Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
If you’re buying or selling a home, whether it’s your first time or not, you’re likely to encounter unfamiliar terms and rely on your real estate expert for advice. A common term used in real estate transactions is a termite letter. But it may also be referred to as a termite inspection report, termite real estate report, or wood destroying insect report. Regardless of the name, these letters refer to the inspection of wood-destroying organisms and may address other insect infestations or damage to a home or real estate structures. Other wood-destroying organisms may include boring bees or carpenter ants. Only a professional pest control company or licensed inspector is authorized to issue a termite letter. Many financial lending institutions require termite letters before lending money to purchase real estate. However, just because a termite letter isn’t required for your real estate transaction doesn’t mean you might not still need one. Today on the blog, our termite inspectors in Memphis discuss what you need to know about termite letters and how to know when you need one.
When are termite letters required?
Some states require inspections for not only termites but other wood destroying organisms like wood-boring insects (carpenter bees, ants, and beetles), as well as wood decay fungus or damage. However, Tennessee only requires an inspection of actual wood-destroying insects, not wood-destroying fungi. Additionally, termite letter requirements also vary, depending on your financial lender. If you are paying cash for real estate, Memphis termite specialists still recommend having a termite inspection to ensure the structure on the property is safe and sound.
What is done during a termite inspection?
Termite inspections in Memphis include a visual inspection of the structure. The termite professional will assess the home or structure for signs of termites like discarded wings, termite swarms, or mud tubes. It is important to note that inspectors will not inspect behind insulation, underneath or behind furniture, and inside walls. Additionally, inspectors will note any past termite damage if there are any evident signs of it. Inaccessible areas that could not be assessed will be documented, as well as moisture or condensation problems, which could indicate a higher risk of termites, even if any aren’t spotted during the inspection. It is important to note that termite inspections for real estate do not include an assessment for structural damage, only visible signs of termites.
The Inspection Report
The details of the termite inspection are passed along from the pest control company to the buyer. It provides buyers with the peace of mind knowing whether or not their future home has termites. The report also may detail any past termite treatments and could potentially support current termite warranties that may already be in place.
Sellers also value termite inspection reports. It you are selling your home or looking to list it on the market soon, you can make your home more marketable by already having a termite inspection on file. Having a termite inspection now could also uncover unexpected damage that you can address before buyers catch it. Plus, it shows good faith on your part, which buyers appreciate and value.
Termite Inspection Letters in Cordova and Memphis
Termite letters provide peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. If you are looking to buy a home or list your current home on the market, consider ordering a termite inspection from one of Memphis’s best pest control companies, AAA Termite & Pest Control. You can reach our office by calling (901) 737-7378 to schedule your termite inspection in Memphis.