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TERMITES AND REAL ESTATE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR BUYERS, SELLERS, AND AGENTS

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF TERMITES IN BAY AREA REAL ESTATE

Termite findings are a routine part of Bay Area real estate transactions. Drywood and Subterranean termites are common throughout local homes, which means termite reports often influence negotiations, repairs, credits, lender requirements, and closing timelines.

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Proven Termite Solutions does not perform full Wood Destroying Pest and Organism inspections for real estate transactions. Instead, PTS provides a free measure-up service within 24 to 48 hours when an agent or customer supplies an existing inspection report from another inspection company.

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This guide explains how termite findings affect escrow, how fumigation and soil treatments are scheduled during real estate transactions, and how buyers, sellers, and agents can use PTS services to keep the process efficient and predictable.

WHAT A TERMITE REAL ESTATE INSPECTION INCLUDES

A real estate termite inspection, also called a Wood Destroying Pest and Organism inspection, evaluates accessible areas for evidence of termites, fungus, dry rot, and moisture issues that may weaken structural wood.

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PTS does not conduct these full inspections. However, when provided with an existing inspection report, PTS will:

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Complete a no-cost measure-up within 24–48 hours 

 

This includes:
 

  • Taking measurements

  • Verifying treatment areas

  • Preparing accurate estimates

  • Ensuring recommendations match the inspector’s findings

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This approach keeps escrow moving while preventing delays caused by scheduling full inspections.

Real Estate Termite Inspection Illustration

SECTION 1 AND SECTION 2 ITEMS IN ESCROW

Section 1 Items
 

These represent active issues that require correction, such as:
 

  • Active Drywood termite activity

  • Subterranean termite tubes

  • Fungus, dry rot, or visible wood decay

  • Moisture-damaged areas that are deteriorating the wood

 

Lenders often require clearance for Section 1 items, and repairs are typically completed before closing.

Section 2 Items

 

These reflect potential conditions that could lead to future infestations, including:
 

  • Earth to wood contact

  • Plumbing leaks

  • Insufficient ventilation

  • Soil levels too high against siding

  • Vegetation touching the structure

 

These items are not always mandatory for closing and are typically negotiated between buyer and seller.

FUMIGATION IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Fumigation is a common recommendation when Drywood termite activity is present. It eliminates colonies hidden deep inside walls, attic beams, and inaccessible framing. Because fumigation has a specific timeline, real estate agents should schedule it as early as possible to avoid delays.

A typical fumigation schedule follows a three day process. Day one involves tenting the home and sealing it. Day two includes gas exposure and aeration. Day three is the clearance day once air quality testing is complete. After fumigation, Proven Termite Solutions provides the clearance certificate required in many real estate transactions.

TYPICAL FUMIGATION TIMELINE

  • Day 1: Crews tent the structure and prepare the interior.

  • Day 2: Gas exposure and aeration.

  • Day 3: Takedown and reentry clearance.

PTS will schedule fumigation based on the findings in the provided inspection report and ensure proper documentation is issued to meet lender and escrow requirements.

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SOIL TREATMENT DURING ESCROW

Subterranean termite activity is typically resolved with a soil injection treatment that creates a long lasting barrier around the structure. This method is completed in one visit, does not require leaving the property, and has a fast turnaround ideal for escrow timelines.

If the supplied inspection report identifies Subterranean termite activity, soil injection is typically recommended.

BENEFITS IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

  • No need to vacate the home

  • Completed in one visit

  • Effective long-term protection

  • Clear documentation for escrow

Completed soil treatments include a notice of completion that can be provided to the buyer, seller, or lender. This documentation is often necessary when closing a transaction.

NEGOTIATING TERMITE REPAIRS

Termite findings can influence negotiations in several ways. Common outcomes include:

  • Seller completes Section 1 repairs and provides clearance

  • Buyer accepts property as-is for a lower purchase price

  • Seller provides credit toward treatment

  • Seller handles fumigation while buyer handles Section 2 items

  • Buyer and seller split treatment costs

Clear communication and documentation from Proven Termite Solutions help prevent misunderstandings and keep escrow moving forward.

UNDERSTANDING THE TERMITE REPORT

The termite inspection report provided by the inspector (not PTS) generally includes:
 

  • A written summary of findings

  • Details about each area inspected

  • Evidence of termites, fungus, or moisture issues

  • Diagrams identifying affected areas

  • Required treatments

  • Requirements for clearance

PTS uses this report to produce accurate measurements, pricing, and treatment timelines.

PREVENTION AFTER YOU CLOSE ESCROW

Once the treatment phase is complete and escrow is closed, homeowners should take steps to prevent future termite activity. While annual inspections are not required, periodic evaluations of attics, subareas, and exterior conditions can help catch issues early.

Homeowners can reduce risks by:
 

  • Repairing leaks quickly

  • Improving airflow in attics and subareas

  • Keeping soil away from siding

  • Trimming plants and shrubs away from the structure

  • Periodically checking areas the inspector flagged

These preventive steps protect long term property value and reduce future repair costs.

PARTNER WITH PROVEN TERMITE SOLUTIONS FOR SMOOTH ESCROW PROCESS

PTS supports real estate professionals by offering:

We offer:
 

  • Free 24–48 hour measure-ups based on existing inspection reports

  • Fast fumigation and soil treatment scheduling

  • Clear documentation for lenders and escrow

  • Accurate, transparent estimates

  • Friendly, responsive support during transactions

If you would like preferred agent scheduling or have questions about a current transaction, contact the office anytime.

Don’t wait. Schedule your FREE Termite Inspection today.

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