Online House Hunting

Would there be problems with a house foundation if the shingles/siding goes all the way to the ground?

We have been house hunting. And a real estate agent told us that having siding/shingles all the way to the gound is not good that the foundation should be peaking out atleast 1/3 up above the ground before siding goes on. What are the problems that can arise from siding all the way to the ground?

Public Comments

1. Earth to wood contact is never a good idea. Water could wick up and cause rot, the contact encourages insect infestation as well. Most inspectors will require that there be clearance in order to issue a clear insection report and any appraiser worth his salt would call for an inspection as soon as he noticed it.
2. Termites are the problem Termites need direct wood to ground contact to enter a home. They can live in the open air. Hence if your house has untreated wood directly on the earth, there is a good chance you have termites, carpenter ants, or both.
3. both of your first answer are good you never want wood to ground contact.