Lenders — You already know that lenders may require homeowner's insurance, which — in turn — usually necessitates a termite inspection. But even if they don't require homeowner's insurance, most lenders still require inspections. The FHA requires a termite inspection.

Also asked, what states require a termite inspection?

Termites are more prevalent in some places than others. More than 30 states require a pest inspection before a home loan can close.

The nine states where VA buyers can currently pay for a pest inspection are:

  • Alabama.
  • Arkansas.
  • Arizona.
  • California.
  • Florida.
  • Louisiana.
  • Mississippi.
  • Oklahoma.

Furthermore, is a termite inspection required for a FHA loan? Lenders must require a home inspection for FHA loans, typically at the buyer's expense. The inspection is required in order to make sure the property meets the FHA's guidelines. A standard home inspector may suspect termite damage, but he is not trained to identify its extent or recommend treatment and repairs.

In this way, is termite inspection mandatory?

Well, you might be surprised to learn that they're not mandatory in all cases. Homeowners are typically required to have termite inspections at the discretion of their insurance providers or lenders. Insurance providers — When most people purchase houses, they go through a lender. The FHA requires a termite inspection.

Who is responsible for the termite inspection?

Termite inspections are not always a real estate agent's sole responsibility. Theoretically, sellers, lenders, real estate agents, and buyers should all be concerned with obtaining a termite inspection report before a real estate deal is finalized.

Related Question Answers

What is the average cost for termite inspection?

The cost of a termite inspection varies depending on the size of your home, but generally you can expect to pay between $75 and $150. Many pest control companies will waive the termite inspection fee if you end up hiring them to exterminate the termites.

Do appraisers check for termites?

An appraiser does not personally inspect a property for insects that can damage the home, such as termites. But the appraiser verify the home has been inspected for pests, which is a requirement for homes that either touch the ground or feature wood at the base.

What is a Npma 33 form?

INSECT INSPECTION REPORT—NPMA–33 (Version 9/9/04)

Form NPMA–33 MUST be used by wood destroying insect (WDI) inspectors to report the results of WDI inspections for any HUD/VA guaranteed property transactions. The NPMA–33 is also typically used for conventional transactions.

Who is responsible for termite inspection seller or buyer?

As the seller, you should expect to pay for the termite inspection cost and Section 1 termite treatment. If you negotiate an offer that states you are not responsible for paying for Section 1 remediation, make sure the buyer tracks whether or not the bank requires a termite certificate.

How much does a pest inspection cost?

Typically, a pre-purchase pest inspection starts at around $250. Some services are qualified to do combined building and pest inspections. Expect to pay around $500 for a combined inspection.

What is included in a termite inspection?

A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects. The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of a home (including accessing and entering any sub-space such as basements and crawlspaces) and exterior of the property.

How long is termite inspection good for?

How Long is a Pest Inspection Good For? The length of time before a pest inspection expires varies between lenders. Our pest inspections or termite reports are good for 90 days from date of inspection. This is much longer than the typical 30 days required by many.

What are the requirements for a VA home inspection?

While a home inspection isn't required for VA loans, a VA appraisal is. A VA appraiser evaluates the property on behalf of the lender to make sure it meets two conditions.

The main items your home inspection should cover:

  • Home structure.
  • Home exterior.
  • Plumbing.
  • Home systems.
  • Roof and attic.
  • Electrical.
  • Appliances.

What do you do if you have termites in your house?

Make sure mulch is not abutted right against your house. Get rid of moisture – watch for leaking pipes, or any place where there is damp wood. Seal up windows and doors – when termite swarmers come out, they can get inside through broken window screens and doors with cracks and openings. Seal those places up.

How do Home Inspectors check for termites?

If drywood termites are active in the area, your inspector will inspect exposed wood, hardwood floors, attics, crawlspaces and eaves, where accessible.

A termite inspector looks for visible signs of termite infestation, including:

  1. wood damage.
  2. mud tubes.
  3. discarded wings.
  4. termite exit holes.
  5. termite droppings.

Will a bank finance a house with termites?

Mortgage lenders often require homes to be free and clear of wood-destroying pests and want any affected components fixed before financing the purchase. The bank that owns the foreclosure does not have to repair termite damage.

Should you buy a house that has been treated for termites?

When You Should Not Worry About Buying A House With Termite Damage. Observable termite damage is inactive and isolated. If the damage you find shows signs of termites, but there are not any active termites then often times you can find out that the house has been treated for that initial problem.

Do you have to disclose termites when selling a house?

Federal law requires homeowners to disclose any known lead-based paint if you‘re selling a home built before 1978. Hazardous conditions. Some states require sellers to alert buyers to the potential danger of wildfires, earthquakes and floods in the area. Termite damage.

Are termite inspections free?

With the exception of inspections for real estate purchases, termite inspections provided by Ehrlich specialists are conducted free of charge to property owners. Keep in mind, there may be other associated pest control costs if termite activity is found as a result of the inspection.

What does a termite look like?

Waist – Termites have a straight waist, while ants have a pinched waist. Antennae – Termites have straight antennae while ants have bent antennae. Wing Length – Termites wings are the same length while ants have wings of different length. However, flying ants do not shed their wings.

How can you tell termites?

Take a look at the top three signs of termite activity below:
  1. Blisters in Wood Flooring. These areas or blisters can indicate termites feeding within or below.
  2. Hollowed or Damaged Wood. Wood damage can be found below and behind surfaces like walls, floors and more.
  3. Evidence of Swarms.
  4. Mud Tubes.
  5. Drywood Termite Droppings.

How often should you have a termite inspection?

2 recommends professional termite inspections to be carried out at least once every 12 months, and ideally more than once a year for high risk homes.

Who pays for FHA inspection?

Here's the short answer: While most of the costs relating to an FHA loan can be negotiated, it is usually the buyer who pays for the home appraisal. After all, it is the buyer's mortgage loan. And the appraisal is required as part of the FHA mortgage loan package. So the home buyer usually pays for it.

What does FHA require for home inspection?

For an FHA loan, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires this, plus an inspection of the home's condition. In order to pass inspection, the home must meet minimum safety, security and soundness standards. An FHA inspection is conducted by a licensed, HUD-approved property appraiser.