Termite Bonds 101 For Atlanta Homeowners

Termites are a fact of life in Atlanta’s warm, humid climate, and that makes termite bonds more than a line item on a closing sheet. You want to protect your biggest asset and avoid surprises when it is time to sell or refinance. In this guide, you’ll learn what termite bonds cover, how Georgia’s rules work, what they typically cost, and how to handle them during a sale. Let’s dive in.

Termite bond basics in Atlanta

A termite bond is a written service agreement with a licensed pest-control company that typically includes scheduled inspections and retreatment if activity is found during the contract period. Some plans also offer repair coverage for termite damage. It is different from the state’s official inspection report used in real-estate deals. You can read a clear overview of how bonds work from a local provider’s explanation of termite warranties and bonds (Inspect All Services).

Atlanta homeowners face ongoing risk because Georgia’s climate supports subterranean and drywood termites, which is why many properties use ongoing protection plans. Cost and treatment type vary by infestation and property size (Fixr’s Georgia overview).

Georgia rules you should know

Georgia uses the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, often called the WIIR or termite letter, during real-estate transfers. It must be issued by a pest-control operator certified in wood-destroying organisms, and the form’s scope and wording are set by state rule (Georgia Administrative Code, Chapter 620-6).

The WIIR has a state-backed 90-day treatment guarantee if the structure was certified apparently free of covered organisms at the time of inspection. That guarantee requires the issuing company to treat if an infestation is found within 90 days, subject to treatment standards.

Georgia also requires pest-control contracts to spell out key terms. Contracts must state whether the plan offers retreatment only or retreatment plus repair, list the contract period, renewal terms and fees, inspection intervals, and include required disclosures. You also have a three-day cancellation right before work begins.

What plans typically cover

• Regular inspections, usually annual, to maintain active coverage.
• Free retreatment during the contract term when activity is found. Many providers advertise retreatment as a standard feature in Atlanta-area programs (Massey Services Atlanta).
• Optional repair coverage for structural damage. This is often an add-on with limits, waiting periods, and documentation requirements. Terms vary widely, so read the actual contract (overview of repair guarantees and limits).
• Transferability to a buyer, sometimes with a small transfer fee. Transfer rules should be in the contract, and transfer status appears on the WIIR.
• Renewal terms and fees that keep the warranty active. Contracts must disclose fees and how long renewal rates remain fixed.

Common exclusions to watch

• Conditions that are conducive to infestation, like wood-to-soil contact or debris under the home, often limit repair claims until corrected.
• Pre-existing damage, inaccessible areas, or changes made without notice can be excluded.
• Some plans cover only subterranean termites. Drywood termites or wood-boring beetles may not be included unless stated in the contract. Georgia’s rules require clarity on which organisms are covered (Georgia Administrative Code).

Costs and timing in Atlanta

• WIIR inspection: Often 75 to 200 dollars in Georgia, with urban areas like Atlanta at the higher end. Some companies waive the fee if treatment follows (Fixr Georgia costs).
• Initial treatment: Averages can range from a few hundred dollars into the low thousands depending on method and severity. Fixr’s Georgia figures commonly show 305 to 1,200 dollars for many treatments, with higher costs for severe cases.
• Bond start and annual renewals: Program starts vary widely based on the property and whether repair coverage is included. Renewals are commonly in the low hundreds per year.

For closings, lenders often want a current WIIR, and many pros aim for a report dated within 30 to 90 days of closing. Some lenders insist on 30 days, others accept 90. Ask your loan officer early to avoid delays (local lender timing norms). Loan programs like VA or FHA may require termite clearance in higher-risk areas, so always follow lender instructions (loan program variability).

How bonds interact with a sale

If you are selling

• Consider a pre-listing WIIR to surface issues early. If treatment is needed, complete it and keep all documentation and bond paperwork ready for buyers and lenders (pre-listing WIIR guidance).
• A transferable bond can reassure buyers. Ask your provider for the exact contract and the transfer process, including any fees.

If you are buying

• Request the WIIR and proof of any treatment. Verify whether the seller’s bond is transferable and what it actually covers.
• Do not assume a transferred bond replaces lender-required inspections. Your lender or appraiser may still require a current WIIR before funding (loan inspection realities).

Quick contract checklist

Before you sign a bond or accept a transfer, confirm these items in writing:

• Coverage type: retreatment only or retreatment plus repair. Know the limits and any waiting period.
• Organisms covered: subterranean termites only, or also drywood termites and wood-boring beetles.
• Renewal terms: renewal fee, inspection interval, and how long renewal rates are fixed.
• Transfer rules: is it transferable to a buyer, how much is the fee, and what is the timing during escrow.
• Repair caps and claims: dollar limits, required proof, and how repairs are handled.
• Conditions and owner duties: items that could void or limit coverage, such as removing bait stations or leaving wood-to-soil contact.

Work with a local advocate

A good termite strategy protects your equity and prevents closing-day stress. If you are buying or selling in South Fulton or nearby Fulton County neighborhoods, you do not have to navigate WIIR timing, contract details, or transfer steps alone. The right plan can strengthen your listing and give a buyer confidence.

Have questions about how termite bonds fit into your move, financing, or sale prep? Connect with the team at The Maxwell Haus Residential Agency for broker-led guidance, smart preparation, and a smoother path to the closing table.

FAQs

Is a termite bond required to sell a house in Georgia?

• No. Georgia does not require a bond to sell, but lenders or contracts often require a current WIIR and any needed treatment before closing.

What is the Georgia WIIR and how long is it valid?

• The WIIR is the state’s official wood infestation report for real-estate transfers, and it carries a 90-day treatment guarantee when the home was certified apparently free at inspection.

How much does a termite bond cost in Atlanta?

• Costs vary with your home and coverage. Expect program starts from the hundreds into the low thousands and annual renewals commonly in the low hundreds.

If a seller transfers a bond, do I still need a lender inspection?

• Often yes. A transferred bond does not replace lender or appraiser requirements. Many loans still need a current WIIR.

What should I ask before signing a termite bond?

• Ask what organisms are covered, whether repairs are included, renewal fees and intervals, transfer steps and costs, coverage limits, and what conditions could limit claims.