Selling a home in Tacoma will get a bit more involved starting October 1st. 2010. Homes within the city limits of Tacoma will have to have their side sewers inspected prior to sale of the home.

As the ordinance is currently structured the inspection is simply to inform the buyer of the condition of the sewer line. No repairs will be required by the City of Tacoma.  The sewer inspection will need to be conducted by a licensed sewer contractor with a business license in the City of Tacoma.  The cost of the sewer inspection will vary by vendor. The City of Tacoma will not charge for their review of the video inspection. The

Directly from the City of Tacoma’s website

As of Oct. 1, 2010, Tacoma property owners are required to have a certified inspection of their private side sewers and other sources of inflow and infiltration prior to the sale or transfer of a home or business, major remodeling or any construction over an existing side sewer. This requirement is detailed in Tacoma Municipal Code 12.08.720, titled “Inflow and Infiltration Removal from Private Side Sewers.”

The inspection requires a video camera inspection of the sewer line. The DVD of the inspection will be given to the City of Tacoma for review. The city will then allow the property to be sold.

Here are some observations about the side sewer inspection and how it will impact home sales in Tacoma.

• Sellers will now have another inspection to handle during the sales process. The seller will be asked to cover the cost of the inspection.
• While repairs are not required by the City of Tacoma lenders will most certainly require any known defects to be repaired. Buyers will also be asking for repairs. This will cost will impact the bottom line of the seller.
• It will take longer for a transaction close. The additional inspection and potential repairs will take more time than the current home inspection.

If you will be selling your home in Tacoma I would advise you to work with a reputable sewer company and have your side sewer inspected and

Tacoma Home Owners Lets Hope Your Sewer Pipes Dont Look Like This

repaired before you put your home on the market.  An inspection is good for 5 years so having an inspection conducted prior to putting your home on the market will make your home just a bit more of a known commodity. Nobody wants a surprise like a defective sewer to stop a home sale. By being prepared and organized you will be able to sell your home for more money, with less stress in a shorter period of time.

If you want more information on how to sell your home  in Tacoma please use the contact form on the right of the screen. I will send you some additional information that will help you get your home ready for sale. When you are ready to discuss what your house is worth please call me directly at (253) 219–1194. Working together we will get your Tacoma area home sold!