If you're buying a house for the first time, you're going to learn about the need for a termite inspection. Termites are virtually invisible, they are silent, and have the ability to cause significant damage to a property if left unchecked.

If you've ever seen one of those huge circuslike tents that cover a house, you can bet the house is being bombed for termites. Unless you live in Alaska, where it's too cold for termites, there are probably termites near the home that you're buying.

Termites cost about $50 billion in damage each year in the United States, so if you're buying a home, it's in your best interests to have the home inspected for termites before you close escrow.

In fact, if you're getting a home loan, there is a strong possibility that your lender won't fund the loan without a termite inspection as well as a general home inspection.

Who pays for the termite inspection?

Typically, it is the buyer who pays for the termite inspection, but it's worth the expense. In the residential real estate market, usually home purchase agreements are contingent upon the results of a home inspection and a termite inspection.

The purpose of a termite inspection is to forewarn the buyers of any hidden termite issues. That said, here are some facts about termites that homebuyers need to know:

• Termites don't leave much evidence because they eat wood from the inside out. Since the warning signs of termite damage is hard to recognize, it takes a professional to recognize them.
• A large termite colony can cause significant structural damage, which a buyer may not want to hassle with. However, just because there are termites, it does not mean the house has sustained a lot of damage, especially if it's a recent infestation. An expert will be able to tell.
• Termite inspectors know how to find more than just termites: they can also identify other critters that feast on wood.

For more information about termite inspections, contact a qualified real estate attorney.