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Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

My area has undergone several large-scale sewer Improvement projects within city limits, which caused a lot of turnover -- people who hadn't made a house payment in decades stuck with a $10-20k assessment for mandatory abandonment/sewer connection. However, outside the municipalities lies predominantly unincorporated area, much of it rural. Septic systems are a part of life unless you've moved into a new home development. Some of our areas have very clay-like soil and will not perk for a standard system. An alternative system can cost $6- $12k. The necessity for those is somewhat rare. A standard septic system costs $4-5k. Our Californians prefer sewer, but if they want to be in a rural area they're not going to get it.

Aug 29, 2017 04:16 PM
Ambassador
5,048,738
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

In my area it's all public sewer but not too far inland you find more septic tanks. Our monthly cost in Carlsbad is $27.81. We had septics on a number of homes in New England and it was not a big deal - you maintain them, get them pumped regularly, and they work well.

Aug 29, 2017 04:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I wouldn't buy a home without town sewer.... everything and anything can go in it!!!  garbage disposal use .... no backups....never need to be concerned about a high water table during a wet season....  it's worth the cost just for the peace of mind....... 

Aug 29, 2017 04:38 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I prefer public sewer but it isn't available in some areas of my county. It you choose to not hook to sewer and it is available you have to pay for the sewer service regardless.

Aug 29, 2017 07:15 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I don't want one. Different thing other than flush it & forget it. 

We have them in my area & buyers always freak. I will say that many local areas are forcing (as in big bucks) owners to run & hook up to city water & sewer. Many older systems are deemed a toxic waste dump by EPA standards. Like a small chernobl in your back yard!

Aug 29, 2017 04:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,917
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

The majority of my area is served by public sewers.   While septic systems(private disposal systems) are not common, they do exist.  Depending on location of the property, there can be apprehension but typically "it is what it is".  

I never thought of the price aspect and I don't think that is a primary part of the decision making process.   

Aug 29, 2017 09:07 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

We have owned three homes and all three have been on septic.  I guess it's not that we prefer septic over sewer, but that we prefer older homes or homes with land rather than newer homes in the city on city services.  I really don't see any cons of having a septic and I do sort of enjoy not being "connected" in any way to the city (we are on a well also).  -Kasey

Aug 29, 2017 07:39 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Public all the way. I am a city slicker.

Aug 29, 2017 06:46 PM
Ambassador
5,229,328
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

The cost is lower with well & septic; many think that well water is also better.

We don't have private septic systems in the city of Charlotte but, do have a lot of them in our rural areas.

I would say that permitted bedroom limitation is one negative (it prohibits many from adding on to their homes and keeping to the existing septic permit). As well, not being able to use a garbage disposal is the other complaint that I hear. 

Aug 29, 2017 06:35 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,113
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

This is a good question. They both seem to function. Perhaps home value?

Aug 29, 2017 04:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

None around us.

Aug 29, 2017 04:22 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Fred Griffin - I loved the home I live in and I would not let it go just because it is on Septic.... (says, I am not a big fan of Septic...)

Aug 30, 2017 11:33 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I wouldn't have a septic system for love nor money.... so many complications and issues with maintaining them, permits, etc.

Aug 30, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I would prefer a public system, if available. I don't know of any homes that have chosen septic over public and I don't see any advantage to it.

Aug 30, 2017 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Having had both I prefer sewer - in my area unless you are on a well you also get charged for sewer whether you have a septic or not

Aug 30, 2017 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I prefer my own system.  The cost os much less than the public system.  if if something goes wrong, a sity system can cost a lot

Aug 29, 2017 06:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

$35K engineered in Santa Cruz County. I convinced the buyer to walk away from one leaking and the lot covers to middle of the creek with discharges into Santa Cruz City..... 

Aug 29, 2017 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

We have many septic systems here. They work fine if owners take care of them. Conventional, gravity flow are more desirable. Lots of the alternative systems are expensive and require maintenance contracts. Public water and sewer taps are costing around $50,000.00 now in towns around here. Of course there is also a monthly fee for sewer and you pay for water by the gallon. Towns can also restict water usage. A conventional septic costs around $12- $15,000.00. Pump tank every 5 years. Ours is 20 years old and we haven't had any problems with it.

Aug 29, 2017 05:19 PM
Rainer
177,546
Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

Public sewer so you don't have to clean it out.

Sep 28, 2017 08:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I have no problem with either.

Aug 31, 2017 08:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

For those with available sewer lines, they have no choice.  They will not get a permit for a septic system.  And, for those without sewers, also no choice.  I'm fine with either system.

Aug 31, 2017 05:38 AM
Ambassador
6,392,909
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Public sewers are much less paperwork.

Aug 31, 2017 12:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,567
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Public system,  Do not have to worry about pumping them out every other year.

 

Aug 30, 2017 06:40 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Not in my wheelhouse Fred or in my outhouse. I've only encountered a few homes in my area that are on septic.  I prefer sewer mainly because that is what I know. It is what I grew up with.

Aug 30, 2017 12:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Most properties in my area are on public sewer, only some areas in the hills( some topanga, some Malibu, etc.). 

Aug 30, 2017 12:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,868
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Public sewer!  No regular maintenance, city maintains the infrastructure you maintain the connection to it.  Can be pricey when you need to replace a main drain to the street though... but that's a once every 20 years or so problem.

Aug 30, 2017 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,303
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Most of the homes in our area have public sewer service.

Aug 30, 2017 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Public.

Aug 30, 2017 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I much prefer a public system, much easier by far. The cost for sewer here is the same as as out water bill. Usually 30 a mo for water and 30 mo for sewer

Aug 30, 2017 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Door #2

Aug 30, 2017 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Not a concern in the market I work.

Aug 30, 2017 06:36 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

In my area, houses that have access to town sewer are on it. Those that don't have access have septic systems.  Many are in the latter situation and it just is what it is.

Aug 30, 2017 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,311
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not an issue in Chicago or a choice. While in Florida, had city water and a septic. Had it cleaned twice in 18 years without a problem. Certainly cheaper than paying for sewerage!

Aug 30, 2017 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

We do both in our market !

Aug 30, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
547,327
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

I like the of cess pools, thanks EPA.

Aug 30, 2017 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

All sewer systems stink

Aug 30, 2017 03:01 AM