| The National Pest Management Association recently released a new form that must be used for Real Estate Closing Inspections, form NPMA-33. This form officially started being used on January 1, 2020. There are several changes from the previous revision that went into effect, mostly regarding the requirement for termite treatments.
1. If evidence of termites is observed and live termites are observed a treatment will be recommended
2. If evidence of termites is observed, even if no live termites are observed, and there is evidence of a previous treatment a treatment will be recommended unless there is documentation to show the house is under a current termite service warranty on the structure.
3. There are a number of other changes including inaccessible areas and a disclaimer that this inspection does not include mold, mildew or noninsect wood destroying organisms.
If you are a real estate agent we reccomend the following items that may help with the smooth sale of a home in regards to the termite inspection:
1. Check with the homeowner when listing a home to see if there has been a previous treatment for active termites. If so find out when the treatment was performed and whether they have continued to maintain an annual termite service warranty.
2. If the homeowner has had a termite treatment and the home is under a warranty program with a licensed pest control company have the home owner obtain a copy of the current warranty aggreement so that it can be supplied at the closing.
3. If the homeowner is unaware if the house has had termites or previous treatments you may want to recommend having a preliminary inspection done before listing the house. This will alert you and the homeowner as to whether a treatment will be recommended before closing.
4. Talking with the homeowner before listing about these items may help, especially if it is possible the owners will move away from the area before the house is sold. Once they have moved they may not be able to find evidence of a previous treatment.
If you have any questions regarding these changes or other changes in the new form please do not hesitate to contact us.
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