This is good news for the Tacoma housing market as the requirement of side sewer inspections would make short sales and bank owned sales even more challenging due to the cost of the inspection and who would be paying for the inspection. The burden would of been on the seller but with a short sale the seller who is already having troubles making their mortgage payment the cost of the inspection and the potential for a large repair bill. Bank owned properties are always a challenge getting work orders completed. The thought within the real estate community is that the banks would not be willing to pay for the inspection much less any repairs.
While the side sewer issues in Tacoma need to be addressed it is my opinion that the ordinance as it was written was going to do more hinder home sales in the City of Tacoma than it would help with the problems created by the side sewers that were damaged and in need of repair.
The City of Tacoma website and the article is here.
By providing information on the side sewers and what to look for the City is helping educate consumers and home owners on the required maintenance of a side sewer.



