Should I get a termite inspection if my lender is not requiring one?
Posted on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 at 10:15 am.Yes you probably should. They only cost about $30 to $50. The inspector will check the grounds of the property near the house, and may do some limited checking inside the house as well. He is looking for any signs of termites, like tunnels, etc.Most properties in VA don't have termite issues, although there can sometimes be termites in the mulch outside the home. Since homes in this area have concrete foundations, they're not as susceptible to termites as homes in other parts of the US, where they can be a big issue.
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January 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Daniel, beeing in southeast Louisiana I always recommend the termite inspection for the $60 to me it just make sense. As far as, a slab house that has not stop many termites here. Good topic.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Daniel, What lender doesn’t require a termite inspection? I have not seen any lately/ Karen
January 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Depends on the loan and the investor. Our closing people don’t get the packages till the end of the loan and by then the inspection is usually done even if not needed. If my buyer said they didn’t want one I would pay for them to have one. Termites are a big problem around here.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am
In South Carolina, we have a saying……
“It’s not a matter of IF you are going to get termites……..IT’S WHEN!
The CL-100 Report (Termite Inspection) is “boilerplate” in Contracts of Sale throughout the Metropolitan Columbia, SC area. This inspection will cost you between $75 -100.
None of my clients will purchase a home without receiving a CL-100 report.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I would always get the termite inspection. Such little cost for a great inspection.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
The Fredericksburg area of Virginia has termite issues. It is a very wet region and my prefered termite inspector says that Virginia does have a wood-boring insect problem. Concrete foundations don’t make much of a difference. I have owned two homes, one a 1985 and my current home 1919, and both had termite issues. Both have concrete/ cinderblock foundations. I would say about 70% of the homes I have sold in 5 years have had to be treated for termites, I work 8 counties. If you have wood on or around your house you can have termite issues. Your risk of issues is increased if you are in a wet region. I would never tell anyone that most properties in VA don’t have termite issues! That’s just setting yourself up for a lawsuit.
January 31st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I guess it would depend on where your located. Termites aren’t a big problem here in the Chicago area, so I might skip the inspection.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
In Baltimore termite inspections are a must have. I have sold investor properties that found $20,000 worth of damages due to termites. If we did not do a termite it could have cost me and the buyer a loat down the road.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Daniel, You sure need an inspection unless the property does not touch the land or as we say dirt. There can be termites in any region of the U.S. Even the inspection is not a sure thing but do it each time.
Don Eichler
February 8th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have not required termite inspections for some time now. Are they still needed? That depends. Are you selling a steel re-enforced concrete construction apartment? If so, termites are not a major risk for the buyer.