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The Truth About
“Free” Termite Inspections
Provided by Some
Home Inspection Companies

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

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 and building inspections.  For over 35 years, Heimer Engineering has included a termite inspection with our home and building inspections, at no extra charge.  In addition you are provided you with the termite form many banks require, also at no extra charge.

Will the Bank
Accept the Termite Form?

A termite form issued by the National Pest Control 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.

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 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.

Call 800.640.8090 or use the online form 24/7 for more information.
 

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
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