How does a purchaser know whether or not the home is free and clear of wood destroying organisms?
As of 2008 the purchase and sale agreement now places the responsibility of having the home inspected by a licensed pest control operator on the purchaser. Unless otherwise stated in the contract by a special stipulation or amendment the purchaser will choose the pest control operator of choice to perform an inspection on the main dwelling and attached structures. The timeframe for this inspection must be performed within the agreed upon time frame set forth in the inspection contingency period of the purchase and sale agreement. If active infestation is present or evidence of previous infestation is detemined by the inspector the seller must provide documentation evidencing correction of the same, provide satisfactory documentation to the lender indicating that there is no structural damage resulting from any previous infestation. Additional reports or inspections requested by the purchaser are paid for by the purchaser.
