Updated for 2025
Yes, a termite inspection clause is part of the standard Northern Virginia real estate sales contract.
You need to keep in mind, this inspection needs to be done within 90 days prior to Settlement.
Last week, I received a question via email from an upset seller who had just been told that he was being required to have his home treated for live termites. He wanted to know if this was accurate (getting a second opinion) because he really didn’t want to spend another $800+.
I responded that I work here in Vienna and that I was unclear where the heck he was located or what his real estate contract may require. But, here, the Northern Virginia Contract states that the Seller shall be responsible for treating “LIVE” insects at their expense and show a written receipt.
NVAR’s real estate contract covers termite inspections in Paragraph 16:
As you can see, it is the “Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection” because we also have Carpenter Bees which drill perfectly round, quarter-size holes in decks, rake boards, trim boards, and anything made of wood around your house.
Inspections cost $30-$75 and the Purchaser can select which party will pay that inspection fee when they put together their original offer. I recommend that my clients select and pay for the inspection.
If there are LIVE wood-destroying insects found then the Seller is obligated, per the contract, to pay for a treatment or necessary repairs.
Why having the WDI done early is important
I have found many home inspectors recommending that you get a WDI or termite inspection at the same time as your home inspection. This is sensible, especially in Virginia where termites are a fact of life in residential real estate. Treatments are easy but, if there is structural damage, then you can include the repair in your negotiation or you may decide to void the contract if the damage is extensive (such as joists).
The Home Inspection Contingency also gives you a way to void the Contract if it is determined that there are serious structural integrity issues from the damage. Although this scenario is unlikely, old homes may have serious issues and a Home Inspection Contingency will allow you to easily exit the Contract and get your Deposit returned in full.
If your Settlement date is more than 90 days away, then you will need to pay for a second inspection closer to Consummation.
Hey, that is just the way that the contract is written.
If there isn’t a home inspection contingency, I recommend scheduling the inspection 3 or 4 weeks before your closing, just in case repairs need to be scheduled. This way, any treatments can be completed if necessary and the revised WDI Report showing the repairs can be submitted to the buyer’s lender and underwriter for approval.
Gone are the days when termite inspections get done at the last minute… like a Vienna real estate agent once pulled on me. If you wait to the last minute and the results change the closing documents then you might have triggered a mandatory three-day waiting period.
Although Paragraph 16 is a standard part of the NVAR real estate contract, Purchasers or Consumers using FHA or VA loans should be aware of the specific WDI clauses included in those appropriate financing addenda. And condo buyers should note that most upper-level condos don’t require WDI inspections ~ again, consult with your mortgage professional in advance.
