When To Get A VA Loan Termite Inspection

Termites are small yet mighty, able to wreak havoc in and around your home. That’s why many mortgage lenders, including Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lenders, could require a termite inspection before purchasing a home. In many states where infestations are common, a termite inspection could be mandatory to acquire a VA mortgage.

If you’re using a VA home loan, understanding the process and requirements of a VA loan termite inspection can help you feel more prepared as you go through the home buying process.

Are Termite Inspections Required For VA Loans?

If you’re planning on using a VA loan to finance your new house, you may need to complete a VA loan termite inspection. Inspection requirements depend on the state and county you live in.

To determine what states and locations require termite inspections, the Department of Veterans Affairs uses the Termite Infestation Probability Map. It outlines areas of common termite infestations. Areas with heavy or moderate infestations will likely require an inspection.

When Aren’t Termite Inspections Required For VA Loans?

As previously mentioned, a few states and certain counties don’t require home buyers to conduct a termite inspection for this type of mortgage.

Additionally, with a VA Streamline refinance or IRRRL (interest rate reduction refinance loan), a homeowner isn’t required to have an inspection unless your appraiser believes there may be a pest problem.

VA Loan Termite Inspection Requirements By State

Several states are “discretionary” states, where an inspection is only required if the VA appraiser mentions an issue during the process. On top of that, the need for an inspection depends on your county or parish in certain states. The discretionary states are:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Maine
• Minnesota
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Should You Get A Termite Inspection If It’s Not Required?

Even if a termite inspection is not a requirement in your state, you don’t want tiny squatters taking up space or destroying your home. For this reason, it’s wise to conduct an inspection, so there are no surprises later on.

A termite inspection will give you peace of mind that your home is free of bugs. Even if termites are found, you can decide about moving forward with the purchase of the home or making repairs and treating the infestation before a sale.

How Do Termite Inspections For VA Loans Work?

Termite inspections for a VA loan typically are performed around the same time as your appraisal or home inspection. Let’s take a closer look at the steps your inspector will take during the process. 

Conduct An In-Depth Inspection

If you need a termite inspection as part of the process for taking out a VA loan, your independent VA appraiser will do a detailed and careful inspection for any infestation. Your professional inspector will typically look for more than just termites, checking for all critters that may cause concern to your property. These critters can include:

• Bedbugs
• Carpenter ants
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Rodents
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Termites

The inspector will also look for any damage to the wood in and around your home, such as baseboards and siding.

Offer A Complete Report Of All Findings

After the inspection is complete, the inspector will give the appraiser a detailed inspection report. Depending on your state, there may be different forms due to the climate and types of pests they look for during the inspection.

That said, there are commonalities to the reports. Each form describes a general overview of what pests the inspector found (if any), where the inspector found them and if the pests caused any damage. The inspector will recommend any treatments necessary to remedy the issues they discovered.

Provide Detailed Remedies For Damage And Pests Found

If they find damage from a previous infestation or a current infestation is present, your inspector may require a second inspection to follow up on the issue. In most instances, you must treat and resolve any problem in the report. All remedies must adhere to the VA loan guidelines.

A secondary inspection will verify everything has been taken care of and meets current living standards.

Who Pays For The VA Home Loan Termite Inspection?

The buyer, seller or lender can pay for any inspection with most home loans. Up until June 2022, the VA didn’t allow veteran home buyers to pay for their own termite inspections. This put borrowers using a VA loan to buy a home at a disadvantage since the seller was previously required to cover the inspection cost. Nowadays, a buyer can cover this cost, even if they use a VA loan.

However, that doesn’t mean the veteran or service member has to pay for the termite inspection. It's also negotiable, so it may be covered by the lender or seller, if they agree.

How Much Does A VA Termite Inspection Cost?

Usually, a termite inspection costs $50 – $280. This home inspection cost varies by the size of the home and the areas the inspector looks at. In some cases, you could receive a discount if you complete a regular home inspection with your termite inspection.

How Long Is A Termite Inspection Good For A VA Loan?

Termite inspections are good for at least 90 days. This ensures a new homeowner has plenty of time to move in and complete the closing process. 

Keep in mind this time frame is simply a VA lending requirement. Just because the inspection is good for 90 days doesn't necessarily mean the home will remain pest free during that time. 

The Bottom Line: Termite Inspections With VA Loans Vary State To State

A termite inspection helps ease your mind by ensuring no unwanted creepy crawly guests are damaging your home. While some states require a VA termite inspection to qualify for a VA mortgage, many recommend it regardless since it can give you comfort knowing your home is clean, safe and not falling apart due to pests.

The requirements for VA loan termite inspections vary from state to state. Do your research before having an inspection so you know what to expect during this process and to become familiar with the different requirements for your county or parish.

If you’re considering using this type of loan to buy a home, learn more about VA loans and how they work.