Septic tank troubles

[Christopher J Lemmon]

Does anyone have experience with septic thanks? I am under contract on a duplex with one and I want to know how expensive repairing or replacing it might be?

[Charlie MacPherson]

@Christopher J Lemmon In my area, where the soil tends to be sandy and will drain well, we budget $35,000 and hope for $20,000 - $25,000.

It's hindsight now, but when writing an offer, I always include a contingency that lets the buyer either get a price reduction or cancel the sale based on the outcome of the septic inspection.  Better yet, require that the seller delivers the property with a passing inspection by an inspector of your choosing.