Do You Need a Termite Inspection to Buy in Illinois?

When is it required?

FHA and VA loans commonly require a WDI report as a condition of the loan, particularly in areas with known termite activity, which includes northern Illinois. Conventional lenders may request one too, and buyers frequently order one for peace of mind on an older home. Your lender or real estate agent confirms whether it is a requirement for your specific transaction.

Even when it is not required, a WDI inspection is inexpensive insurance against buying a home with hidden termite damage.

What does the report cover?

A WDI inspection documents visible evidence of termites and other wood-destroying insects — active or past — plus the conducive conditions that invite them, such as wood-to-soil contact, moisture and poor drainage. The findings go on the standard report form that the lender and title company expect.

The inspection covers accessible areas; it is not a destructive teardown, so it reports what can be seen and reached. A clear report gives the lender what it needs; findings of activity usually lead to treatment before closing.

Who pays, and when should you book?

Who pays varies by loan type and the purchase contract. VA loans, for example, often restrict the buyer from paying for the WDI inspection, which can shift the cost to the seller. The contract and loan terms set this, so confirm it early.

Timing matters: book the inspection early in the closing process so a fixed closing date is not delayed waiting on the report or on any treatment the report triggers.

What if the report finds termites?

A finding is not a deal-breaker. It typically means treatment is arranged — often as a condition of the sale — and sometimes a re-inspection confirms the home is clear. Knowing before you close lets you negotiate who handles the treatment rather than discovering the problem after you own it.