The Truth About “Free” Termite Inspections
Many
home inspection companies offer "free" termite inspections. These
"free" termite inspections are not truly "free" since you must pay for
a home or building inspection to get your "free" termite inspection.
The United
States Federal Trade Commission states:
When making "free" or similar offers all the terms, conditions and obligations upon which receipt and retention of the “Free” item are contingent should be set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer so as to leave no reasonable probability that the terms of the offer might be misunderstood. (16 CFR §251.1(c)).
(The full text of the Federal Trade Commission regulations can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/free.htm.)
Under the Federal Trade Commission rules, Heimer Engineering cannot use the word "free" when describing the termite inspections included at no extra charge with the home inspections and building inspections. For 40 years, Heimer Engineering has included a termite inspection with our home inspections and building inspections, at no extra charge. In addition you are provided you with the termite form many banks require when considering a mortgage, also at no extra charge.
Will the Bank
Accept the Termite Form?
A
termite form issued by the
National
Pest Management Association is included with home inspections and
building inspections performed by Heimer Engineering. Banks generally
accept these forms if there is no evidence of
termites and there is no evidence of previous
control measures.
If there is termite evidence, control measures are necessary. If the house has already had control measures, the bank often requires that the seller transfer the termite warranty to buyer. Click here for photographs of termites
Some homes have had termite control measures, and there is no evidence of an active termite infestation. In these cases, ask the seller for the termite warranty, and have this it transferred to you. Most banks will accept this transferred termite warranty.
The question sometimes arises as to whether termites found outside the home or building constitutes termite activity that must be reported to the bank. Some banks do not require evidence of termite control measures if the termite activity is outside of the home or building. The termite activity will be reported on the termite form, and it is up to the bank mortgage underwriter to determine if termite control measures are necessary.
To
setup an appointment with Heimer Engineering PC for a home inspection, building inspection, condominium inspection,
coop inspection, or Professional Engineering consultation, to find out about other
Professional Engineering
services offered, or for more information, call us anytime at 718.544.3000,
212.563.4777, 516.487.2100, 631.858.5500, 914.576.6100, 845.638.4900, or 800.605.1500
or you can click here to contact us 24/7
using the online form.
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This web site is best viewed with at least Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2.0. Other web browsers may not display this web site properly. Heimer Engineering's licensed Professional Engineers are ready to serve your home inspection, building inspection, coop inspection, and condominium inspection needs. All Heimer Engineering's licensed Home Inspectors are also licensed Professional Engineers. HEIMER®, HEIMER INSPECTIONS®, FOR A GOOD LOOK®, WE LOOK GOOD®, and HEI-LITE® are registered trademarks of Heimer Engineering PC. Heimer Engineering is not an environmental testing company, and does not inspect or test for any environmental hazard. All inspections are performed only after the client signs an appropriate agreement. Click here to download an agreement. The use of this web site is governed by our Terms of Use.
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This page
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