BAD SEPTIC - GOOD DEAL?

Question

Rachel Luoto · Answer

Thank you so much for your input everyone! I love that I can count on you all being smarter than me ;)

Gino Barbaro · Answer

@Rachel Luoto

Hi Rachel

Failed can meet certain things.  DO you have to replace the fields, or just some.  Do you have to expand the fields, and if so, do you have the extra land.  In NY, it is expensive and a pain to get the town and BD of Health involved once a septic field has to be repaired/replaced.  Get a professional out there ASAP and find out if you can fix and and for how much.  If you can fix the problem, then you've got a deal.

Gino

Mary Shea · Answer

I recently purchased a home with a failed septic.  I had a septic design firm come out for $250 and assess the situation and estimate the replacement costs, then used their documentation to negotiate a lower sales price.  Septic replacement starts tomorrow.

Jeff B. · Answer

We bid on a HUD Reo in Palm Springs W A Y back when in as-is condition.

Bad septic was found, but city codes required attachment to city sewer - - no big deal.

We net 14k when property was sold.

Bryan Leblanc · Answer

I've rehabbed many properties with failed septics that required a full system replacement. You can often get a good sense of the cost by researching the neighborhood.

Call or go to the board of health and ask them if any septic systems have been installed in that neighborhood recently, ideally at properties that have a similar # of bedrooms and lot size. If so, then get the name of the installer and call them. They will gladly tell you how much the system cost and may even provide more info in hopes of getting your business.

As an investor I love properties with failed septics. They sound scary which gives you great leverage when negotiating. Just make sure you do your homework first.

JD Martin · Answer

Personally, I avoid rentals on septic systems. They are sensitive and it's easy for renters to screw them up. I have one at home and I like not having the sewer bill, but I also don't use a garbage disposal, don't pour anything down the drain, go easy on the simultaneous water use, etc. Renters are not going to look after a system that way.

A failed septic system usually means failed field lines, which may be far more than you want to get into depending on your locality. The restrictions on new lines in some places almost makes it impossible to redo the system.

Jim Brown · Answer

@Rachel Luoto I would get a quote to fix it.  If the number's still work then go for it.  If they don't either ask to reduce the price or move on.

BAD SEPTIC - GOOD DEAL?

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