Many lenders will require a recent termite inspection and certification as a condition for home loan approval. The inspection should be done within 30 days of settlement.

It is customary for the seller to provide a new termite inspection report for the transaction. The charge for the inspection is to the buyer. We do not recommend accepting old termite maintenance contracts
or warranty services for a current termite inspection.

Termite inspectors typically charge $50-60 depending on home size for an inspection in which they inspect for active and past infestations. The buyer pays for the inspection and the sellers pay for any treatment/repairs. Virginia sales contracts provide for the seller to treat any "wood destroying insects" and make repairs to any "structural damage".

The termite Certificate is only good for 30 days, so we generally order the termite inspection approximately one week before scheduled settlement. If settlement is delayed beyond 30 days of the Certificate, it will have to be updated.

Termite inspections are visual and include the interior and exterior of the property, any out buildings and fences although lenders do not require that any part of the property be inspected other than the home itself. Also, the seller is not responsible for infestation/damage to outbuildings and fences.

Maryland is home to some vigorous and hardy termite colonies. They thrive on the moist climate, wood frame homes and mulch that most home owners use in flower beds.

Home owners should have a termite inspection performed by a licensed company every year. Once you have had a colony eradicated, you never know when they'll be back. Better be safe than sorry. $50 is not much to pay for peace of mind.