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Buying a Virginia Home with a Septic System

By Doug Francis

Septic Tank: Illustration shows how an undergr...
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There are many Northern Virginia homes that have septic fields on the property designed to allow wastewater to be absorbed into the ground. Terminology is tricky here as a septic field is a septic system, and are also known as Wastewater Systems as defined in 2010 by the Virginia Department of Health.

So, this year the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring that the Virginia Residential Disclosure Statement (which must be given to home buyers) include a notice to the effect that it is the buyers responsibility to be satisfied that a septic wastewater system exists on the property. Then, the buyer must determine that it is the proper size, know what type of system it is, and how to maintain it.

Here is the new language from VARBuzz.com:

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: The undersigned owner(s) makes no representations with respect to the presence of any wastewater system, including the type or size thereof or associated maintenance responsibilities related thereto, located on the property and the purchaser(s) is advised to exercise whatever due diligence the purchaser(s) deems necessary to determine the presence of any wastewater system on the property, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be contained in the real estate purchase contract, but in any event, prior to settlement pursuant to that contract.

Virginia Home Buyers should plan to hire a Septic Guy

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To me, this means it will be important to get a septic guy in to evaluate a system when you have a home inspection. I’ll have to ask my plumber pal Bob Beckwith (RLB Plumbing) what he thinks about this and if he is willing to put his name on the line. Giving a septic system an evaluation is going to be a challenge since they are underground and made of sand. They literally flood the system, stab it with a stick and watch for water to emerge.

Home buyers, keep in mind that septic wastewater systems exist in McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax and Clifton homes. My suggestion will be to budget $500 to $1,000 for a septic system inspection.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: home buyer, Home Seller Tips, real estate, Wastewater

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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