Do You Need a Septic Inspection Before Selling a Home?
When it comes to selling a house, there are many things to consider. Most sellers know that they need to plan for a home inspection – but many often don’t realize that a septic inspection is also necessary. While septic inspections are not typically part of the home inspection, these assessments are vital to the selling process.
If it’s time for you to sell or buy, you may be wondering: Do you need a septic inspection before selling a home? In this article, we’re going to answer this question, as well as provide many other important details about your presale septic inspections. Keep reading to learn everything that you need to know.
Are Septic Inspections Required Before Buying/Selling a House?
In many areas, presale septic inspections are not legally required. However, lenders will most often require an inspection before issuing a loan. Because of this, it’s best to plan ahead for a septic inspection so that there are no delays in the purchase.
To determine if a septic inspection is required in your area, you can refer to local regulations in your city and/or county. Some areas may require the inspection to preserve public health and environmental wellness. Either way, it’s often best to plan for a septic inspection regardless so the buyer can feel confident in the purchase.
What Can Septic Inspections Tell You?
A presale septic inspection offers valuable information about the status of your home septic system. Not only will your inspection tell you if there are any cracks, blockages, tree root infiltrations, or other concerns, but it will also tell you if the septic tank needs to be pumped. This way, you can schedule any necessary septic maintenance before selling your house so that you can bring in the highest value at closing.
Here are a few of the details that your septic inspection will cover:
- Septic tank health
- Solid waste levels in the tank
- Drain field condition
- Pipe, valve, and filter health
- Any leaks, cracks, clogs, or blockages
- Tree root infiltration
- Code compliance
Overall, a septic inspection provides a clear picture of the health of your septic system. This can help you and the buyer understand any potential repair needs, or it can help you bring in a higher value for your home by demonstrating a fully-operable system.
What Are the Benefits of a Presale Inspection?
While an inspection may not be legally required, there are many benefits to booking one. From peace of mind to higher closing value, you’ll want to plan for your septic inspection so that you can sell your house quickly and smoothly. Learn more about the benefits of a presale septic inspection below.
1. Prevent Unexpected Problems & Costs
If you’re selling a house, you don’t want to be delayed by an unexpected septic problem. By booking an inspection ahead of time, you can identify issues early and plan for necessary repairs. Otherwise, you may be looking at unforeseen costs and repairs later.
2. Instill Buyer Confidence
Buying a house is a significant investment. Buyers want to know that their purchase is protected. Therefore, if the home has a septic system, they want to know that it’s in good condition before buying. By planning ahead for an inspection, you can instill confidence in potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
3. Avoid Closing Delays
Most financial institutions require a septic inspection before they will issue a loan. Because of this, it’s best to get ahead and book a septic inspection before selling your house. This helps prevent delays due to loan denial.
4. Get the Best Price for Your House
By proving the good condition of your septic system, you can bring in a higher value for your house. You won’t have to worry about negotiations for possible septic services because you have verified the condition of the system.
5. Peace of Mind
Once the septic inspection is complete, you and the buyer can both have peace of mind. There’s no reason to worry about unexpected costs or problems, so the entire process can be simple and straightforward.
Are There Risks in Skipping the Inspection?
Without an inspection, you may run into delays in reaching closing. A septic problem may arise and need to be addressed before selling, or your buyer may need an inspection before getting a loan. You may also face unexpected costs, including septic repair or replacement.
All in all, it’s best to plan for an inspection from the start so that you don’t have to deal with any complications that prolong closing.
What Happens if a Problem is Found?
If an issue is identified during your septic inspection, then you will likely need to have it fixed before selling the home. In some cases, you can disclose the issue to potential buyers, but you will need to lower the cost of the house to accommodate necessary repairs. It’s important to note that you are required to disclose any known problems that have not yet been repaired.
Generally, it’s better for you to repair the septic problem before selling the house. This avoids any confusion or complications, and it helps you bring in a higher value for your house.
How Can You Schedule a Septic Inspection?
When it’s time to schedule your septic inspection, all you have to do is reach out to your local septic professionals. Choose an experienced and trusted team, so you know that you can trust the results. Plus, you can count on your septic crew to offer the most reliable and cost-effective repair strategies if needed.
Just call your local septic company – such as our dependable team here at FreeFlow Environmental – to book your septic inspection before selling a home.
More Questions? Call FreeFlow Environmental Today!
Do you have more questions about your septic inspection before selling a home? FreeFlow Environmental is here to help. Give us a call today to get answers and book your inspection. We’ll make sure everything is ready to go so that you can move smoothly through closing.
