Termite Inspections in North Bay Real Estate Escrow

The Role of the WDO Report in Escrow

In the vast majority of North Bay real estate transactions involving a mortgage, the lender requires a clear Structural Pest Control report — showing no active termite or wood-decay activity (Section 1) — as a condition of funding. This requirement makes the WDO inspection a critical path item in escrow: if it is ordered late, if Section 1 items require treatment that takes time, or if repairs require contractor scheduling, the WDO process can directly delay close.

Recommended Escrow Timeline for WDO

For a smooth escrow process:

• Order the WDO inspection within the first 5–7 days after acceptance — do not wait until late in the contingency period
• Allow 1–3 days for the inspection and report delivery
• If Section 1 items are found, allow 5–14 days for treatment scheduling, treatment, and clearance report issuance
• If structural repair is required (as part of Section 1 correction), allow an additional 1–3 weeks depending on scope
• Have the WDO clearance report in hand at least 5 business days before the scheduled close of escrow

Pre-Listing Inspections — The Seller\'s Advantage

Sellers who complete a WDO inspection before listing gain significant advantages: they know the property\'s pest status before negotiating with buyers; they can address Section 1 items at their own pace and with their preferred contractor before buyer scrutiny; they can use a clean report as a marketing point; and they avoid the disruption of a buyer-ordered inspection finding unexpected issues mid-escrow. In the North Bay\'s competitive real estate market, pre-listing WDO inspections are increasingly standard.

What a Clearance Report Is and When You Need One

A clearance report (sometimes called a completion notice or Section 1 clearance) is issued by the licensed inspector after Section 1 items have been treated or repaired — it confirms that the work described in the original WDO report has been completed and that the active infestation conditions previously found are resolved. Most North Bay lenders require both the original WDO report and the clearance report before funding. Clearance reports are issued by the same company that performed the original inspection, typically after a re-inspection visit.

How Redwood Empire Works With Realtors and Escrow Officers

Redwood Empire has extensive experience working within the timelines and documentation requirements of North Bay real estate transactions. We provide: same-day reports in most cases; direct communication with realtors and escrow officers; written cost estimates for all Section 1 findings within 24 hours of inspection; fast-track scheduling for treatment when escrow timelines are tight; clearance reports issued promptly after completed work; and in-house structural repair capability that eliminates the need for a separate contractor, saving time in the escrow process.

Frequently Asked Questions