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WDO inspection

An inspection for wood-destroying organisms: termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and certain fungi. The results go on a standardized form the lender may require.

Also called wood-destroying organism inspection · Inspections & appraisals · Updated September 2026

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Where this comes up: under contract

This word belongs to the under contract part of a sale. Here is what that part holds, in order.

  1. Go under contractSign the purchase agreement · Confirm earnest money is deposited
  2. Buyer's inspectionCoordinate access for the inspector · Give the inspector clear access
  3. Title workOpen title with your closing team · Review the title commitment
  4. Settle repairsDecide what you'll fix and what you'll credit · Collect contractor quotes

Your Room keeps this list for your own sale, with your dates on it.

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

A WDO report is the termite inspection on the lender's form, and it covers beetles and fungi as well. VA loans ask for one, and a finding on it usually becomes a treatment or a repair before closing.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

The WDO inspector finds evidence of wood-boring beetles in a crawlspace joist and dry rot at a sill plate. The report goes to the buyer's lender.

WDO inspection: a simple example
What the report showsWhat tends to follow
No evidenceA clear form and nothing more
Old damage, treatedA repair of the damaged wood, and the form is updated
Active infestationTreatment before closing, and often a reinspection

A WDO report is a pest inspection with a lender reading it.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That WDO means termites only. Fungus and rot count, and dry rot at a sill is the most common finding in damp climates.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What happens after you accept an offerUnder contract · the stretch of the sale this word belongs to

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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