MA Title V (5) Septic Costs and Rehabs

[Steph C.]

Hi Everyone,

For those that flip and rehab in MA, I have a question.

Most of the properties we're looking at to rehab have a septic system. Even ones with newer systems always seem to "fail Title V." :lol:

Anyway, I've been having difficulty finding deals for homes with septic systems because you have to budget in anywhere from 10 to 35k, depending on the house size. Most REOs obviously won't fix the septic to when selling.

We have experience with replacing a septic system - when we bought our first house (HUD home) a while back and our septic was on the lower end of the price scale, but it was a smaller home.

We've been trying to look at houses with city sewer to eliminate this cost, but it does lessen the available properties.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Steph

[Matt Kearney]

Hi Steph,

Septics are a pain, especially when you start getting into areas with high water tables and raised septic systems.

Banks know they can only sell these properties with failed septic systems to cash buyers so keep your eye on them as the prices should come down. If they have been on the market for a while maybe shoot over a low offer.

The other alternative is to stick with city sewer. This is what I do.

Also do some research on the presby environmental system. They are suppose to be cheaper to install.

Best of Luck

Matt