Buying a home involves specific pest-related due diligence, particularly for termites given the real estate transaction relevance.
- Request a WDO inspection, particularly in termite-active regions.
- Ask about prior termite treatment history and warranty transferability.
- Ask about building bed bug history for condo/multi-unit purchases.
- Inspect belongings from a previous residence before moving them into your new home.
During the Inspection Period
Request a WDO (termite) inspection, particularly in termite-active regions, and ask specifically about any prior termite treatment history and warranty transferability.
Questions to Ask About Multi-Unit Properties
For condo or multi-unit purchases, ask about the building’s bed bug history and any building-wide prevention protocols in place.
Moving-In Precautions
Inspect any furniture or belongings you’re bringing from a previous residence (particularly if moving from a multi-unit building) for bed bug signs before bringing them into your new home.
Read the Full WDO Report, Not Just Its Verdict
A wood-destroying organism report is more informative than the pass-or-fail impression it tends to leave. These reports generally distinguish between evidence of previous activity, evidence of current activity, damage observed, and conditions on the property that are conducive to future activity. Those are four different findings with four different implications, and a summary line does not tell you which one you are looking at.
The section worth reading most closely is the one listing areas the inspector could not reach. Finished basements, insulated crawlspaces, stored belongings and attached structures commonly appear there, and anything inaccessible was not inspected rather than found clear. If an inaccessible area is somewhere you would expect to matter, ask whether access can be arranged during the inspection period rather than treating the report as complete coverage.
Where Pest Findings Sit in the Negotiation
Findings during the inspection period are ordinarily negotiable, and there are a few common shapes the resolution takes. The seller may arrange and pay for treatment before closing, a credit may be applied so you arrange it afterwards, the price may be adjusted for repair work, or the finding may be significant enough that you walk. Which of these is available depends on your contract and your local market, so ask your agent what your agreement actually allows.
Whichever route you take, get it in writing and decide up front what evidence of completion you require. If the seller arranges treatment, ask for the treatment record, the warranty document and confirmation of whether that warranty transfers to you. If repair work is involved, a re-inspection after the work rather than before it is what tells you the finding was actually resolved.
FAQ
Should I request a WDO inspection even if my lender doesn’t require it?
Yes, reasonable regardless of lender requirement, particularly in a termite-active region, given the potential structural stakes.
What does it mean if the report lists areas as inaccessible?
It means those areas were not inspected, which is different from being found clear. Look at where they are, and if one matters to you, ask whether access can be arranged while the inspection period is still open.
Does prior termite treatment make a home a bad buy?
Not on its own, and in an active region it is common. What matters more is what the treatment record shows, whether any resulting damage was assessed and repaired, and whether an ongoing agreement exists and transfers to you.
Should I check for pests before signing a lease as well?
It is reasonable to look, particularly in a multi-unit building. Inspect around sleeping areas and ask the landlord or agent directly about the unit’s and the building’s history, and note anything you find in writing before you move in.
Requirements and norms vary by state and region — confirm specifics with your real estate agent.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
