Let’s start with what it is NOT. It’s not a regular home inspection. The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing system, electrical system, the roof, attic, and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and the foundation, basement, and structural components. It certainly seems to cover it all, but it is suspiciously missing pests. That’s where a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDIR) – some may call it a termite Inspection – comes in.
While home inspectors will look for hazards, safety threats, or major defects that could have been made by pests, they are not trained in it. If they see wood rot or moisture, a good home inspector should recommend that a specialist take over.
That specialist is a trained and licensed pest inspector. The training will ensure that the technician knows what to look for – specifically for termites and other wood-destroying insects. The licensing will speak volumes with the homeowner and the buyer.
While not all home sales require a WDIR, some mortgage companies won’t give one without it. The rules also vary state by state – and even by county. Buyers can request one, but sellers should think about having it done before listing the home for sale. That way, you can list the home with confidence and be ready should a buyer request one. Having that report out at open houses and when you’re showing the home will go a long way with potential buyers, too.
But the main reason to have a WDIR done is that termites may be small, but they can cause big damage. Often, you don’t see the pests themselves – you see the damage first. Termites actually cause over five billion dollars worth of damage to homes in the United States alone. So not just damage – costly damage. People may think of these reports as Termite Inspection, but termites are not the only wood-destroying insect to worry about. Old house borers, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles can also do some damage. It’s no wonder a buyer wants to be reassured those pests aren’t already chewing through their possible new home. It’s an inexpensive way to save money down the road.
As a Real Estate Agent, you can’t have a WDIR holding up your sale (and your commission!). So, what you need is not only a professional WDIR but a quick one. It’s a legal document, so you can’t have just anyone doing this inspection for you. But you also want and need it done quickly. A professional pest control inspector that also respects your time is paramount when it comes to this report.
You can have both with Western Pest Services. Actually, you can have more than both. Not only do you have trained and certified inspectors that are backed by on-staff, Board Certified Entomologists willing to put you at the top of their list, but they have more than 90 years of experience in the industry behind them. That many years in pest control not only screams of both experience and expertise, but it shows that we have a long track record.
Pest control is a highly regulated industry. You can’t do things halfway or you won’t last nine years let alone 90. Our reputation will make you look good, too. That’s why we’re here! To be the partner you need so you can focus on the sale. Contact us today and always have that part of the selling/buying process taken care of.