Can Septic Problems Delay a Home Sale?
Can Septic Problems Delay a Home Sale?
Why Septic Systems Matter in Real Estate
Your septic system is a hidden but critical part of your property value. If you’re looking to sell your house, a buyer is more than likely going to want proof that the septic system works, because nobody wants to deal with surprise sewage backups.
Added to that, lenders will also often require a septic inspection. A failed or an undocumented system is always a red flag that can literally prevent you from closing on a deal. Read on for a closer look into how septic problems when selling a house can delay a sale.
Common Septic Problems That Affect a Home Sale
If you’re experiencing any of the following septic problems when selling a house, you likely need to schedule a septic inspection:
Full or Overflowing Tank
The signs of a full or overflowing tank consist of sewage odors in your yard, slow drains, and gurgling toilets. If a buyer notices any of these issues, they’ll assume that you haven’t had a recent septic inspection and that there’s the potential for system failure. You can treat this by getting it pumped, but if you don’t stay on top of your septic inspections, larger issues could be found.
Failing Drain Field
Standing water in your yard or lush, unnaturally green patches above the drain field are all symptoms of a failing drain field. If the soil is saturated, there’s no way for the wastewater to soak in, so the system can’t function. This requires quite a costly fix, so if you’re experiencing this septic problem when selling your house, negotiations could stall.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree root intrusion can signal problems for your septic system. The roots can crack or block the pipes, preventing the water from flowing properly. A simple septic inspection will confirm the course of treatment, but it often requires excavation to repair. We recommend you get this fixed before you put your house on the market, as buyers could walk away due to the unknown costs involved in fixing the issue.
Structural Damage to Tank
A septic inspection can tell you if there is any structural damage to the tank. They’ll check for cracked tank walls, broken lids, and corrosion. It’s crucial that they cover this in the septic inspection because a damaged tank could collapse, which is a huge safety hazard.
How Septic Problems Delay a Home Sale
Failed Septic Inspection
Septic problems when selling a house, that come up after the buyer’s inspector has found failure, often mean that the buyer’s loan won’t be approved until repairs are complete. There’s no doubt about it: septic problems can significantly delay a home sale.
Negotiation Delays
If you’re experiencing septic problems when selling a house, the buyer will likely demand that you fix the issue before closing. If you negotiate by counteroffering a reduced price, or credit, the weeks of back and forth involved can push the closing date way back.
Financing Issues
Lenders often require a functioning septic system; a non-functional system will likely mean that the loan is denied. Cash buyers can be more lenient about this, but most buyers do rely on financing. Organizing a timely septic inspection before putting your house on the market ensures its in good working order– and helps prevent these lengthy delays.
Financial Impact of Septic Problems During a Sale
Repair and Replacement Costs
Depending on the results of your septic inspection, you’re looking at several different financial scenarios. Pumping can cost a few hundred dollars; a tank replacement can run from $5,000- $10,00; a full drain field replacement can cost from $15,000-$25,000.
Price Reductions and Credits
If you don’t fix these issues prior to putting your house on the market, a buyer will likely insist on the respective amount of money being taken off the asking price. So, if you have septic problems when selling a house, you should be prepared to accept a lower offer to close the deal.
How a Septic Inspection Helps Prevent Delays
Identifies Problems Early
Organizing a septic inspection before you list your home helps to identify– and take care of– any problems early. You’re also ready to go with your report should your buyer request it, and you have the opportunity to either fix the issue or to disclose it upfront to prevent further delay.
Builds Buyer Confidence
Buyers will often see documentation proving you have had a septic inspection as a reassurance that your system is functional. This can help color their perspective on your entire home for the better, reducing hesitation and ensuring a smoother negotiation.
Smoother Financing and Closing
Lenders often require septic inspection reports, so having yours on hand and ready can speed up that process for both buyers and sellers.
Protects Seller Legally
Disclosure laws in a lot of states require known septic conditions. If you fail to disclose the condition of your septic system, you could be legally liable later on.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Septic Problems Stall Your Sale
Septic problems when selling a house can significantly delay or derail your home sale. Don’t let that happen. Get ahead of the game and organize your septic inspection prior to listing your home in order to expedite the process of selling. An early septic inspection also allows you to identify problems early and take care of them accordingly, allowing you to put your house on the market for the price you’re actually looking for.
If you’d like to book your septic inspection today, our team at FreeFlow Environmental can help! Our licensed and insured team can help identify any problems and ensure that the system is in good working order. If you do have any issues, then we can help you fix them quickly and safely. Call us today to get your septic inspection estimate!
