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Oakton, VA | My Buyer Agent tip of the week… oil tanks

By Doug Francis

Oil Tank Removal.
Image by Here in Van Nuys via Flickr

I was showing some homes today in Oakton, Virginia that were built in the mid 1970’s and commented to my client, as I always do, that a home had been converted to natural gas heat. In the 1970’s there was a moratorium regarding laying new natural gas pipelines in Fairfax County, VA and I always share that story. The point of this post isn’t if this is a true story or not, because I have heard it for years so I will refer to it when discussing heating systems in the area using natural gas, electricity, geothermal or heating oil.

Oakton is one of those sections of Fairfax County where suburban sprawl comes to an abrupt halt and the woods return. The fact that most of Oakton does not have a public sewer system, but individual septic systems, quickly limits what could and can be built. And that is a key part of Oakton’s appeal: a wooded countryside yet minutes to Tyson’s Corner, Reston, Dulles or the Vienna Metro Rail to D.C. My clients who live there were drawn by the “country-feel” of the place.

Many of the homes built in Oakton, VA in the 1970’s were heated using heating oil. Tanker trucks still come through the neighborhoods filling up tanks located either in basements or buried underground in the yard.

Here is the important issue: what condition is that underground oil tank in?

Tanks in a home’s basement can be easily inspected for leaks or sludge, and cut up and removed from the property if necessary in a short time.

GeoprobeBut the underground oil tank really requires some investigation by an environmental engineering firm. Having the proper paperwork from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is essential because when you buy the house then you become a responsible party if there is a future leak contaminating the soil. John Pollard of Pollard Environmental, LLC uses a “Geoprobe” to test the ground for contamination by taking soil samples around the underground tank and testing for oil residue.

Having an environmental testing contingency is not a part of the Regional Sales Contract, but most builders who buy older homes as tear-downs always include a “feasibility study” period where they can do environmental testing so they don’t get stuck buying a potential Superfund site. I always ask, “if there is any paperwork available?” It is not rude and is actually quite a reasonable request. If nothing is on hand, then adding a short testing period contingency can go into paragraph 34 of the Regional Sales Contract.

I always look at home inspections as money well spent since buyers typically learn a ton about the house and can plan for future replacements. And having an inspection by an EPA certified environmental engineer when there is an existing or abandon fuel oil tank is money well spent too because if there needs to be a renegotiation then it should happen now, and not in court years from now. And that is another example why working with an experienced buyer agent (like me) is critical when buying the right house.

For more of my Buyer Agent thoughts, use the buyer agent tab below.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, Oakton, real estate

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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