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A required termite inspection in your sales contract?

June 3, 2015 By Doug Francis

Updated for 2023

Yes, a termite inspection is part of the standard Northern Virginia real estate sales contract.

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 termites. He wanted to know if this was accurate (getting a second opinion) because he really didn’t want to spend another $500.

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… (I’m, not the NSA!).

NVAR’s real estate contract covers termite inspections in Paragraph 17 (17, that’s the update):

Termite Inspecion Paragraph Northern Virginia

Get this done three weeks prior to Closing.

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 wood-destroying insects found then the Seller is obligated, per the contract, to pay for a treatment or necessary repairs.

Recently 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).

If your Settlement or Consummation date (a new real estate term) is more than 30 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.

I recommend getting the inspection done 3 or 4 weeks prior to your closing, just in case repairs need to get 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 pulled on me last month. If you or your buyer (Consumer) wait to the last minute and the results changes the closing documents then you will have triggered a mandatory three-day waiting period.

Although Paragraph 17 is a standard part of the NVAR real estate contract, Purchasers or Consumers using FHA or VA loans should be aware of their specific WDI clauses included in the appropriate financing addenda. And condo buyers should note, most upper-level condos don’t require WDI inspections ~ again, consult with your mortgage professional in advance.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, real estate, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, updating a lot, and building an addition. With our kids now out of college, our plans are looking at our next phase, especially after seeing friends move away and adjust their lifestyles.

So, what’s next after 25 years? It’s a conversation lots of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or move closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead to their new plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

6808 Broyhill Street
McLean, VA
Photo of 6808 Broyhill Street, McLean, VA 22101 (MLS # VAFX2137956)
$2,399,000
48
  • Lot Size
    16,989 sqft

  • Home Size
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  • Beds
    6 Beds

  • Baths
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Photo of 8569 Dellway Lane, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2154152)
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Photo of 10108 Garrett Street, Vienna, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2155928)
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Photo of 1009 Westwood Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155678)
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Photo of 911 Myers Circle SW, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155540)
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Photo of 125 Courthouse ROAD SW, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155370)
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Photo of 2726 Gallows Rd #209, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155094)
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    Photo of 2586 Rambling Road, Vienna, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2155222)
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    Photo of 300 John Marshall Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155714)
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    Photo of 1009 Westwood Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155678)
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    Photo of 911 Myers Circle SW, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155540)
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    Photo of 125 Courthouse ROAD SW, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155370)
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    Photo of 2726 Gallows Rd #209, Vienna, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2155094)
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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for Fall 2023 right now.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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