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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.

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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 was profiled in a 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.

Helping my clients add value to their home has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more then invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

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 of Vienna 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!

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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.

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