Santa Ana Escrow Inspections

When to Schedule an Escrow Termite Inspection

While requirements vary depending on your lender, location, and purchase agreement, most real estate professionals recommend scheduling your WDO inspection during the inspection contingency period, which is typically within the first 7-17 days after your offer is accepted. This window gives you time to review the inspection report, negotiate repairs or treatment costs, and make informed decisions before removing contingencies.

If you're a seller, consider scheduling your termite inspection before listing your property. A pre-listing WDI inspection allows you to address any issues proactively, potentially speeding up the sale process and reducing the likelihood of last-minute negotiations or buyer concerns. Whether you're buying or selling, don't wait until the week before closing; termite inspections can reveal issues that require time to address, and rushing the process limits your options. Getting your inspection scheduled early in escrow gives everyone involved the flexibility to handle findings appropriately and keeps your transaction on track.

What to Do If Termites Are Found Before Closing

Discovering termite activity or damage during an escrow inspection doesn't have to derail your home purchase. It simply means you need to understand your options and take appropriate action. The findings in your WDO inspection report will detail the type and extent of any wood-destroying organisms present, along with recommendations for treatment and repair.

If our inspectors find termites:

• Review your inspection report carefully. Your WDI inspection report will identify active infestations, previous damage, conducive conditions, and recommended treatments, giving you a complete picture of the property's termite-related issues and helping you understand the scope of work needed.
• Negotiate treatment and repairs. In most cases, termite treatment and repairs become a negotiation point between buyer and seller. You can request that the seller complete all recommended work before closing, ask for a credit to handle treatments yourself, or adjust the purchase price to account for the costs.
• Get reliable treatment estimates. If you're taking responsibility for termite work, obtain a detailed estimate from our technicians to understand the full cost of treatment and any necessary structural repairs. This will help you negotiate fairly and budget appropriately.
• Understand your lender’s requirements. Many lenders require termite inspections for homes in high-risk areas and won't approve loans until active infestations are treated and a clearance letter is issued, so coordinate with your lender to understand their specific requirements and timelines.
• Request a re-inspection after treatment. Once treatment is completed, schedule a follow-up inspection to verify that the work was done properly and obtain official clearance documentation for your lender and your own records.

The key is addressing termite findings promptly and working with experienced professionals who can guide you through the treatment and repair process. Our team at Neighborly Pest Control can answer your questions, provide detailed estimates, and help coordinate treatment to keep your transaction moving forward smoothly.

If you’re worried about termites interrupting your real estate transaction, call Neighborly Pest Control at (949) 990-3851 for honest estimates and expert treatment solutions that have earned us five-star reviews for our community!