If I never see another septic system, my life will be improved. If you want to see a real estate transaction turn into a near-brawl on the lawn of the home your buyers had callled the home of their dreams, make sure you sell them a home with a 50-year old septic system. The argument will start like this:
Buyer: We've heard nightmare stories about septic systems, and this one is really old. We just want our inspector to tell us how much it will cost to replace it.
Seller: Whoa. Who said it needs to be replaced?
Buyer: You're kidding, right? 50 years of "useage" (not his word), and you told us you haven't pumped it in 15 years? You actually think this is going to pass?
Seller: It sounds to me like you've already made up your mind. You want a new septic system??? So, I should pay for you to use the john for the next 50 years?? You should buy a new house, and you should pay a lot more money than you're paying me for this one.
Buyer: You can't sell a house unless the septic is in working condtion (no actually true in most towns).
And on and on it went. To my shock and amazement, the system passed, but the Buyer ended up walking away from the house. It turned out that the septic was the least of the home's problems. Yup, you're right --- that pesky deal-breaker, MOLD!
I knew I should have taken the Environmental Sciences when I was in college. Oh, that's right --- there was no such thing then.
Do yourself a big favor and educate yourself about the design, function and life-expectancy of septic systems. There are several kinds, and they all operate differently. If you're an educated buyer, seller, or Realtor, it can only help when you're standing face to face with an inspector who has little patience with educating you.
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