Special offer
Jeff Pearl, Full Service Full Time Realtor (RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA)

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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I sure would post information in the agent only remarks section at the very least. This could be dangerous to prospective buyers and thus to me a material fact that should be disclosed. If something happens, let them sue the seller, but not me for being negligent about disclosure.

Oct 07, 2016 11:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

That seller is risking a suit even with the disclosure. Offer to knock down the nests!

Oct 07, 2016 11:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

No way I "go live on the MLS" until they are removed. That is a safety & PR nightmare. We dealt with wasps in Napa all the time, we'd simply Raid blast the nests at night or early morning to get them in the nests and then hose blast the nests down later in the day.

Oct 07, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I think if you have knowledge that someone might be injured, that you would have to add a caution warning to the MLS. I also would strongly encourage the seller to hire professionals who are experienced in relocating nests without too much injury to the wasps, if that is why the seller doesn't want them disturbed.

Oct 07, 2016 10:54 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Strongly suggest the wasp nest be removed to avoid liability and get a signed disclosure! Absolutely warn showing agents!

Oct 07, 2016 11:33 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

If the seller is unwilling to have the nests removed, I believe there are bigger issues than wasps.  Just another example that common sense is not so common.  

Oct 08, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Seller really does not have common sense.  If something happens, he might even say that you told him not to remove them. 

I would send him an e-mail recommending removal and telling him why, so that you have a paper trail.

Eve

PS: are you sure that you really want the listing?

Oct 07, 2016 11:56 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

you convince the seller to hire an exterminator to remove the nests....there are people who are allergic to bee stings and could die from it....

Oct 07, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeff Pearl I believe a warning is essential. Bee stings can be very dangerous for some people. It's not much fun for anyone to get stung. I also believe it will limit the number of showings.

Oct 07, 2016 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

With the price of epipen I think a warning is in order!

Oct 07, 2016 11:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I am with Susan Laxson CRS - if they wish no harm to come to the wasps, then help find a company that can relocate them with no harm to them. The sellers do realize, I presume, that as soon as they hand over the keys to a new buyer, the first things those folks are likely to do is kill them, right? 

Oct 08, 2016 01:27 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

OMG this is crazy stupid.  They are risking a lawsuit and they will certainly turn buyers off.  I would make sure they have umbrella insurance.

Is this a matter of money?  Or is it that they don't want to harm the bees?

If it's the former, they are leaving money on the table.

If it's the latter, I suppose they could delay putting house on market and wait for them to die and then have exterminator take care of this when it gets colder.  (assuming they live somewhere it gets colder.

they are also leaving money on the table by delaying.

Definitely put in MLS and protect yourself and the buyers.

Oct 07, 2016 11:16 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am not into killing things.  I would want them knocked down without a massacre.  I have knocked down many wasp nests in my day.  I would never spray and kill them.  That is just me.  We all have a right to live and co-exist in our shared space. 

Oct 08, 2016 02:06 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I wouldn't take the listing until the hives were removed. I wouldn't show the house myself. How could I take a listing I couldn't service properly?

If the house is put on the market with active wasps nests, it must be disclosed all over the place. Heaven forbid someone comes and is allergic, or a child is at the showing and quickly picks something up to throw at the nest and bees attack, or ....  and the list goes on.

Oct 08, 2016 01:38 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I wouldn't have taken the listing untl the hives were removed.

Can you imagine someone who is highly allergic getting stung and then suing?

No thank you!!!

Oct 08, 2016 01:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I personally know one person who got his toe bitten with a medical bill. He wasted no time in sueing. 

Insist to have them evicted before someone sues the heck out of realtors and owner.  Disclose or putting warning signs probably will still result in a lawsuit.

Oct 07, 2016 11:59 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I would most definitely warn people.  My very first showing of my career was traumatic to say the least.  I was opening the lockbox and suddenly I was stung on the face 5 times!!!!   My client said they were most impressed with me because I managed not to freak out and curse like a drunken sailor! 

Oct 07, 2016 10:51 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

That is disclosure food....You are inviting people onto an unsafe property?

Oct 08, 2016 09:40 AM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Rather than a warning on the mls, it may be more important to warn your client that the home may not sell with these hazardous pets, that his/her liability will be raised with these hazardous pets, and that they may lose their agent if they show that they are not serious about selling by keeping these hazardous pets.

Oct 08, 2016 04:08 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

This is not a good sign that the seller is more worried about disturbing the wasps than people getting stung and his liability. How is someone going to want to chance getting into the house with those hazards at front and back? I would question the seller's motivation and have a very seriuos conversation about taking this listing.

Oct 08, 2016 02:18 AM
Rainmaker
466,778
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Jeff Pearl,

I showed a home about two years ago and I got stung by a wasp. I wish the agent would have disclosed. The agent knew about it and so did the seller.

Oct 08, 2016 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I would make the seller spray them or allow me to get someone to spray them. It should not be showed at all with this danger over head

Oct 08, 2016 12:47 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Definite warning, and disclosure. Seller needs to get rid of them and I would put that in writing. I might even consider not taking the listing if seller will not cooperate

Oct 08, 2016 12:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jeff,

I agree with Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386  and I would post a warning on the MLS.  Some people may be allergic to these.  A

Oct 08, 2016 12:11 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

DANGER!  DANGER!   I would tell my sellers what a huge liability this is for them (AND YOU)!!!  They must take care of the problem.  To knowingly put people in danger is asking for trouble!  I wouldn't even list the property until the issue is resolved. 

Oct 08, 2016 12:08 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

I think my friend Nina Nina Hollander  said it all as well as many others. You have a huge liability. I would probably refuse to take the listing until this is resolved. What you know must be disclosed. Imagine the scenario... a potential buyer shows up with a young child, and child gets attacked by the bees... ends in the hospital... your ass is toast my friend along with the seller.

Oct 12, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jeff Pearl - disclosures, disclosures, disclosures!

Better safe than sorry!

Oct 08, 2016 02:56 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Warning in Agent remarks.  Liability.

Oct 08, 2016 02:41 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Put up a notice for everyone to know

Oct 08, 2016 01:06 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I would make a note of it in the Private Remarks section to the Agents who will be showing the property.   Best to make sure your seller takes care of the problem in the evening when the wasps are settled in for the night. And then get rid of the nests.

Oct 08, 2016 11:30 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

doesn't want to disturb them?  aw heck no.  If the owner is too chicken to get rid of them I'll do it, however if they want to "save the wasps" they can keep their listing.

Oct 08, 2016 09:40 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Sorry, but I think the appropriate thing is to disturb the wasps.

Oct 08, 2016 09:37 AM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Not going to happen on my watch! Good grief those sellers have a huge liabilty knowingly leaving active wasps nests while putting their home on the market.

Oct 08, 2016 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I post a warning in the agent remarks.

Oct 08, 2016 07:47 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Since there are many people who can die from a bee sting, let alone several stings, I would inform the Seller that we can market the home once the nests are down.  You have to inform agents of this danger.  Do so in agent comments, as well as general property comments. 

Oct 08, 2016 07:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I would call my pest control company to remove it that day

Oct 08, 2016 06:50 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Jeff I would insist that they be removed-just mention "lawsuit" to the sellers. Even if the listing is "as-is" bio-hazards should not convey!

Oct 08, 2016 06:21 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

It could be a health issue if someone has allergies to stings; I would warn.

Oct 08, 2016 05:02 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would post warnings.  And, strongly urge the seller to spray and get rid of them.  It's really no big deal to get some wasp spray and be rid of them.

Oct 08, 2016 04:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

In my neck of the woods I would get the village involved if the seller doesn't want to bother them. They are not endangered in my state.

Oct 08, 2016 04:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Susan and Nina have this one. 

Oct 08, 2016 02:19 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

They need to call in an exterminator, that's just not fair.

Oct 08, 2016 01:19 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Why in the world would the seller not get rid of these? You have to warn people. Agent remarks in MLS a must!

Oct 08, 2016 12:38 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

IF the seller has demonstrated they will not be present during showings, I will guarantee those nests will experience rapid colony collapse, for mysterious reasons of course.

Although bees are not credited with being the smartest critters on earth, they tend to always know I am the one who threw the rock. For my own safety, the wasps must go.

Then we talk about what the EpiPen thing is all about. Of course if they are anti-immunization, one may realize they are talking to a brick wall.

So one option is to  wait for "Why aren't we getting showings or offers?"

"Folks won't look at a house with a menacing pit bull on a chain blocking the front door." 

"I don't have a pit bull."

And the story continues.

Oct 08, 2016 12:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Oh nonononoooo! Pest Control is coming to get those nests before this house goes on the market.

Oct 08, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

#1  THOSE ARE NOT BEES, folks.  They are wasps, who can sting multiple times.  (Jeff Pearl named them correctly in his question.)

#2  This photo shows a satellite nest being formed.  The home is where they will go at night until this one is big enough to sustain them.  (Maybe that's the one on the other side of the house.)  They're working hard to get it ready before the cold.  It might be knocked off on a cool night, but I would get a good look at it first to ensure no wasps have remained on or in it, since it is getting quite large now.

#3.  Wasps are territorial.  Relocation is unlikely to be viable, and focusing on this is (for me) time being wasted for little or no return.  

#4.  I would not show the house with that kind of risk...at BOTH entrances???!  

#5.  Any person tall enough walking under a nest will be seen as an immediate threat. Do the people living in that house happen to be short? The wasps will recognize the resident(s) of the house.  They will not recognize tall strangers.  Now you see why a caution in MLS may not save someone from a sting (or more).

#6.  When these nests are removed, go immediately to a big box home improvement store and buy two fake wasp nests.  Hang them prominently in back and front of the house to ensure no other wasps see opportunity.

#7.  If you get stung, do your best to suck out the poison (or have someone else do it) immediately.  Got stung 3 years ago and this really helps to ease the impact.  Don't swallow.  It's only one drop they put in, but that drop packs a real wallop.

Oct 08, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I would post it in the "agents remarks" for sure to cover myself. Does the owner know that there is liability involved? Hope his homeowners insurance is paid up.

Oct 07, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Wait until the wasps are gone - or don't list at all

Oct 07, 2016 11:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I don't list the property this way.

Oct 07, 2016 11:22 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I would inform all showing agents. I might suggest no showings until it is removed. 

Oct 07, 2016 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I'd add this information to private remarks for agents.

Why not to get rid of them? 

Oct 08, 2016 05:07 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

That could be so very dangerous (disclose)

Oct 08, 2016 03:57 PM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Absolutely post a warning!  And, I believe I would have the sellers erect a sign by the front door as well.  A large portion of the population is allergic to bee stings so, someone's life could be at risk by not saying anything.  

Oct 08, 2016 03:27 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Post a warning. I'm allergic. I was stung while showing property over the summer. It seriously affected me. 

Encourage the seller to find someone to get rid of the nests. 

Oct 08, 2016 11:16 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I would encourage the seller to hire a professional to remove the nests. It's not only for the appeal of the home but also for liability.  If seller insists not to remove then yes, I would put a note in the mls. That will put some buyers off.

Oct 08, 2016 02:42 AM