If you are buying or selling a home in South Carolina, there is a good chance the term "CL-100" will appear in your paperwork before you reach the closing table. For many buyers and sellers, it is an unfamiliar phrase that arrives at an already busy moment. The good news is that a CL-100 report is a routine, well-understood part of real estate transactions in our state, and knowing what to expect makes the whole process smoother.
A CL-100 report in South Carolina documents whether wood-destroying organisms are present in a home and notes any visible evidence. Along the coast, from Myrtle Beach to Little River, lenders and buyers rely on these reports to protect their interests in a region where the warm, humid climate keeps termite pressure high year-round. This guide explains what a CL-100 is, why it matters, and how the inspection works for a home sale in SC.
Quick Summary
- A CL-100 report is South Carolina's standard Wood-Destroying Insect Report, used to document the presence or absence of wood-destroying organisms in a home.
- It is the SC counterpart to the WDIR used in North Carolina.
- Most lenders require a current CL-100 before closing, and many sellers order one before listing.
- The report covers subterranean termites and other wood-destroying insects, along with conditions that invite infestation.
- McDuffie Pest Control provides CL-100 inspections across northeastern SC, including Horry County, Myrtle Beach, and Little River.
What Is a CL-100 Report?
A CL-100 is the standardized document South Carolina uses to record the results of a wood-destroying organism inspection on a property. A licensed inspector visually examines the home, then documents the findings on the official form. That completed report becomes part of the transaction paperwork that buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders rely on.
In everyday conversation, people use several names for the same thing: a CL-100, a wood destroying insect report SC, or simply a "termite letter." Whatever the label, the purpose is consistent. The report gives everyone involved in a home sale a clear, official record of the property's condition with respect to wood-destroying pests.
The CL-100 is the South Carolina equivalent of the WDIR used across the state line in North Carolina. The two reports follow similar inspection and documentation standards. Because our service area straddles the NC and SC line, McDuffie Pest Control routinely provides both, so a transaction on either side of the border is covered. You can read more about the North Carolina version on our WDIR service page.
Why You Need a CL-100 for a Home Sale
The most common reason a CL-100 enters the picture is that the mortgage lender requires it. Lenders want confidence that the home securing their loan is not being actively infested by termites or other wood-destroying organisms. A current CL-100 provides that confidence and helps keep the loan approval on schedule.
There are several situations in a South Carolina real estate transaction where a CL-100 comes into play:
- Home buyers usually need a CL-100 because the lender requires it before closing. The report protects your investment by confirming the property is free of active infestation, or by identifying issues to resolve before the sale becomes final.
- Home sellers often order a CL-100 before listing. A clean report reassures buyers and their lenders, and if an issue is found, you have time to address it on your own schedule rather than under closing pressure.
- Refinancing homeowners may be asked for a current report as a condition of the new loan.
Certain loan programs are especially likely to require a termite inspection home sale SC document. Buyers using government-backed financing frequently encounter the CL-100 requirement, and it is common enough in coastal markets that experienced agents build it into their timelines from the start.
What the CL-100 Inspection Covers
During a CL-100 inspection, the technician conducts a visual examination of all accessible areas of the property. The focus is on the wood-destroying organisms most relevant to South Carolina homes, with subterranean termites at the top of the list. The inspection looks for evidence of:
- Subterranean termites
- Other wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles, and wood borers
- Visible evidence on structural wood, framing, subflooring, and trim
Just as important, the inspection notes conditions that make a home vulnerable to future problems. In our coastal climate, that often means moisture: damp crawl spaces, poor drainage, and wood-to-soil contact all create the humidity that subterranean termites depend on. Identifying these conditions early helps a homeowner protect the property well beyond the transaction itself.
The technician examines the areas where activity tends to show up first, including the crawl space, the interior, and the exterior. Any areas that are obstructed or inaccessible at the time of the inspection are noted on the report, which keeps the documentation accurate and transparent.
How the CL-100 Process Works
Knowing the sequence ahead of time takes the pressure off. A typical CL-100 follows a clear path from request to closing:
- Schedule the inspection. Contact a licensed provider and share your closing or refinance timeline so the visit can be planned to fit.
- Complete the inspection. A technician performs a visual examination of all accessible areas of the home, including the crawl space, interior, and exterior.
- Document the findings. The results are recorded on the official CL-100 form, including any evidence of wood-destroying organisms, conducive conditions, and any inaccessible areas.
- Deliver the report. The completed report is provided to you and shared with your lender or agent as needed so the transaction can move forward.
- Address any findings. If issues are documented, treatment options are discussed. In many sales, treatment is negotiated between buyer and seller as part of the closing.
The priority throughout is keeping your transaction on track. When timing is tight, as it often is in a competitive coastal market, working with a provider who understands the urgency of closing makes a meaningful difference.
CL-100 in Horry County and the Grand Strand
Northeastern South Carolina is a busy real estate market, and it is also high-pressure territory for termites. The same warm, humid coastal climate that draws buyers to Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Little River also creates ideal conditions for subterranean termites and the moisture issues that attract them. That combination is exactly why a CL-100 Horry County SC requirement is such a routine part of transactions here.
Vacation homes, primary residences, and rental properties all benefit from a thorough inspection. Coastal properties in particular face steady moisture exposure, which means a CL-100 is not just a box to check for the lender. It is a genuine opportunity to confirm the home is sound before money changes hands.
McDuffie Pest Control has protected homes across this region since 1964, and our team includes an Associate Certified Entomologist. We provide CL-100 inspections for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders throughout northeastern SC, with technicians based in the Myrtle Beach area for responsive service along the Grand Strand. If the inspection turns up active termites, our termite control page explains the liquid treatment and Sentricon bait system options available to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CL-100 and a WDIR?
They serve the same purpose. CL-100 is the term used in South Carolina, while WDIR is used in North Carolina. Both document the presence or absence of wood-destroying organisms in a home and follow similar inspection and documentation standards. McDuffie Pest Control provides both across our service area.
How long does a CL-100 inspection take?
Most inspections take roughly 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size and accessibility of the property. The technician examines all accessible areas, including the crawl space, interior, and exterior.
What happens if wood-destroying organisms are found?
The report documents the findings in detail, including their location and any visible evidence. From there, treatment options can be discussed. In many real estate transactions, treatment is negotiated between the buyer and the seller as part of the closing.
Who orders and pays for the CL-100?
This varies by transaction and is typically spelled out in the purchase agreement. In some sales the buyer arranges it, while in others the seller provides a report before listing. Your real estate agent can explain how it is usually handled in your area.
Is a CL-100 required for every home sale in South Carolina?
Not in every single case, but it is required often enough to be considered standard, especially when the buyer is financing the purchase. Many lenders require a current report before closing, and a number of loan programs make it a routine condition.
Schedule Your CL-100 with Confidence
A CL-100 report does not need to be a source of stress in your South Carolina home sale. When you understand what it covers and schedule it early, the report becomes one more completed step on the way to a smooth closing. The key is working with an experienced, licensed provider who knows the coastal market and respects your timeline.
If you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home in northeastern South Carolina, McDuffie Pest Control can provide the CL-100 you need. Contact us to schedule your inspection, and we will deliver the documentation required to move your transaction forward with confidence.
