards on the property. Have never seen mosquitoes or any other type of bug around here.

My house had wood framing in the basement that was exposed when sheet rock was taken off after a flooding which showed evidence of termite damage. Very clearly visible on 1/4 of the basement. The question was did it go up from the basement. The only way to know would have been to cut holes into the rooms upstairs - which isnt going to happen before a sale. Always wondered - but ultimately did a rehab and sold it again 5 years later. Never any issues. Definitely worrying - but every old house has things that could keep you up at night. And an inspectors report is useless in my experience. One of many risks you take buying a house - which why renting is often less stressful (but less profitable)

No, but I’d buy a house that was on fire. That seems like a good idea.

If it means a weekend at the beach to see Mr. Burt Reynolds, then yes!

Buy the house, then burn it down and make it look like an accident. After that, collect your insurance payout. Woo-hee!