A sudden change to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website in late June left Colorado Realtors and lenders puzzled, after it appeared that termite inspections were now required for all VA home loans across the state. The confusion quickly spread online, prompting questions and concern from industry professionals.
Initially highlighted on social media on June 26, the updated guidance contradicted longstanding understanding. For years, Colorado lenders followed the VA’s website, which stated that termite inspections were only needed if an appraisal showed signs of infestation or conditions conducive to it.
VA Clarifies: The Change Was a Mistake
In response to inquiries, the VA admitted the website had been incorrectly updated.
“For a short time, VA’s website incorrectly stated termite inspections were required for VA home loans throughout the state of Colorado,” said Emma Spaulding, Public Affairs Specialist with the VA. “To be clear: the longstanding policy has been that termite inspections are only required in certain Colorado counties.”
The website has since been corrected.
Industry Reaction: Surprise, Frustration, and Concern
Many in Colorado’s real estate industry were unaware of any prior termite inspection requirements for specific counties.
Senior Loan Officer Chris Annan from Citywide Mortgage noted, “Someone stumbled over the guideline change, and it hit social media… That’s how most of us found out.”
Annan and others had followed VA website guidance for years and were surprised to learn there had been existing requirements for certain counties—if only buried in older documents.
VA Handbook and Termite Risk Map
The VA referred to its 2019 lender handbook, which includes a termite infestation probability map from the USDA. This map shows most of Colorado in a “moderate to heavy” termite risk zone, requiring inspections on the Notice of Value for homes in those areas. However, the exact county borders were difficult to interpret from the map alone.
Website History Tells a Different Story
Using the Wayback Machine, News5 confirmed that from at least January 2019 to early June 2025, the VA’s website stated that inspections were not required in Colorado unless the appraisal indicated a problem. The June 25 update appeared to reverse that, triggering widespread concern.
Real Impact: A New Hurdle for VA Buyers?
Although the VA corrected the error, Annan worries that confusion about termite inspections could put veterans at a disadvantage when competing with conventional buyers.
“If a seller sees a conventional loan and a VA loan, they might pick the conventional offer,” Annan said. “Adding a termite inspection to the VA loan could make it even less attractive.”
No Official Notification from the VA
Another point of concern: the VA never issued a circular announcing the website change—something that typically accompanies policy updates.
“There’s been no notifications from VA,” Annan added. “That’s the strange part.”
Counties in Colorado That Require Termite Inspections
As of now, termite inspections are only required in the following Colorado counties for VA home loans:
Alamosa, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Delta, Dolores, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, La Plata, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Otero, Ouray, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, Summit, Teller, Washington, Yuma.
Most counties not on this list are located in northwest Colorado and do not require termite inspections unless an appraisal reveals signs of infestation.
Other States and Their Requirements
Several states require termite inspections statewide for VA loans, including:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, and more.
Other states, like Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin, and Nevada, only require inspections in specific counties.
Colorado State University Extension has noted that termites are becoming an increasing concern in the state. Homebuyers and Realtors should remain aware of local conditions and VA policy updates.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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