Selling Property With A Septic System

When you’re selling property with a conventional septic system, there are steps to take before you list. Don’t assume that every prospective buyer will be familiar with septic systems. Many people move here from more urban locations, and will need detailed information about your system and how to maintain it.

In Henderson County, a septic system must be approved and permitted by the Environmental Health Department before a house can be built. Since 1980, the County has mapped septic systems, and your REALTOR® can obtain a map to include with your marketing materials. In order to be approved, the system must be large enough to handle the desired number of bedrooms, and there must be enough property to create a properly sized repair field, in case the system fails and must be replaced. If you made any additions to the house that affected the capacity of the septic system, were they permitted? If not, you need to correct the situation before you list.

It’s crucial to have accurate information on your MLS listing. The number of bedrooms advertised must agree with the septic system capacity.  The description of rooms that can’t qualify as bedrooms because of the septic permit, must be worded carefully.

Identify the location of the septic tank and its drain field, and disclose when it was last cleaned. Attach a copy of the receipt, if you can. If it’s been more than five years, have it cleaned and inspected for size and condition before you list. Mark your yard to identify the location of the access port on the septic tank, and show the location to your REALTOR®. If you can’t get a mapped permit, the tank can be located by a septic system professional.

Marketing Materials to Provide

• Map of the property identifying the location of the septic tank, access port and drain field.
•  Copy of the permit, if you made changes that affected the capacity of the system.
• Copy of the receipt from the last time the system was cleaned.
• The “Septic Systems Owner’s Guide” from the NC Department of Environmental Health.
  

By documenting the details of your system and including them with your marketing materials, you’ll be prepared for questions from buyers and their REALTOR®s.

Smart Selling Tip:
When you sell property with a septic system, be certain it’s operating properly and provide detailed information with your marketing materials.