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Global Insight Network

Does the seller or buyer pay for termite inspection?

Author

Daniel Davis

Updated on April 10, 2026

In California and in almost all other states, sellers pay termite inspection costs. The cost is typically inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $150. Some termite companies even offer a free inspection in the hopes that they'll earn your business and can handle any necessary (and more expensive) treatment.

Just so, who orders the termite inspection?

A termite inspection is usually ordered at some point during the course of a home sale. In some areas of the country, the seller orders an inspection before the home is offered for sale. In other regions, the buyers order an inspection after they successfully negotiate a purchase agreement with the seller.

Likewise, should you get a termite inspection when buying a home? If you're buying a home, having the dwelling inspected for termites beforehand can save you headaches later. Actually, if you're taking out a mortgage, there's a good chance the lender will require that you have a termite inspection (as well as a general home inspection) performed before the sale is finalized.

Also question is, who pays for termite inspection buyer or seller in California?

In California and in almost all other states, sellers pay termite inspection costs. The cost is typically inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $150. Some termite companies even offer a free inspection in the hopes that they'll earn your business and can handle any necessary (and more expensive) treatment.

Can the buyer pay for a termite inspection on a VA loan?

Termite Costs

VA lenders will often require an invoice that shows who paid for the termite inspection. VA borrowers aren't allowed to pay for the inspection on a home purchase in all but nine states.

Related Question Answers

Can you sell a house with termites?

Termite Damage Disclosure: Selling a Home with Termite Damage History. Now, if you have already treated a termite infestation in your house, completely repaired any damage, and regularly performed termite inspection, then past termite problems should not really affect your ability to sell your house.

Is Terminix inspection really free?

Terminix® offers a free inspection. Note: If an inspection is for a real estate transaction, there are normally fees associated because additional wood destroying insects are included and a formal report must be submitted.

Should you buy a house with repaired termite damage?

“Generally speaking, I would advise a client to go ahead and buy a house with some termite damage, but to use it to their advantage as a negotiating tool,” he says.

Who pays for pest inspection buyer or seller?

The Buyer. Even though during the inspection process the buyer pays for the home inspection, which will detect any major pest infestations. The seller will ultimately pay the long term costs of remediation.

How much does it cost to have termites removed?

In 2019 the average termite treatment cost is $525, but can range from $217 all the way up to $2,500. Prices vary depending on the kind of treatment you need, as well as the type of termites infesting your home.

Is a termite inspection included in a home inspection?

Your basic Home Inspection – Hire a qualified home inspector who will do an inspection of the structural condition of the home including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing. They will test appliances and look under sinks for leaks. This inspection is more commonly referred to as a termite inspection.

How much is a pest control inspection?

The average cost for a pest inspection is about $100 though most pest control companies offer them free annually. Most home inspection service companies offer them as part of a home purchase service. It will add about $75 to $125 to the home inspection costs of between $300 and $500.

Are termites covered by home insurance?

Homeowners insurance is designed to cover risks and damage that are accidental and sudden. The cost to remove termites and repair their damage is generally not covered by your homeowners insurance.

What percentage of homes have termites?

The top pests homeowners worry about are termites, cockroaches, rats, bed bugs and mice. Termites are the greatest pest concern, worrying one in four, and 13 percent actually experienced termites in the last 12 months.

How long does it take to do a termite inspection?

1 to 1.5 hours

Do lenders require termite inspections?

A termite report and clearance is required on Conventional, FHA, and USDA transactions if the Purchase Contract indicates in Section 4a, Item 1, that the buyer or seller shall pay for an inspection. VA requires a termite report and clearance on all transactions in the State of California with the except the IRRRL loan.

How much does a Wood Infestation Report cost?

The cost of a termite inspection varies depending on the size of your home, but generally you can expect to pay between $75 and $150. Many pest control companies will waive the termite inspection fee if you end up hiring them to exterminate the termites.

Does California require termite inspection?

Termite inspections are not required in California during the sale of real property. This is typically seen as a negotiable part of the contract. When a buyer places an offer on a home they are considering purchasing they can ask that the seller provide a termite inspection and pay for repairs found in that inspection.

Is termite damage a deal breaker?

The presence of termites in a home that you are thinking about purchasing is a big deal but does not have to be a deal breaker. After the termite inspection you can discuss treatment options with the inspector. There are a few different options depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of termites.

Who pays for the inspection when buying a house?

Here's Why You Should Pay For A House Inspection As The Seller. Selling a home takes a lot of work, money, and time. In short, it's definitely not a lot of fun. Naturally, then, sellers are looking for any way they can to make the process easier, cheaper, and/or faster.

How do I make my own termite treatment?

The DIY methods
  1. Termite bait monitoring stations and insecticides. There are various ways insecticides are used for termite elimination.
  2. Heat. This solution is distinct from other items on the list because it can actually be effective.
  3. Orange oil.
  4. Cardboard traps.
  5. Sunlight.
  6. Beneficial Nematodes.
  7. Boric Acid.
  8. Diatomaceous earth.

Does FHA require a pest inspection?

FHA loans do not require pest inspections in most cases. In the event the FHA appraiser sees signs of termite damage or if the area is located in a known termite-heavy region, the lender might be required to send a termite inspector to the property.

How do you tell if you have termites in your walls?

Common signs of termite damage to a wall include:
  1. Small pin holes, where termites have eaten through the paper coating on drywall and/or wallpaper.
  2. Faint 'lines' on drywall.
  3. A hollow sound when you tap on the wall.
  4. Bubbling or peeling paint.
  5. Baseboards that crumble under slight pressure.
  6. Jammed doors or windows.

How often should you have a termite inspection?

Annual Termite Inspections For New Homes

Ideally, all homeowners should get inspected once a year. Older homes do tend to be more at risk for termites, making it absolutely essential to not only stay vigilant about inspecting your home yourself on a regular basis but also get a professional's opinion every single year.

Do termite inspectors lie?

A deceptive home inspector will typically lie about a termite infestation if they perceive a way to profit from the situation. Under other circumstances, an individual that is not certified as a home inspector may attempt to pose as one to get you to purchase termite inspection services.

Do termites ever leave on their own?

Without a termite treatment, there is no way of knowing when a healthy termite colony will return to re-infest a structure. Even though we agree that they may go away on their own, more should know that termites may come back on their own, with a vengeance!

Are termites a big deal?

Termite Inspection. Termites account for more damage each year than any pest in the world and account for billions in property damages each year.

How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?

When a termite colony infests a home, it can take as little as three years for noticeable damage to occur. Of course, the rate of damage depends on the size of the colony. If the colony is large enough, it can destroy the wood components of your home within a period of eight years.

What does a termite inspection involve?

The inspector will look at the interior and exterior areas of your home, checking for visible signs of a termite infestation, which include: droppings, broken wings, mud tubes, and damaged wood. The inspector will check your baseboards, walls, windows, crawl spaces, door frames, insides of cabinets and closets.

When should I worry about termites?

During the winter months when termites are less active the most common signs of an infestation include: Mud tubes on the floors or walls. Paint that is bubbling and/or cracked – usually with frass coming out of the cracks. Wood surfaces that seem to be sunken in or cratered.

Why do sellers hate VA loans?

VA loans come with red tape, appraisal delays and fees borne by sellers instead of buyers — all reasons offers are being rejected, agents say. In addition, real estate agents and veterans say, some sellers reject offers because of misconceptions about the VA program.

How long is a VA termite inspection good for?

90 days

Who pays for termite treatment on a VA loan?

While the VA doesn't specify who is responsible for paying for treatment of termite damage, some states and lenders require the seller to pay for repairs up to a certain dollar amount. The pest inspection is the only one the VA sometimes requires that the seller pay for.

Who pays for VA loan appraisal?

If you're new to the VA loan process, you'll learn you must pay both the initial appraisal and any required home inspection. Costs vary by location and home type, but the VA appraisal fee generally ranges between $300-$500. Homebuyers may ask the seller to repay this cost as part of your negotiations.

What is a Npma 33 form?

Even though the NPMA 33 form is is commonly referred to as a termite letter, it actually covers other wood destroying insects as well. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood boring beetles are all covered during an inspection for this form. Termite tunnels are small but visible to the trained eye.

Is a pest inspection necessary?

A pest inspection is not a uniform requirement of a home sale, and the rules for pest inspections vary state by state. However, many mortgage lenders do require a termite or pest inspection to make sure the house is clear before they put up the financing for it.

What will fail a VA appraisal?

VA appraisers will check that there aren't any holes in the roof that can lead to leaks and other defects. If left unchecked, these shortcomings can have a huge impact on the value of a home, often leaving homebuyers in a bind if small problems snowball into big ones as the house gets older.

What closing costs are VA Buyers not allowed to pay?

Other costs that the VA prohibits buyers from paying include: Notary public fees. Recording fees (if $17 or more) Buyer broker expenses.

What does a VA loan require the seller to pay?

VA eligible borrowers can pay certain charges such as origination fees, appraisals, credit reports, title insurance, recording and other specific loan costs. VA loans do allow for sellers to pay up to 4.00 percent of the sales price of the home toward buyer's closing costs.