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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.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.