Buying a new home is supposed to be one of life’s great milestones—a time for celebration, new beginnings, and maybe even a cheeky glass of bubbly on the back deck. But for one couple, their dream quickly turned into a nightmare, and their story is a must-read for anyone thinking about making a move.

Hailey Ann and her partner were over the moon when they finally closed on their new house. After months of searching, paperwork, and anticipation, they were ready to settle in and start making memories. But just three days after moving in, their excitement was replaced by shock and devastation.



Hailey took to TikTok to share her experience, and her video has since gone viral, racking up more than two million views. In the clip, she walks into a room and zooms in on a wall beside a window—revealing a writhing mass of termites. The on-screen text says it all: 'POV: You closed on your house three days ago.'

What makes this story even more alarming is that the house had passed a termite inspection before the sale. According to Hailey, everything seemed to be going smoothly until the very last minute. As they were on their way to sign the final paperwork, their real estate agent called with some unsettling news: termites had been discovered on the property. The sellers, however, assured them that pest control had already taken care of the problem that very day.


But just 72 hours after moving in, Hailey found termites in the exact spot where they’d been discovered before. 'Honestly, I’ve been struggling a lot with just feeling like we made the right decision,' she told People magazine. The joy of homeownership quickly gave way to stress, regret, and a growing list of problems.

And as if a termite infestation wasn’t enough, things went from bad to worse. Within hours of the exterminators returning to treat the problem again, a pipe burst in the home, soaking the floors and compounding the couple’s frustrations. Talk about a baptism by fire!

Hailey’s story struck a chord with thousands of viewers, many of whom shared their own home-buying horror stories in the comments. One person wrote, 'Those are termite tubes. You in trouble, girl. I found them in my garage, thought I missed with the dustpan, then they grew! Get someone out ASAP.' Another shared, 'Same, we had to fumigate the whole house and then found a skunk in the foundation. Now the house smells like skunk…but the termites are gone.'



So, what can we learn from Hailey’s ordeal? Here are some key takeaways for anyone considering buying a home—especially if you’re looking to downsize, invest, or find that perfect retirement retreat:

1. Don’t Rely Solely on Inspections
Even if a property passes inspection, it’s not a guarantee that all is well. Termites and other pests can be sneaky, and sometimes issues are missed or temporarily masked. If you have any doubts, consider getting a second opinion or a more thorough inspection from a specialist.

2. Ask Questions—Even at the Last Minute
If something feels off, don’t be afraid to speak up or even walk away. Hailey’s advice is spot on: 'If something feels off—even last minute—don’t be afraid to ask questions or walk away.' It’s better to lose a house than to inherit a costly problem.



3. Choose Your Real Estate Agent Wisely
A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold. Hailey credits her agent for being an advocate and helping them navigate the mess. 'If we didn’t have someone that we trusted and knew what they were doing, I think we would have to be paying for this out of pocket,' she said.

4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Homeownership comes with its share of surprises—some good, some not so much. Having a contingency fund for repairs and emergencies can save you a lot of stress down the track.

5. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
If you discover a major issue after moving in, don’t panic. In Australia, there are consumer protections in place, and you may have recourse through your state’s fair trading or consumer affairs office. It’s also worth checking your contract and any warranties or guarantees that may apply.



6. Don’t Skip the Pest Inspection—Ever!
Especially in Australia, where termites are a common and costly problem, a thorough pest inspection is non-negotiable. Make sure it’s done by a reputable, independent professional—not someone recommended by the seller.

A Cautionary Tale for All Homebuyers
Hailey and her partner are now working closely with their real estate agent to resolve the issues, but the stress has put a serious damper on what should have been an exciting new chapter. Their story is a sobering reminder that even 'dream homes' can come with hidden costs.


You can watch Hailey's video below:


Have you ever had a nasty surprise after moving into a new home? Maybe you’ve got a tip for spotting hidden problems, or a story that could help others avoid the same fate. We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—let’s help each other make smarter, safer choices when it comes to buying a home.

And remember: when it comes to termites, it’s better to be safe than sorry!