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| What is an "Official
Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report?" |
| Commonly called a "Clearance Letter," "Termite Letter," or
"Inspection Report," it is a report associated with the purchase and sale of real
estate in Georgia. Following a comprehensive inspection, it is a written report
covering 5 wood destroying organisms (Subterranean Termites, Powder Post Beetles,
Wood Boring Beetles, Dry Wood Termites, and Wood Decaying Fungus). The Inspection
Report also provides a 90 day warranty for infestation by any of these organisms.
The scope of the inspection and the form of the Inspection Report are determined by
the Georgia Structural Pest
Control Commission and can only be performed by a licensed pest control company. |
| Who Needs an Inspection Report? |
| The Georgia Association of REALTORS®
standard Purchase and Sale Agreement is used for many residential
home sales in Georgia. The January 1, 2007 revision of the Purchase
and Sale Agreement changed the responsibilities for obtaining
an Inspection Report. Previously, the Seller was required to
produce an Inspection Report. Under the new version, the Buyer
is now responsible for obtaining the Inspection Report - if
it is of interest to the Buyer or required by the Buyer's lender.
Make sure to check your specific
real estate sales contract, and if you're the Buyer then check
with your lender too. |
| Why Get an Inspection Report? |
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service, termites cause over
$1 billion worth of damage annually to homes in the United
States. Subterranean termites, the most common kind, have been
found in every state except Alaska. Georgia is among the states
with the highest threat of subterranean termite infestation.
If you're the Seller,
you should consider getting an Inspection Report when you list
your home for sale. An Inspection Report will help you sell
your property by giving Buyers confidence and avoiding surprises
late in the sale process. Plus, some real estate agents require
an Inspection Report before listing property for sale. Be sure
to check with your agent.
If you're the Buyer,
you should get an Inspection Report as part of your due diligence
in deciding whether to purchase. The Inspection Report will
tell you the status of the property with regard to the wood
destroying organisms listed and will provide you with a 90
day warranty against infestation by any of those organisms. |
| Is the Home Covered
by a Termite Guaranty Already? |
Many houses in Georgia are already under an annual
service agreement and guaranty for subterranean termites with a pest control
company like Alexander. Such a guaranty is separate from an Inspection Report
and its associated 90 day warranty. An existing guaranty may be transferable
to a new owner of the home. The Inspection Report will only show the existence
of a guaranty and whether it is transferable if the Inspection Report is provided
by the company that provides the guaranty.
If you are a Seller,
your termite guaranty is a valuable asset in marketing your
home - if you make potential Buyers aware of it.
If you are a Buyer, you
should ask if the home is under guaranty and if that guaranty
is transferable to you. No home in Georgia should be without
termite protection. |
| Can Alexander Provide
Your Inspection Report? |
| Most likely. You do not have to be a current
Alexander customer for us to perform an inspection and produce an Inspection
Report. You just need to be within our metro Atlanta service area. Whether
you are a Buyer or a Seller, just give us a call. |
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