Doug Francis | Realtor

  • Our Business
  • About Me
  • Sell Your Home
  • Contact

Real Estate Contracts Require a Termite Inspection?

June 2, 2010 By Doug Francis

Termite Damage
Image by Editor B via Flickr

Editors’s Note 9/2014: This post has been edited from the original article to reflect current lender requirements.


 

The Northern Virginia real estate contract can require that a termite or “wood destroying insect” inspection be conducted. This election is made by the Purchaser in their offer. And, if there are active termites or structural damage from termites, then the Home Seller will have to pay for a treatment or any repairs so that a “clear termite report” can be provided to the mortgage lender and Home Purchaser with a one-year warranty.

Mortgage lenders will want to see the inspection report, and that inspection should be dated within 90 days of the settlement. You will need to confirm that number with your loan officer.

Termite inspectors do have to be certified in Virginia and receive annual training. I am not sure if the termites come up with new tricks to outsmart the inspectors, or if it is the state that wants to keep tabs on everyone.

Home Termite Inspections are “visual”

Keep in mind that the inspections are “visual” (like a home inspection) and the inspectors are not going to rip apart walls to check things out unless they find a termite trail. Over my 23-years selling real estate and attending many inspections, I know that termites leave tell-tale signs that look like tunnels, and can make a 2×4 look like swiss cheese that you could easily poke a hole into with a screw driver.

Recently at one of my listings in Vienna, I called my client to tell her that the termite inspection was “OK”, and she responded that she was meeting a termite guy the next day. It seems another company spotted the sale online and sent her a letter directly to set up a time, sounding like they had been assigned the job. This is happening often and is a Very Shady business practice!

The Termite Inspection should include a warranty

Another ploy has been to contact the new owners a few months after they move in and offer a year warranty for $85. Here is the thing… the inspection done before closing already included a one-year warranty.

If you are a home buyer, you should plan to select and pay for the termite inspection (around $50) and if termites are found then you know a proper treatment will be at the seller’s expense prior to your final loan approval. The underwriter for your loan will want verification that any treatment or repair has been done, so you must make sure you have the paperwork a week or two prior to your settlement.

Any questions? Send me an email and I will point you in the right direction.

Share this with a friend...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: home buyer, Home Seller Tips, tips, 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 "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

Thinking of Moving?

Let me know if you want to talk about your house and getting it ready for the market. Let me know if it's a second opinion, it's okay. Start here and let's talk.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Remove your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Home project during pandemic

It’s Okay! Pretend like you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Right now, having a do-able home project may be just what you need to reduce your stress levels. Really, it’s okay to pretend a little while improving your home and current lifestyle. Putting together plans to help my clients prepare their homes to appeal to the Vienna real estate market is always fun, but, these […]

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

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 elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

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

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

Logo for Washingtonian Best 2020
This material can only be used with written permission from Doug Francis, Realtor. Copyright 2020

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2021 · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Deciding where you should start is often the most complex decision when planning a move.

I help my clients achieve their real estate goals starting with a plan.

Let’s talk, and give your dream a deadline.


Please know that we don’t share your phone number, email or any other information you provide.