Selling a home in Arizona comes with a long list of details — cleaning, small repairs, and stacks of paperwork. But one item that often surprises sellers is the termite inspection. While it’s not always legally required, termite inspections have become a smart and almost standard step for Arizona home buyers and sellers are often responsible for the cost of treating any damage that may be found.
Why Termite Inspections Matter in Arizona
Arizona sits over one of the most active subterranean termite zones in the country. These insects work quietly underground, eating through wood long before there are visible signs of damage. Many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late — and repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
Scheduling a professional termite inspection before your home goes on the market helps uncover any hidden activity early. That means you can stay in control of both your timeline and your asking price, instead of dealing with unexpected setbacks during escrow.
Are Termite Inspections Required Before Selling?
In Arizona, a termite inspection is not required by state law, however, an inspection is often required by a mortgage lender.
- VA loans require a termite inspection for all homes in moderate to high termite-risk zones — which includes most of Arizona.
- Conventional and FHA lenders often require a Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR) before releasing funds.
- Buyers commonly request an inspection as part of due diligence to make sure the home is free from active or past infestations.
What Happens During a Termite Inspection
If you’ve never had a termite inspection before, the process is quick and straightforward. A licensed professional from Conquistador Pest & Termite will check both the inside and outside of your home, focusing on areas where termites are most likely to hide.
- Baseboards, window sills, and door frames for small cracks or hollow spots
- Attics, garages, and crawl spaces for termite tunnels or discarded wings
- The foundation, patios, and perimeter for mud tubes or wood-to-soil contact
The inspection usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll receive a detailed report explaining what was found and whether any treatment is needed.
What Is a WDIIR and Why It Matters
A Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR) documents any signs of termite activity or conditions that could attract termites in the future. Licensed professionals like Conquistador Pest & Termite complete these reports following strict state guidelines.
The report includes:
- Evidence of termites or damage
- Areas that need repair or preventive treatment
- Conditions that could lead to infestations, such as moisture or soil contact
For sellers, a WDIIR is more than just a form — it’s proof that your home has been professionally inspected and cleared of structural threats. It can make the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.
Who Pays for the Termite Inspection and Repairs?
In Arizona, the buyer usually pays for the termite inspection and future treatments, however the seller is usually required to pay for any damage found. The inspection itself typically costs between $75 and $125, while treatment costs vary depending on the size of the home and level of infestation.
While it’s an extra expense, it’s an investment that helps protect your sale. Addressing termite issues early can prevent lower offers, last-minute negotiations, or disputes after closing.
The Financial Risk of Skipping a Termite Inspection
Skipping a termite inspection may save a little money upfront, but it can lead to much bigger costs later:
- Expensive repairs: Termite damage can spread fast, and most home insurance policies don’t cover it.
- Lower resale value: Even minor termite damage can reduce your home’s value by as much as 20%.
- Financing issues: Appraisers or lenders may delay or deny funding until the home is cleared.
- Legal risks: Sellers who fail to disclose termite damage could face lawsuits after the sale.
In short, scheduling a termite inspection before listing your home can eliminate any surprises after a buyer’s inspection.
How a Termite Inspection Helps Sell Your Home Faster
A pre-sale termite inspection is one of the simplest ways to make your home more appealing to buyers. Here’s how it helps:
- Builds buyer confidence: A clean inspection report reassures buyers that your home is safe and well-maintained.
- Reduces negotiation pressure: If there’s an issue, you can handle it on your own terms instead of rushing during closing.
- Speeds up the process: Having a recent inspection and WDIIR ready keeps lenders, agents, and buyers on track.
- Improves your reputation as a seller: Transparency shows responsibility and builds trust with buyers and agents alike.
Many Arizona real estate agents now recommend ordering termite inspections before listing. Homes with documented pest protection often attract more offers and close faster.
Termite Prevention in Tucson’s Desert Climate
Tucson’s warm, dry weather may not seem like termite territory, but subterranean termites thrive here. They build hidden tunnels underground where moisture collects after monsoon rains or irrigation. Even small leaks or shaded soil near the foundation can invite them in.
That’s why year-round protection — not just one-time treatment — is so important for homes in Southern Arizona.
Selling Power Through Proactive Protection: The Sentricon Advantage
For Tucson homeowners, taking a proactive stance against termites adds real value — and that protection starts before problems ever begin. Installing a Sentricon Termite Baiting System can make your home even more attractive to buyers — and may even increase its market value.
Unlike liquid treatments, Sentricon uses a continuous baiting system that eliminates the colony and keeps protecting your home long-term.
A maintained Sentricon system offers clear benefits for sellers:
- Shows proactive care: It proves you’ve taken steps to protect your home investment.
- Adds transferable value: The system’s warranty can be transferred to the buyer.
- Builds buyer and lender confidence: Continuous monitoring offers reassurance during inspection and appraisal.
Including Sentricon in your termite protection plan highlights your diligence and helps your property stand out in Tucson’s competitive real estate market.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment and Your Sale
While Arizona doesn’t require sellers or buyers to get a termite inspection, most lenders expect it. A professional inspection and WDIIR from Conquistador Pest & Termite does more than meet requirements — it protects your investment, builds buyer trust, and helps you sell faster.
Pair that with the long-term protection of a Sentricon Termite Baiting System, and you can confidently market your home as protected, maintained, and ready to sell for full value.
👉 Call us today at (520) 624-5901 to schedule your FREE home inspection.
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