All About Pest Inspections

All About Pest Inspections

So, you've located your dream home, placed an offer and it has been accepted. Amid opening escrow, making an earnest deposit and filling out various disclosures and instructions with your agent, lender and the escrow company you are also tasked with getting a pest inspection per lenders requirements. This can be paid for by either the buyer or the seller (everything is negotiable in real estate.) In previous years for a VA loan it was required that the seller paid for the inspection, that requirement is no longer effective as of 2018.

So what is a pest inspection you might ask? The answer can be totally confusing. I get it. The term "pest" typically refers to a small rodent, an army of ants, termites, etc.......... none of which you noticed while originally touring the property. So why fork out the money for for this particular inspection? The answers are fairly simple. First off, the lender requires it to protect their interest in the property. After all, if you default on the loan they are stuck with your house and it's better to have a house in good condition than not.

Secondly.......the pest inspection isn't at all what you might think. This particular inspection is a great way to discover and address the condition of the property because it not only looks for damage from termites, but also other wood destroying organisms which could include fungi and mold among other things.  You've heard of dry-rot? Left untreated it can really wreak havoc on a home. It spreads, it opens homes to leaks, it decreases the functional use of the infected area and can pose a danger in some instances. Consider falling through a rotting deck. 

Another issue that is typically uncovered during this inspection would be leaky pipes. Often times the tub might leak. Although you might not notice it yourself, overtime the leak can crack the foundation, and or provide an excellent habitat for mold to grow unnoticed by  the homes inhabitants.

So you've done the pest inspection. What's next? Depending on lender requirements certain items will need to be cleared or fixed. A good real estate agent will help you negotiate the neccessary repairs.

Often times sellers may choose to do a pest inspection and repairs before listing their home so there are no surprises. In this instance..... I still advise getting your own inspection.

As always, If you have any questions feel free to call or text me. 

530.628.SOLD

Until next time,
Jennifer