If you’re preparing to buy a home, termite inspections are something you should understand. Are they necessary? What do they entail? Why should I have one done? We’ve got the scoop!

Are Termite Inspections Required?

It depends on the circumstances of your real estate transaction, but in all likelihood, a termite inspection will be required. Most lenders require a termite inspection before they will approve your mortgage, but even if they don’t, you should still have one done.

When Do You Need a Termite Inspection?

You should most definitely have a termite inspection done any time you purchase a home. It’s also a good idea to have a termite inspection done if you are planning to sell your home so that you have an idea if any work will need to be done before you put your home on the market.

Why Do You Need a Termite Inspection?

A termite inspection is crucial for real estate transactions because only a trained, experienced inspector can definitively identify if there are active termites in a home. Termite damage can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, so an inspection is the best way to identify them before you are fiscally responsible for them.

How Will the Termite Inspection Affect My Real Estate Transaction?

If a home passes a termite inspection, then the real estate transaction will proceed as usual. If the home fails a termite inspection, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t proceed with the purchase. Most of the time, a realtor can help you negotiate a plan of action with the selling part to ensure that the home is termite-free before you move in. If a home has a severe termite infestation, then you may want to consider a different housing option.

What Questions Should I Ask About the Completed Termite Inspection?

It is most beneficial for you as the potential home-buyer to be in open communication with your termite inspector. This trained professional can answer any questions you might have and provide an unbiased opinion on the condition of the home.

Is There Evidence of Termites?

This is kind of a no-brainer, but you’ll first want to find out from your inspector if there is any evidence of termites in the home. This should all be explained in your Wood Destroying Insect Report, but it’s still helpful to have your inspector explain.

Where Is There Evidence of Termites?

In some cases, the only evidence of termites in the yard or exterior buildings on the property. In these cases, extermination is fairly simple. It’s important to have a good understanding of where the termite activity is so that you can make an educated decision on how to proceed. Termite activity throughout the whole home may be an indicator that it’s best to find a different home—with fewer house guests.

What Are the Next Steps?

Your next steps will depend on the location of the evidence and the amount of activity. You can consult both your termite inspector and realtor for advice on how to proceed with the transaction. Ultimately, you’ll need to determine a contract outlining the actions needed to move the sale forward. This can include extermination, repairs, and anything else that might be necessary to rectify the condition of the home.

A properly conducted termite inspection is vital to the success of your real estate transaction. Trust all of your termite needs to Springer! Our trained pest control technicians can inspect your potential home for termites and complete a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Report. They’ll alert you of any issues and help you to take the necessary actions to move forward with your purchase. Schedule your inspection with Springer today!