- Image by Editor B via Flickr
The Northern Virginia real estate contract requires that a termite or “wood destroying insect” inspection be conducted within 30 days of the settlement or closing. 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.
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 19-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 a listings in Vienna, I called my Seller 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. Very sneaky!
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… your 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 (approx $50) and if termites are found then you know a proper treatment will be at the seller’s expense.
Related articles by Zemanta
- 12 Hidden Costs of Homeownership (usnews.com)
- Keep Termites Away From Your House (gomestic.com)
- Preparing to sell a home: Understanding your target market (dougfrancis.com)
Wow, great termite photo! I hadn’t heard about sneaky termite companies like this in the area yet, I’ll need to keep my eyes and ears open!
Jonathan Benya´s last [type] ..Why Did Charles County Waste 41k On A New Website?
Hi Really Nice Blog. And I agree With You. The Northern Virginia real estate contract requires that a termite or “wood destroying insect” inspection be conducted.
Also,Frontline Termite Treatment and Pest Control Services is based in Melbourne. Frontline offers Home Pest Control, Termite Inspection, Termite bait, Pest Inspection and Termidor services at Lilydale, Melbourne.