Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. But before you sign the final documents, there’s one crucial step you can’t afford to skip: a termite inspection.
A termite inspection for home purchase isn’t just smart—it’s often required by lenders, and it can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
What is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is a licensed evaluation of a home’s structure to identify:
- Active termite infestations
- Past damage caused by termites
- Wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) like dry rot or carpenter ants
- Structural conditions that could attract termites
At Vanguard Termite Control, our inspectors check both visible and hidden areas, including crawl spaces, attics, baseboards, door frames, and exposed wood. We look for signs like:
- Mud tubes
- Termite droppings (frass)
- Discarded wings
- Hollow or damaged wood
Why It’s Critical Before You Buy
1. Termites Can Cause Expensive Structural Damage
Termites eat away at wood from the inside out. You may not notice the damage until it’s severe—by then, you’re looking at thousands in repair costs. Our inspection helps catch issues early.
And if damage is found, we offer termite repair services to restore structural integrity and cosmetic finish before you close the deal.
2. It’s Often Required in Escrow
If you’re using a VA, FHA, or conventional loan, your lender will likely require a termite inspection and clearance. A clean report helps the transaction move forward, while findings give buyers and agents a chance to negotiate treatment or repair costs.
3. It Gives You Negotiating Power
If an infestation or past damage is found, you can:
- Request localized termite treatment
- Ask for seller-paid repairs
- Renegotiate the purchase price
Our team provides fast inspections, reports, and treatment options so you’re prepared to make informed decisions.
What If Termites Are Found?
If termites are detected, don’t panic—there are treatment options that can keep the deal on track:
- Local Treatment – Ideal for contained infestations that don’t require tenting
- Full Fumigation – Required when drywood termites are spread throughout the home
- Repair Services – To fix any structural or cosmetic damage caused by the infestation
Our experienced team can handle all of this quickly, working with your agent and escrow officer to prevent delays.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
In the Bay Area, termite inspections typically cost between $75 and $150. Considering that termite damage repairs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, the inspection is a small investment that provides big protection.
When to Schedule Your Termite Inspection
The best time to schedule a termite inspection is immediately after your offer is accepted or once you enter escrow. This gives you time to:
- Review the report
- Complete any necessary treatment or repairs
- Obtain a clearance letter for your lender
If you’re already under contract, we can prioritize your inspection to help meet your closing deadline.
Why Choose Vanguard Termite Control?
- Fast, escrow-friendly service
We understand real estate timelines and deliver reports within 24–48 hours. - Full-service termite solutions
From inspection to treatment to fumigation and repair, we handle it all in-house. - Bay Area experience
We know how termites behave in Northern California homes—and how to stop them fast. - Detailed documentation
We provide real estate reports, WDO letters, and post-treatment clearance certificates required by lenders and title companies.
Final Thoughts
A termite inspection for home purchase gives you the clarity and protection you need before committing to your new home. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, discovering termites too late can derail your finances and delay your move-in date.
With Vanguard Termite Control, you’ll get fast, honest, and thorough service—plus access to the right solution if treatment or repairs are needed.
Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. But before you sign the final documents, there’s one crucial step you can’t afford to skip: a termite inspection.
A termite inspection for home purchase isn’t just smart—it’s often required by lenders, and it can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.
What is a Termite Inspection?
A termite inspection is a licensed evaluation of a home’s structure to identify:
- Active termite infestations
- Past damage caused by termites
- Wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) like dry rot or carpenter ants
- Structural conditions that could attract termites
At Vanguard Termite Control, our inspectors check both visible and hidden areas, including crawl spaces, attics, baseboards, door frames, and exposed wood. We look for signs like:
- Mud tubes
- Termite droppings (frass)
- Discarded wings
- Hollow or damaged wood
Why It’s Critical Before You Buy
1. Termites Can Cause Expensive Structural Damage
Termites eat away at wood from the inside out. You may not notice the damage until it’s severe—by then, you’re looking at thousands in repair costs. Our inspection helps catch issues early.
And if damage is found, we offer termite repair services to restore structural integrity and cosmetic finish before you close the deal.
2. It’s Often Required in Escrow
If you’re using a VA, FHA, or conventional loan, your lender will likely require a termite inspection and clearance. A clean report helps the transaction move forward, while findings give buyers and agents a chance to negotiate treatment or repair costs.
3. It Gives You Negotiating Power
If an infestation or past damage is found, you can:
- Request localized termite treatment
- Ask for seller-paid repairs
- Renegotiate the purchase price
Our team provides fast inspections, reports, and treatment options so you’re prepared to make informed decisions.
What If Termites Are Found?
If termites are detected, don’t panic—there are treatment options that can keep the deal on track:
- Local Treatment – Ideal for contained infestations that don’t require tenting
- Full Fumigation – Required when drywood termites are spread throughout the home
- Repair Services – To fix any structural or cosmetic damage caused by the infestation
Our experienced team can handle all of this quickly, working with your agent and escrow officer to prevent delays.
How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
In the Bay Area, termite inspections typically cost between $75 and $150. Considering that termite damage repairs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, the inspection is a small investment that provides big protection.
When to Schedule Your Termite Inspection
The best time to schedule a termite inspection is immediately after your offer is accepted or once you enter escrow. This gives you time to:
- Review the report
- Complete any necessary treatment or repairs
- Obtain a clearance letter for your lender
If you’re already under contract, we can prioritize your inspection to help meet your closing deadline.
Why Choose Vanguard Termite Control?
- Fast, escrow-friendly service
We understand real estate timelines and deliver reports within 24–48 hours. - Full-service termite solutions
From inspection to treatment to fumigation and repair, we handle it all in-house. - Bay Area experience
We know how termites behave in Northern California homes—and how to stop them fast. - Detailed documentation
We provide real estate reports, WDO letters, and post-treatment clearance certificates required by lenders and title companies.
Final Thoughts
A termite inspection for home purchase gives you the clarity and protection you need before committing to your new home. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, discovering termites too late can derail your finances and delay your move-in date.
With Vanguard Termite Control, you’ll get fast, honest, and thorough service—plus access to the right solution if treatment or repairs are needed.
📞 Schedule your termite inspection today
Call 510-557-4918 book online to protect your future home before you close escrow.
