REAL ESTATE WDI REPORTS
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Pennsylvania, it is wise to obtain a Wood Destroying Insect Report. In fact, these reports are required if the property will be financed with a HUD, FHA or VA loan.
Typically referred to as a WDI report, the inspection is carried out by a licensed and certified technician. Wood destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood beetles are fairly common across Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, because these infestations tend to be restricted to unfrequented parts of the structure, they can be allowed to continue for an extended period before they are discovered.
This means that there is a risk for significant structural damage to the house or commercial building. The buyer, seller and real estate agent all need to be aware of the precise condition of the property. This way, the seller may make any necessary repairs before the sale goes through. Alternatively, the buyer may demand that such repairs be made before agreeing to the purchase. The better informed and involved the real estate agents are, the more capable they are of offering knowledgeable advice to their clients.
During the inspection, the technician examines the structure for any visual signs that termites, wood beetles or other potentially destructive pests are infesting the property. The buyer, seller and their real estate agents may want to be present during the inspection so that they may ask questions, provide clarification or see any signs of damage for themselves.
The final report also details any vulnerabilities at the property that may make an infestation of wood destroying insects more likely. Such conditions include woodpiles or yard debris piles being stored too close to structures or excessive clutter insider or outside buildings.
GUIDE FOR HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
• BUYERS
Although it is not required, it makes a great deal of sense for the buyer to attend the wood destroying insect inspection. Occasionally, this inspection is carried out on the same day as the overall home inspection, another event at which it makes sense for the buyer to be present.
This provides the buyer with an opportunity to directly ask questions of the inspector. They also benefit from potentially having the inspectors point out the signs that may be cause for concern. It is not necessary for the buyer to enter crawl spaces and other confined areas with the inspector unless they want to or if something significant is discovered.
• SELLERS
No one wants to be surprised with the bad news that they have an infestation in their home or office. Nonetheless, being aware, and being able to address the problem, is far preferable to being blindsided by a lawsuit later for not disclosing an infestation of wood destroying insects before the sale.
It is sensible for the seller to be present during the inspection as well. The inspector may have questions about maintenance and prior pest control treatments that only the seller can answer. Sellers who are represented by a real estate agent will also want their agent to be there. The agent's experience with other home sales and WDI reports will prove valuable, especially if the inspector finds evidence that there may be an infestation.
Discovering an infestation of wood destroying insects does not have to cancel a sale. However, the seller likely will be required to eliminate the infestation and make any required repairs before the sale may be finalized.
It is vital to understand that, although thorough, the inspection does not always bring to light all infestations. Essentially, the technician is looking for visual clues that wood destroying insects have been at work on the property. Places in the structure that are inaccessible may have damage that no one is able to see.
GUIDE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS
• REPRESENTING THE BUYER
If you are representing the buyer in a real estate transaction, then it is in your and your client's best interest to be knowledgeable about WDI reports and the inspection process. You will definitely want to be present at the inspection, which will enable you to ask any pertinent questions and to provide valuable advice to your client.
If you are new to the industry, then you may wonder why termite inspections are required. This is essentially because your client needs to know as much about the property as they can learn before completing the transaction. They are making a major purchase, and a false step can be financially devastating. The inspection is just one more way that you protect your client from making a poor decision.
Similarly, you may wonder what kind of information is included in the WDI report. The report will include a notation concerning any visible signs that an infestation is underway or that an earlier infestation has been treated. Any damage to the structure also will be detailed in the report.
• REPRESENTING THE SELLER
Your client may be motivated to sell their property as quickly as possible for any number of reasons. However, an unexpected result on a WDI report may make this difficult. This is why it may make sense to request a WDI report as soon as the property is listed.
Getting the WDI report done early informs your client regarding whether or not any repairs need to be made to the structure. This prevents a nasty surprise at the last minute when an offer to buy the property is on the table. An early WDI report makes everything easier for you and your client. Anyone who wants to make an offer on the property can be presented upfront with the report and details regarding any repairs.
PROFESSIONAL WDI REPORT SERVICE
Do not rely on a home inspection company to conduct a WDI Report (termite inspection for the sale of a home).
SafeGuard Pest Control, LLC. Is a licensed, experienced pest control professional that has been providing Levittown area homes and businesses with Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Reports for nearly 30 years The WDI reports we issue are performed by trained, Pennsylvania Certified Pesticide Applicators. We can provide reports instantly from location via email or text.
We provide WDI reports for the following:
• Residential properties
• Commercial properties
• Lending institutions
• Builders
• Mortgage brokers
• Property managers
Don't leave termite matters to an untrained eye. Contact SafeGuard to arrange a professional inspection. We will then provide you with a customized, individualized assessment and treatment plan in the event that termites or other wood destroying insects are discovered.
