A Termite Letter, also known as a Wood Infestation Inspection Report (WIIR), is a document that is required by the Department of Agriculture - Georgia for the transfer of the real estate transaction. Also for Refinancing.
This form is the only accepted inspection form.
The form must be issued within 30 days of closing.
The purpose of the Termite Letter is to disclose any current or previous termite infestations, damage, or treatments that have been performed on the property being transferred.
It also should list any conducive conditions present, that are deemed to be attractive conditions for Termites or other wood-destroying organisms.
In Georgia, a Termite Letter is typically required by the lender and the buyer during the real estate transfer process.
The Termite Letter is usually obtained by the seller or the seller's agent, and it is typically valid for 30 days, depending on the requirements of the lender. Even for Refinance it is usually required for the mortgage companies protection.
If Termites or other conditions are not reported the inspecting company must correct any problems within 90 days of closing.
Many exterminators will not issue this form unless they have treated the structure for Termites. There are also other insects and conditions they are responsible for reporting.
Powder Post Beetles, Old Houseborers, Wood-Decaying Fungii. Etc.
Powder post beetles are a common pest in Georgia that can cause significant damage to wood structures.
These beetles lay their eggs in cracks and crevices of wood and when the larvae hatch, they bore into the wood, leaving small holes and tunnels. If left untreated, powder post beetles can cause serious structural damage to homes and buildings.
If you suspect that you have a powder post beetle infestation in your home or business in Georgia, it's important to contact a licensed exterminator as soon as possible. Clark Pest Remedy - exterminator will be able to conduct a thorough inspection of the property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop an effective treatment plan.
The first step in treating a powder post-beetle infestation is to identify the affected areas and remove any infested wood. The wood may need to be replaced, especially if the damage is severe. The Clark Pest Remedy - exterminator will also apply a treatment solution to any remaining wood to kill any remaining larvae or beetles.
It's important to note that powder post beetle infestations can be difficult to treat, and multiple treatments may be necessary to completely eradicate the infestation. Therefore, it's essential to work with a professional exterminator who has experience treating powder post beetles.
To prevent powder post beetle infestations in the future, it's important to take preventative measures, such as sealing any cracks or crevices in wood structures and regularly inspecting for signs of infestation. Additionally, it's important to properly store and treat any wood products brought into the property, such as firewood or furniture.
In summary, powder post beetle infestations can cause significant damage to wood structures in Georgia. If you suspect that you have an infestation, it's important to contact Clark Pest Remedy for treatment. To prevent infestations in the future, take preventative measures and regularly inspect for signs of infestation.
Old house borers, also known as wood borers, are a type of beetle that can cause significant damage to wooden structures in Georgia.
These beetles lay their eggs in the crevices of wood, and when the larvae hatch, they bore into the wood, causing extensive damage.
If you suspect that you have an old house borer infestation in your home or business in Georgia, it's important to contact Clark Pest Remedy a licensed exterminator as soon as possible. Clark Pest Remedy- exterminator will be able to conduct a thorough inspection of the property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop an effective treatment plan.
The first step in treating an old house borer infestation is to identify the affected areas and remove any infested wood. The wood may need to be replaced, especially if the damage is severe. Clark Pest Remedy will also apply a treatment solution to any remaining wood to kill any remaining larvae or beetles.
It's important to note that old house borer infestations can be difficult to treat, and multiple treatments may be necessary to completely eradicate the infestation. Therefore, it's essential to work with a professional exterminator who has experience treating old house borers.
To prevent old house borer infestations in the future, it's important to take preventative measures, such as sealing any cracks or crevices in wood structures and regularly inspecting for signs of infestation. Additionally, it's important to properly store and treat any wood products brought into the property, such as firewood or furniture.
A WIIR report may be necessary in Georgia for real estate transactions involving wood structures.
This report is a type of inspection report that evaluates the condition of the wooden structures on a property and identifies any issues, such as old house borer infestations. A WIIR report can provide valuable information to both buyers and sellers, helping to ensure that the transaction is fair and transparent.
In summary, old house borer infestations can cause significant damage to wood structures in Georgia. If you suspect that you have an infestation, it's important to contact a licensed exterminator for treatment. To prevent infestations in the future, take preventative measures and regularly inspect for signs of infestation. A WIIR report may be necessary for real estate transactions involving wooden structures.
A wood-destroying fungi reported is a type of inspection issue commonly required during real estate transactions in Georgia.
The purpose of the report is to identify any wood-destroying fungi present in the property and assess the extent of damage caused by these fungi. This report is usually conducted by a licensed inspector and can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about the transaction. In Georgia wood decaying fungus is also on the WIIR report.
Wood-destroying fungi can cause significant damage to wood structures, including floors, walls, and roofs. They thrive in warm and moist environments and can be particularly problematic in homes with poor ventilation. If left untreated, wood-destroying fungi can weaken the structural integrity of a building and potentially cause safety hazards.
In Georgia, corrective measures may be necessary if wood-destroying fungi are found during the inspection
Depending on the severity of the infestation, these measures may include replacing or repairing damaged wood, improving ventilation to
reduce moisture levels, or applying fungicides to the affected areas.
Clark Pest Remedy is a professional pest control company in Georgia that offers a range of services, including inspections for wood-destroying fungi. Their licensed professionals can conduct a comprehensive inspection of the property and develop a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation.
Improving ventilation is a key step in preventing wood-destroying fungi from spreading in a property. This can include installing vents in crawl spaces, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensuring that air conditioning and heating systems are functioning properly.
In summary, wood-destroying fungi can cause significant damage to wood structures in Georgia, and a WIIR report can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about a real estate transaction. Corrective measures may be necessary to address a WDF infestation, and professional pest control companies like Clark Pest Remedy can provide customized solutions. Improving ventilation is an important step in preventing the spread of wood-destroying fungi in a property.
The Liability for the Exterminator is high because there can be hidden issues. They normally use just a flashlight and their vision to perform these inspections. Depending on the type of construction the inaccessible areas for vision range from 50-80%.
That sure leaves a lot of inaccessibility.
The Termite Letter must be issued by a licensed pest control company that has conducted a thorough inspection of the property for the presence of termites or other wood-destroying organisms. The inspection must be conducted by a certified inspector, and the report must include a detailed description of any evidence of termite activity, damage to the structure, and any previous treatments that have been performed. The Inspector is almost always NOT a Construction expert. They are Pest control operators. They do not and should not comment on the structural integrity of any termite or other damage. Any time there are termites found there is usually some degree of damage. Similar to a scratch on a car compared to a massive dent.
If the home has an active renewable warranty, that is very helpful in the selling process.
Most of these are transferable as the warranty is on the home, not the owner. We invite any purchasers with homes under warranty with us to continue the warranty service. It's simply a name change and the file history is continued.
Having a Pest control operator like Clark Pest Remedy that is organized and thorough can help solve purchasers' concerns.
If evidence of termite activity is found, the pest control company may recommend treatment to eliminate the infestation and prevent future damage to the structure. In most cases, the lender may require that treatment be performed before closing.
Overall, the Termite Letter is an important document for real estate transfers in Georgia, as it provides disclosure of any past or current termite activity on the property being transferred. It is important to work with a licensed pest control company to obtain a Termite Letter to ensure that the inspection is conducted thoroughly and accurately.
We recommend the purchaser hire an inspector working for them to protect themselves as this process is flawed.
Here's an example: I was called by a client that had termites several years ago in his crawl-space. I knew the guy from the baseball field. His son was 1 year younger than mine.
We treated his house for Termites and he kept the renewal for the warranty for 6-7 years with no more problems. He called needing a Termite report because he was selling his house and buying a larger home. He asked me how much it would be ? At the time it was $75.
Later that day the realtor called me wanting to know why we were charging him at all.
We must make an inspection within 30 days of closing and other issues are on the report besides termites. She said her guy would do it for $45. I told her to call him. The homeowner called me back later, saying that her guy said he found termites and wants over $1,000 to treat for them. I told the homeowner, I want to see them. Meet me at the house and show me.
Their inspector did meet me there and when we went around to the crawl space he told me he didn't find live activity but his company won't issue the Termite report without treating. Why didn't you tell the homeowner and realtor this ? You stirred all of this up and there are no termites. To sell a $1,000 termite treatment ? There was the one old termite tube that was obviously old from when we treated it years ago. We had it all documented. The realtor called me back and asked if we could issue the report? Yep- $75.00. 😎
Honesty is always the best policy.
Termite reports in real estate transactions are important to both buyers and sellers, as they can impact the sale of the property and the cost of repairs. When buying or selling a home, a termite inspection is often required to determine if there is any termite damage or activity. The results of the inspection are typically included in a termite report, which outlines any findings and recommendations for treatment or repairs.
If a termite report reveals significant termite damage or activity, it can impact the sale of the property. Buyers may negotiate repairs or a reduction in the sale price, while sellers may need to complete repairs before the sale can be finalized. In some cases, disputes may arise between buyers and sellers over the cost of repairs or the validity of the termite report.
In Georgia, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) requires sellers to disclose any known termite damage or activity in a home, and failure to do so can result in legal action. Additionally, buyers have the right to request a termite inspection and report before closing on a property.
If there is a dispute over the validity of a termite report or the cost of repairs, legal action may be necessary. A real estate attorney can assist in these cases, helping to negotiate a resolution or represent a party in court. It's important to note that these cases can be complex and time-consuming, and it's often in the best interest of both parties to reach a settlement before litigation becomes necessary.
In summary, termite reports can impact the sale of real estate in Georgia, and disputes may arise over the cost of repairs or the validity of the report. If legal action becomes necessary, it's important to work with a real estate attorney to negotiate a resolution or represent a party in court. It's also important for sellers to disclose any known termite damage or activity to avoid legal action.
Home purchasers should hire their own termite inspector to work for them for several reasons:
Objectivity: When a termite inspector is hired by the seller or listing agent, there may be a conflict of interest. The inspector may be more inclined to overlook certain issues or downplay the severity of a termite infestation in order to keep the sale moving forward. By hiring their own inspector, home purchasers can ensure that the inspection is conducted objectively and any issues are reported accurately.
Comprehensive inspection: While sellers are required to disclose any known termite damage or activity, there may be hidden issues that they are not aware of. A termite inspector hired by the home purchaser will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the property, including areas that may be missed by a seller or listing agent.
Protection: Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and a termite infestation can be costly to repair. By hiring their own termite inspector, home purchasers can protect themselves from the financial burden of repairing termite damage that was not disclosed or properly identified during the sale process.
Negotiating power: If a termite inspection reveals issues with the property, home purchasers can use this information to negotiate repairs or a reduction in the sale price. Having their own inspector working for them can give home purchasers more leverage during these negotiations.
Peace of mind: By hiring their own termite inspector, home purchasers can have peace of mind knowing that the property has been thoroughly inspected and any issues have been identified. This can help prevent unexpected expenses and give home purchasers confidence in their investments.
In summary, home purchasers should get their own termite inspector working for them to ensure objectivity, a comprehensive inspection, protection
from financial burden, negotiating power, and peace of mind. It's an investment in the safety and security of their new home.
You wouldn't buy a used car and have the seller's mechanic check it for you, would you?
But, you are making a much larger purchase here, and having your inspector with your interests in mind checking it is a smart move. Remember, when purchasing, you hold the cards.
Call Us Today for a Comprehensive Termite Evaluation.
You should always have your home protected and ready to sell if possible.
770-957-1915
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