Not on public sewer? Be sure to get a septic inspection...

Occasionally I help clients buy or sell property that is not hooked up to public utilities. These properties tend not to be located in urban or suburban areas, and are usually a bit more rural -- like Elverta, Rio Linda, Elk Grove or unincorporated Sacramento County or Placer County areas.

Recently I helped a buyer purchase a horse property home on acreage in Elverta, and while MLS stated that the home was on all public utilities, we observed that there were indeed septic tanks on the property.

Septic systems must be pumped and drained in order to be fully inspected. Do yourself a favor and do not stand downwind of the septic while it is being drained. It's pretty disgusting to smell.

In cases where the septic is easily accessible -- meaning that the location to the access points of the underground tanks is known, and the access points are not buried or require excavation -- pumping is approximately $350 and then the inspection itself is approximately $125.

Assuming the septic system is in good, functioning condition, having a septic company issue a "certification" may cost another $250. A certification means that the company will guarantee the system is operable for the next 2 years. Some lenders may require as a condition of funding a loan that buyers obtain a septic certification for homes not on public sewer. So if you are buying (or selling) a home on a septic system, I would be sure to budget at least $725 for a septic certification. Maybe more.

For homes on septic systems where the tanks, wells, leach lines, etc. are NOT in good condition, a certification may not be issued without repairs. This can get pretty expensive (thousands of dollars!) depending on what the issues are.

The costs of inspection, repairs, and certification are negotiable between buyer and seller.

New Listing - 5.83ac Commercial & Multi-Residential Land in Sacramento

Developers, here is the project you have been looking for. Located in a busy area hub with frontage and high visibility on Florin Road. Close to light rail station, schools, shopping, restaurants, and residential areas. Listing includes 8 parcels, 041-083-001, -002, -003, -004, and 041-086-028, -029, -030, -031; total size is approximately 5.83ac with individual lots varying from .68ac - .74ac. C2, C2-TO (Commercial), RMX, and RMX-TO (Multi-Residential) zoning. Billboard located on property brings income. Don't wait! Offered at $830,000, and recent appraisal available. For more photos and information please visit Florin Road Land 95822.

New Listing - 6 Individual residential parcels at 1432-1450 Katharine Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838

Developers, here is the project you have been looking for. Vacant land listing includes 6 contiguous parcels, 237-0164-006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011; total size is approximately 1.02ac. R-1 zoning. Located in a residential area in Sacramento that consists mostly of other single family homes. Close to public transportation. Each individual parcel is approximately .17ac. Current appraisal is available. Seller prefers to sell all six parcels together for $230,000. For more photos and information please visit 1432-1540 Katharine Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838.

New Listing - Vacant Residential Acreage in Lincoln (O Street and N Street between 6th Streets and 7th Streets)

Amazing development opportunity in well established area in the City of Lincoln in Placer County. Two large adjoining 1.2ac residential parcels in the middle of a quaint neighborhood near Lincoln High School. Short distance to shopping, restaurants, parks, and the main road through town. R-1 zoning. Neighboring properties in surrounding area are mostly residential single family homes. Per recent appraisal, the two parcels may be subdivided into 16 residential lots total. Each parcel is offered at $275,000, or $550,000 for both. For more photos and information, visit N Street in Lincoln (MLS# 15041631), and O Street in Lincoln (MLS# 15041635).

New Listing - 6564 Park Riviera Way, Sacramento, CA 95831 (Vacant Land)

This parcel is a blank canvas awaiting your dream home! Located next to Lewis Park and Genevieve Didion Elementary School in the in the Pocket / Greenhaven neighborhood, this R-1 zoned 80ft x 200ft (approx .367 acres) vacant lot has utilities on the property and is ready for your addition to the neighborhood. Don't wait! Offered at $125,000. For more information and photos, please visit 6564 Park Riviera Way, Sacramento, CA 95831.