If you’re an eligible veteran or servicemember considering a VA home loan, you may have heard talk of a termite inspection requirement. But why might the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) require a termite inspection and how does the process work? Whether you’re buying or selling a home, here’s what you need to know about termite inspections for VA loans.
Buying a home is an exciting milestone in many people’s lives. For veterans and service members, VA home loans offer big benefits like no down payment and low interest rates However, VA loans also come with specific requirements, like the VA termite inspection Termites are sneaky pests that can cause major structural damage if left unchecked. That’s why the Department of Veterans Affairs requires termite inspections in certain areas prone to infestations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about VA loan termite inspections. You’ll learn the inspection process, which states require them, who pays, and how to ensure your new home passes the VA guidelines. Let’s get started!
Overview of VA Loan Termite Inspections
The VA created termite inspection requirements to protect veteran homebuyers from purchasing a home plagued with these destructive pests Termites infest over 30 million homes nationwide and cause over $5 billion in damage yearly according to the National Pest Management Association.
That’s why the VA requires termite inspections in areas with moderate to high termite populations. An approved VA inspector checks the property thoroughly for signs of termites or damage from past infestations.
The inspection results are included in the appraisal report. If termites or damage is found, proper treatment and repairs must be done for VA approval. VA loans require termite inspections in over 30 states where termites are prevalent. We’ll cover which states require inspections next.
States Requiring Termite Inspections for VA Loans
While not every state requires a termite inspection for a VA loan, the majority do. The VA uses a termite probability map to determine inspection requirements based on climate and historical infestation data. Here are the states that require termite inspections when using a VA home loan:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
As you can see, states in the Southeast, South Central, Mid-Atlantic, and West regions have the highest likelihood of termite infestations. The good news is that not all states require the inspection automatically.
States With Discretionary VA Termite Inspections
Some states only require a termite inspection if the appraiser notes signs of possible infestation. These are called “discretionary” states when it comes to VA loans:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In these states, it’s up to the appraiser’s discretion whether a termite inspection is warranted. Some counties within discretionary states also require termite inspections. Check with your lender to see if your county has inspection requirements for VA loans.
The VA Loan Termite Inspection Process
Now let’s walk through what you can expect during the VA termite inspection process when buying a home:
Inspection Scheduling
The termite inspection is usually scheduled to coincide with the general home appraisal. The appraiser may do a quick check themselves for signs of termites or damage. If they suspect an issue, they will request a professional termite inspection.
Thorough Inspection
The inspector will examine all areas of the home and yard that are susceptible to termite infestation. This includes:
- Foundation
- Baseboards
- Window and door frames
- Attic
- Crawl spaces
- Wood siding
- Fences
- Landscaping
They will also look for mud tubes on the foundation, hollowed wood, and termite droppings. The inspector taps wood surfaces to listen for hollow areas indicating interior damage.
Report of Findings
After thoroughly checking the home, the inspector provides a detailed report noting:
- Areas checked
- Any signs of termites observed
- Any structural damage caused by termites
- Recommended treatment if termites or damage is found
Photos of any problem areas are included in the report.
Follow Up Treatment
If the inspection reveals termites or prior infestation damage, proper treatment will be required before closing. This may include:
- Treating active termites and nests
- Repairing damaged wood
- Preventative spraying
A follow up inspection confirms the issues are resolved before the VA loan can proceed. Taking care of termite problems upfront ensures your home’s structure is sound.
Who Pays for the VA Termite Inspection?
In the past, the VA did not allow the veteran homebuyer to pay for the termite inspection – it had to be covered by the seller or lender. This sometimes deterred sellers from accepting VA offers. Fortunately, the VA changed this rule in 2022.
Now buyers can pay for the termite inspection for VA loans in certain states. Here are the states where the VA allows the buyer to pay for termite inspections as of 2023:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Texas
In other states, the lender or seller will need to pick up the tab. Shop around for quotes, as costs range from $50-$300 depending on your location and the size of the property. Some inspectors offer deals if you bundle the termite inspection with a general home inspection.
How Long are Termite Inspections Good For?
The VA requires termite inspection reports to be dated within 90 days of the closing date. This ensures any termite issues found during the inspection have been resolved before the veteran takes ownership.
However, just because the report is good for 90 days doesn’t mean the home is termite-free during that time. Termites can enter through small cracks and crevices. Monitor your home closely even after moving in and contact a pest control company if you ever suspect an infestation.
Next Steps After Your Termite Inspection
With the termite inspection complete, you’re one step closer to closing on your future home! Here’s what to expect next:
- Review the inspection report thoroughly and ask the inspector any questions.
- If treatment is required, get quotes from highly rated pest control companies.
- Schedule follow up treatments and repairs well before closing.
- Submit all paperwork confirming treatment to your lender.
- Do a final walkthrough before closing to check for any new termite signs.
- Close on time and start enjoying your new termite-free home!
Buying a home is complicated enough without worrying about undetected termite damage. Now that you know what to expect with VA loan termite inspections, you can rest easy knowing your new home is structurally sound. Contact a qualified lender to start the pre-approval process and you’ll be ready to start house hunting!
VA termite inspection vs. VA appraisals
VA termite inspections should not be confused with VA appraisals. A VA appraisal, required for every VA loan purchase, is a general evaluation of a home’s value and condition carried out by an independent appraiser approved by the VA.
How does the VA determine which areas require termite inspections?
The VA relies on what’s called a Termite Infestation Probability Map, indicating which regions in the United States are most prone to termites. This map is periodically updated, and inspections are typically required for any areas with a “moderate to heavy” or “very heavy” chance of termite infestation. A full list of states and counties that require termite inspections is available on the VA website.
Uncover the Secrets of VA Loans: Paying for Termite Inspections
FAQ
Who pays for termite inspection on VA loan?
What paperwork does VA home loan need for termites?
How long is a VA termite inspection good for?
Is termite inspection required in Virginia?
Does a VA loan require a termite inspection?
If you are using a VA (Veteran Affairs) loan to purchase a property or refinance an existing mortgage, the VA may require that the property have a termite inspection for the mortgage process. Any property purchased with a VA (Veterans Affairs) loan must meet the VA’s minimum property requirements.
What are VA home loan pest inspection requirements?
Learn about VA home loan pest inspection requirements in your state. For VA homebuyers, pest inspections help confirm there is no serious infestation or structural damage caused by pests, mainly termites, at the property they hope to purchase.
Do you need a VA appraisal for a termite inspection?
A VA appraisal, required for every VA loan purchase, is a general evaluation of a home’s value and condition carried out by an independent appraiser approved by the VA. Who pays for a VA termite inspection?
What is a VA termite inspection?
The VA termite inspection is an evaluation of the property to detect the presence of termites or other wood-destroying insects. As part of the VA inspection requirements, qualified professionals will examine the home’s interior and exterior, including crawl spaces, basements, and the foundation.