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They Never Told Us We Needed A WDI-Termite Inspection ?

By
Home Inspector with A North Texas Termite Specialist

Hello again from A.N.T.T.S = A North Texas Termite Specialist. We hear this statement all to often " They never told us we needed a WDI termite inspection ". I cannot count how many times we get the call for the last minute termite inspection needed for closing. People will be set to close and have everything in order anticipating closing on their home and then get hit with a last minute expense and a hassle trying to find a pest control company that can even make it out in a hurry. Let me tell you they are never very happy about this and this is not a taste you want to leave in your clients mouth after all the hard work you went through to find them a new home. We find that in a lot of cases the WDI termite inspection is still required plus it's just not that bad of an idea to have it inspected! Like I tell all my home inspectors and Realtors " you may want to at least offer a WDI just to have yourself covered". They always ask why ? The reason is that in most cases when a new homeowner moves in and finds out they have a severe termite problem their lawyers are coming after everyone involved in the transaction. By at least offering to set up a WDI for them and they refused you have that in your defense. Then the ball is in their court and they will re-think the decision of not having one done. There are a lot of home inspectors that have been sued even though it's not their job to do a termite inspection. They are inspecting a home for a new buyer that trust they know what they are talking about but do not understand the limitations of a home inspectors license. Most home inspectors are not licensed to perform a termite inspection and most do not have any experience in termite inspecting. From my experience after working with many home inspectors they should not be doing them anyway! Many, many times they walk right past termite tubes and never even seen them. We blow their minds with some of the pinhole damage we find. Leave the termites for the pest control guy and the home inspecting to the guy who has hours and hours of experience. All in all what I am trying to convey is that yes some mortgage companies do not require the WDI/O but it's in every ones best interest to have one done. Even though a good percent of them come up clean we still leave behind a very termite educated buyer! Thanks again Active Rain for being here. A.N.T.T.S www.antts.biz

Andy Chaudoir
Professional Inspection Services - Georgetown, Texas - Georgetown, TX
Your Home Inspection Connection in Central Texas

Hello Chris - Texas is termite country and you're right!  Every buyer should consider having a termite inspection done by a qualified and licensed contractor.

Feb 07, 2010 03:35 PM
Chris Delaney
A North Texas Termite Specialist - North Richland Hills, TX

Yes, we always get the question "are there any good or bad areas around here for termites ?" I tell them yes, it's all bad. If you put wood close to the ground termites will try to get at it. I have also heard " I live in a brick house" and I tell them what do you think is holding that brick up ? Plywood !

Feb 08, 2010 01:14 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Termites are rare here but they do happen.  I always recommend a pest inspection so if there are any hints we can go with a more specialized professional!

Sep 06, 2010 06:14 AM