~Why You Need a Country Property Expert To Buy or Sell Sonoma Country Property~
When you know a fantastic real estate agent---someone you've worked with and trust---you want that agent to represent you in your future real estate business dealings, too. Generally, this is a perfect partnership for both the client and the agent. That is, unless the agent lacks important knowledge and experience when it comes to the many facets of Sonoma country property.
Case in point: One of my listings was purchased about ten years ago by a lovely couple who knew nothing about septic systems. In Sonoma County, septic systems dictate what you can and cannot do with your country property. The county has "re-utilization" policies that limit the amount of remodeling you can do and dictate whether you can add more bedrooms to homes that are served by septic systems. Buyers are often annoyed by these limitations. However, they exist to prevent the contamination of ground water .
The sellers were blown away when they heard the results of the buyers' inspection of their septic system. As it turned out, the septic tank was cracked and needed replacement. They had not ordered an inspection when they purchased the home, they had never had the tank pumped while they lived there, and they didn't even know where the septic tank was located on their property. The tank replacement is costing my sellers over $6000.
If the agent that represented them when they bought the property had advised them to have the system inspected they might not be facing this expense, the hassle of lining up the contractor for the work, and the permitting process at the county. If you are buying or selling a country property, you need an agent who knows about septic systems and other issues like wells, soils, zoning, easements, and setbacks.
Ask your wonderful agent if they are familiar with these issues and if they are not, tell them you want them to refer you to an experienced country property Realtor who can provide you with the expertise that you need in order to make educated decisions. Your agent will receive a nice referral fee and you will avoid unpleasant---and expensive---surprises after you close escrow on your Sonoma country home.
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