In every real estate transaction, a termite inspection is absolutely necessary before the process of purchasing a property is finalized. This is usually done to help lenders determine whether a home buyer should be granted a loan for the purchase of the house.
Normally, termite inspections are performed by a licensed professional. Their job is to determine whether a house that has been put on sale is infested with termites or other organisms. In most cases, the entire termite inspection process takes between forty minutes to an hour. However, bigger houses or those that are too cluttered may take longer to inspect.
Why is a Termite Inspection Necessary?
In many states, a termite inspection is a necessary procedure that must be conducted before the final agreement is signed. Usually, market transactions on house purchases are facilitated by a realtor. The lending company will also require a termite inspection to be carried out before they can release any fund from escrow. This helps to ensure that the property is in good condition.
Generally, in any real estate transaction, the value of the property is of primary importance. So, in case there is a termite infestation or the property is damaged, its value will also be affected. This will subsequently be factored when conducting negotiations with the lending company. In addition to this, a termite inspection also helps to determine property tax. In other words, a property that has no termite infestation is valued higher than one that has an infestation, thereby affecting the amount of property tax that should be paid on it.
What Questions Should You Ask During a Termite Inspection?
If you are planning on purchasing a property, there are several questions that you need to ask your inspecting officer when they are conducting the inspection. These include:
- Where exactly are the termites in the property?
Usually, termites that are found in pieces of wood around the compound do not automatically pose a threat to the property. However, they are still a sign of termite infestation, which should be put under control.
- Is there evidence of termites inside the building structure?
Your inspection officer should provide you with a comprehensive report on the presence of termites inside the structural parts of the building, including window sills and floor joists.
- What is the next step to take in case of an infestation?
In case the property is found to be infested with termites, your realtor should advise you on the measures to take in order to secure the property. Your real estate agent may request that the seller of the property conduct fumigation to remove the termites and pay for the replacement of any damaged wood structures on the property.