Tested and Approved

Private Well and Septic - How do you know if it's okay?

Chances are good, if you are searching for a home in a more rural or unincorporated area, the home could have a private well and septic system.

In the Northern Illinois area, the real estate contract used provides for such:

WELL AND/OR SEPTIC/SANITARY INSPECTIONS:

Seller shall obtain at Seller’s expense a well water test stating that the well delivers not less than five (5) gallons of water per minute and including a bacteria and nitrate test (and lead test for FHA loans) and/or a septic report from the applicable County Health Department, a Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner, or a licensed well and septic inspector, each dated not more than ninety (90) days prior to Closing, stating that the well and water supply and the private sanitary system are in proper operating condition with no defects noted. Seller shall remedy any defect or deficiency disclosed by said report(s) prior to Closing; provided that if the cost of remedying a defect or deficiency and the cost of landscaping together exceed $3,000.00, and if the Parties cannot reach agreement regarding payment of such additional cost,then this Contract may be terminated by either Party. Additional testing recommended by the report shall be obtained at Seller’s expense. If the report recommends additional testing after Closing, the Parties shall have the option of establishing an escrow with a mutual cost allocation for necessary repairs or replacements, or either Party may terminate this Contract prior to Closing. Seller shall deliver a copy of such evaluation(s) to Buyer not less than one (1) Business Day prior to Closing.

The seller pays for the testing to show that both systems are in proper working condition. If there is a problem, both parties need to come to an agreement or the contract may be cancelled by either party.

This clause protects both the buyer and the seller.

Jim Starwalt

Thinking of making a move? Log onto my website at www.StarHomeFinders.com and search the Multiple Listing Service from over 150,000 homes for sale. Registering is quick and easy!

Jim Starwalt, Broker Associate RE/MAX Center, Phone: 847-548-2625 Jim@StarHomeFinders.com

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