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Real Estate Termite Inspections
Section 1 & Section 2 Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) reports for home buyers, sellers, agents, and escrow officers across Southern California. Fast turnaround, lender-accepted reports, and treatment clearances that keep escrow on schedule.
Request an Inspection
Flat Fee
$295
per inspection
Escrow Inspection Pricing
- Full WDO report accepted by all lenders and escrow companies
- Same-day or next-day report delivery
- $295 credited 100% toward any treatment contracted within 30 days
- We consistently find more than other inspectors — protecting buyers and keeping deals on track
What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
If You're Buying a Home
A termite inspection before buying a home is one of the most important steps in the purchase process. Many lenders — particularly FHA and VA loans — require a clean Section 1 WDO clearance before funding. Even when not required by the lender, a pre-purchase termite inspection protects you from inheriting thousands of dollars in damage or treatment costs that should be the seller's responsibility.
We'll complete the inspection and deliver your written WDO report quickly — typically within 24 hours of the inspection — so it doesn't hold up your escrow timeline.
Buying a home in Southern California — what the termite inspection covers →
If You're Selling a Home
Getting a pre-listing termite inspection is one of the smartest moves a seller can make. It eliminates surprises that could derail escrow, allows you to address issues proactively (often at lower cost than when under buyer pressure), and signals to buyers that you've maintained the property responsibly.
If active infestation is found, we can typically complete treatment and issue a Section 1 clearance within 24–72 hours, depending on the method required. We understand that time is critical in real estate transactions.
Selling a home — when to get a pre-listing termite inspection →
Section 1 vs. Section 2 — What's the Difference?
Section 1 — Active Infestation or Damage
Section 1 items are conditions where active wood-destroying organisms are present, or where there is existing damage caused by a current or recent infestation. These must be corrected and a clearance issued before most lenders will fund the loan.
Examples:
- Active drywood or subterranean termite infestation
- Active wood-boring beetle infestation
- Damage from active termite activity
- Active fungal wood decay
Section 2 — Conditions Conducive to Infestation
Section 2 items are conditions that are not yet causing active infestation but could lead to one if left unaddressed. Section 2 corrections are typically negotiated between buyer and seller — they do not automatically block loan funding, though some lenders may require them.
Examples:
- Earth-to-wood contact near the foundation
- Excessive moisture in subarea or crawlspace
- Faulty grade (soil sloping toward foundation)
- Inaccessible areas requiring further inspection
Section 1 vs Section 2 on a California WDO report — what each finding means →
WDO Reports — What Lenders & Escrow Require
A WDO (Wood Destroying Organism) report is the formal document that accompanies a termite inspection in California real estate transactions. It must be completed by a California-licensed structural pest control inspector and submitted to escrow as part of the disclosure package.
Our WDO reports document all findings, note Section 1 and Section 2 items, and include inspection diagrams. Once treatment is completed and verified, we issue a Section 1 clearance letter — the document lenders and escrow need to confirm the condition has been resolved.
WDO Inspection Report
Delivered within 24 hours of inspection in most cases.
Section 1 Clearance
Typically issued within 24–48 hours of treatment completion.
Escrow-Ready Documents
Formatted for lenders, escrow officers, and real estate agents.
Buyer's guide to termite inspections in California — timing, what to expect, and how to negotiate →
We Help Close Deals on Time
Nothing derails an escrow faster than a termite problem discovered at the last minute. We work with real estate agents, buyers, sellers, and escrow officers throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire, and Riverside County to ensure inspections, reports, treatments, and clearances move quickly and efficiently.
We understand escrow deadlines. If you have a close-of-escrow date approaching, call us directly at (714) 240-2800 and we'll prioritize your inspection and treatment to meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a termite inspection cost $295 if some companies offer free inspections?
Companies that offer free real estate termite inspections typically make up the cost through treatment markups or by bundling the inspection with repairs. Our $295 flat fee is transparent and competitive — and it's credited in full toward any treatment or repairs you book with us. For a real estate transaction, you want an inspection by a licensed operator who has no incentive to find (or not find) activity.
How quickly can we get an inspection scheduled — escrow closes in 8 days.
We schedule most inspections within 2–3 business days. For escrow-timeline situations, call (714) 240-2800 directly and we will prioritize scheduling. The written report is typically delivered within 24 hours of the inspection — same-day in most cases.
What's the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 on a California termite report?
Section 1 items are active infestations or conditions directly caused by wood-destroying organisms — active termites, active dry rot, active fungal damage. Lenders typically require Section 1 items to be cleared before close of escrow. Section 2 items are conditions that are not currently active but could lead to infestation — moisture conditions, earth-to-wood contact, evidence of prior treatment. Section 2 items are typically disclosed but not required to be corrected before close.
Can the same company do the inspection and the treatment?
Yes — and for most transactions, that's more efficient. We perform the inspection, issue the WDO report, complete Section 1 treatment if needed, and issue the clearance letter. Everything stays with one licensed operator, one report, one accountability chain. Escrow officers and lenders accept our clearance documents for all California transactions including VA and FHA.
If I get treatment, does the $295 come off the price?
Yes. The $295 inspection fee is credited toward any treatment work you proceed with through us. If you proceed with treatment, you effectively only pay the treatment cost. If you don't proceed with treatment, the $295 stands as the inspection fee.
If I do the termite work before I sell, will you provide me with the certificate of completion?
Yes. After we complete any Section 1 treatment or repair, we issue a Notice of Completion certifying the work has been done in accordance with the original WDO report. This is the document escrow, the lender, and the buyer typically require. The Notice of Completion is signed by our qualifying manager (license #PR7791) and is admissible for lender clearance.
Is the $295 inspection fee included in the treatment cost if we move forward?
Yes. If you book treatment with us within 30 days of the inspection, the $295 inspection fee is credited in full toward your treatment cost. You don't pay the $295 twice.
Why does termite treatment and repair cost so much?
Termite work involves licensed inspectors and technicians (years of training, ongoing CE requirements, state licensing), restricted-use pesticides (Termidor SC, Vikane — not available to the general public), specialized equipment (fumigation tents, heat equipment, drilling and trenching tools), permits and bonded coverage required by California law, and physical labor that often spans 1-3 days for a single job. Repair work compounds this with materials and licensed carpentry. Pricing reflects what it actually costs to do the work correctly, with documentation that holds up in escrow. We're transparent about pricing on our /pricing page — and inspections are free in our primary service area so you can get an exact quote before deciding.
How quickly will we get the written report after the inspection?
Written reports are delivered electronically within 24 hours of the inspection — same-day in most cases. Reports are formatted for electronic delivery to escrow officers, lenders, and agents.
How long is a termite inspection report valid for real estate purposes?
California termite inspection reports are typically accepted by lenders for 60–90 days from inspection date. If your escrow is delayed and the report expires, a re-inspection may be required. We can re-inspect at a reduced fee in those cases.
Do you provide the report directly to escrow?
Yes, on request. We can email the WDO report directly to the listing agent, buyer's agent, escrow officer, or lender — anyone you authorize. Most reports are delivered within 24 hours of inspection.
Questions from Real Estate Agents
Common questions from agents and brokers working with us on escrow inspections.
My seller doesn't want to pay $295 for the in-depth inspection. What are their options?
Sellers have a few legitimate options. They can negotiate the inspection cost into the sale terms (buyer pays for the inspection in lieu of other concessions). They can disclose any known termite history and let the buyer order and pay for the inspection during the buyer's inspection period. Or they can pay the $295 themselves with the understanding that if treatment is needed, the $295 credits toward the treatment cost — making it effectively free if treatment proceeds. Most experienced agents recommend the seller pay for the inspection up front so the seller controls the timing and the company performing the work, which gives them more leverage if findings come up.
Can the buyer use the inspection report to negotiate a credit instead of requiring treatment?
Yes. The WDO report documents findings for all parties. If the buyer and seller agree to a credit in lieu of treatment, the report supports that negotiation. For VA and FHA transactions, the lender typically requires Section 1 clearance (actual treatment and an NOC) — a credit alone usually does not satisfy lender requirements on government-backed loans.
Can you send the report directly to the escrow officer or do I need to forward it?
Both options work. We can deliver the report directly to the escrow officer, lender, and agent simultaneously — just provide the contact information when you schedule. If you prefer to review first and forward yourself, we'll send it to you only. We follow whatever routing you specify.
Schedule Your Real Estate Termite Inspection
Fast turnaround. Lender-accepted WDO reports. Available across Orange County, LA County, Inland Empire, and Riverside County.
Request an Inspection
Let us know it's for a real estate transaction and we'll expedite scheduling.
Are you a real estate agent or broker?
See our dedicated page for real estate professionals — agent pricing, priority scheduling, and direct agent communication.