Termites are an extremely common pest in the south. It’s not a matter of “if” your home has termites, it’s more about “when” they find their way into your home. As a result of their popularity, a termite inspection (called the CL-100 Inspection) is required by mortgage lenders whenever a property sells in South Carolina before the closing can take place.
CL-100 Termite Inspections
The purpose of a termite inspection in Greenville is to check for termites that can infest and damage wood, such as the structure of a home. Inspectors will check under and around a property to see if there is visible evidence of current or previous termites, other wood-destroying pests, treatments for such pests current or in the past, damaged wood, and active wood-destroying fungi. Upon completion of the inspection, a report is created for the buyer and seller to review.
If there is evidence of damage, they may recommend a structural engineer or licensed contractor revisit the property for another inspection before the closing. If there is no damage (or not enough damage to require further inspection), then the inspector will provide a letter for the closing that says the home is structurally sound and not in need of further investigation for wood-destroying insects.
You will not be able to buy a home in South Carolina with a mortgage without a “clear CL-100” which states the house is not damaged by wood-destroying insects, and while this can be frustrating as it delays the process of buying a home – it is for the buyer’s protection.
As a seller, it is in your best interest to keep your home termite-free to ensure a quick closing for the sale of your home.
Prepare for a Smooth Home Selling Process
If you intend to sell your home in South Carolina, you should consider getting ongoing termite protection in place long before you hang the for sale sign out front. This will protect your property from existing termites by eliminating the colony from your home and will prevent future infestations from taking place. It is much easier and more cost-effective to prevent termites than it is to get rid of them after they’ve already moved into your home, especially if you’re hoping to sell your home quickly. Give Spencer Pest Control a call to set up ongoing termite protection services and make selling your home easier.