Hey everyone,
I’m currently considering buying an older home, but during the inspection we noticed signs of a cockroach problem in the kitchen and basement. No swarms, but definitely activity.
I’m torn between walking away or negotiating and fixing it. A few things I’d love input on:
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Is an existing roach issue a red flag you wouldn’t touch?
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How realistic is it to fully eliminate them after moving in?
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Does the type of roach really matter that much?
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Would you factor this into price negotiations or just pass?
Curious to hear from anyone who’s dealt with this before.
Not an automatic deal breaker for me. If it’s German roaches, I’d be more cautious. American or wood roaches are usually easier to control with proper treatment.
I bought a place with a mild roach issue and cleared it within two months. The key was sealing entry points and treating before moving furniture in.
It really depends on how transparent the seller is. If they’re willing to treat it professionally and show records, that’s a good sign.
Basement activity worries me more than kitchens. Moisture issues can keep roaches coming back even after treatment.
@ApartmentAlan Use it as leverage. I negotiated a lower price and had the seller cover professional pest control before closing.
I walked away from a similar house. The roach issue wasn’t massive, but the underlying sanitation problems were obvious once I looked closer.
Fixable, yes—but only if you’re ready to be proactive. Ongoing monitoring, traps, and sealing gaps are part of life for the first year.
@RoachRookie Agreed on species. German roaches inside walls and appliances are a whole different battle compared to outdoor invaders.
Also check neighboring properties if it’s a townhouse or duplex. Even perfect treatment won’t help if the source isn’t just your unit.
Personally, I don’t see it as a deal breaker if everything else checks out. Structure, plumbing, and moisture matter way more long-term than bugs.