The termite report your closing is waiting on

What the inspection covers

A wood-destroying organism inspection is a visual check of every accessible part of the structure: the exterior foundation and siding, the attic, the garage, interior baseboards and window sills, bathrooms, and the crawl space if the house has one. The inspector looks for live insects, mud tubes, frass, damaged or hollow-sounding wood, old treatment evidence and conditions like wood-to-soil contact or standing moisture that invite trouble later. Findings go onto Florida's official WDO inspection report form, the document the title company and lender expect to see. In Florida, WDO inspections must be performed by a state-licensed pest control operator or a licensed WDO inspector working under one, and that is who completes yours.

When you need one

The most common trigger is a real estate transaction. Buyers order a WDO report during the inspection period, VA and some conventional lenders require one before funding, and sellers in competitive Tallahassee neighborhoods sometimes order their own ahead of listing to avoid surprises. Outside of a sale, a WDO inspection is worth scheduling if you have seen swarmers in the spring, found soft spots in a sill or door frame, or bought a home whose termite history is unclear. Older homes near downtown and in Indianhead or Lafayette Park often sit on crawl spaces, which hide a lot. If you are considering a termite bond, an inspection is the first step either way.

What to expect on the day

Book online with your preferred date and the appointment appears in your Residely dashboard. Someone needs to provide access to the whole house, including the attic hatch, garage and any crawl space entry, so clear those areas beforehand. A typical single-family inspection takes an hour or two depending on size and construction. You receive the completed report, with photos of anything noted, through your dashboard, and you can forward it directly to your agent, lender or title company. The inspection carries a flat price shown before you book, and payment is collected after the inspection is finished. If the report finds activity, the next steps and a treatment quote are laid out plainly.

Questions about wdo / termite inspection

How long is a WDO inspection report in Tallahassee valid for a closing?

Many lenders and title companies ask for a report dated within a month or so of closing, but the exact window is set by the lender, so confirm it early. If your closing date slips past that window, Residely can schedule a re-inspection and issue an updated report.

What if the inspection finds termites?

The report documents what was found and where, and it is still a valid report for closing. Buyers and sellers then negotiate who handles treatment. Residely can provide a written treatment quote based on the same inspection so you have a number to work with during the negotiation rather than another delay.

Does a WDO inspection include treatment or a warranty?

No. The inspection is a documented assessment of the home's current condition. Treatment, if needed, is a separate service priced by written quote, and ongoing protection comes through a termite bond. Keeping the inspection separate means the report is an honest snapshot, not a sales pitch for work.