02 Mar Things to Consider When Buying a Rural Property
Things to Consider When Buying a Rural Property
Are you considering purchasing a rural property? Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life certainly has it’s appeal! When buying a rural property there are considerations to keep in mind that are different then when buying a property in the city.
Here are some things to consider:
Well and Septic – In rural areas, many homes do not have connections to municipal water and sewer lines. Homeowners rely upon privately owned or communal (shared) wells as their drinking water source, and individual septic systems to treat and discharge their wastewater. Homeowners must ensure that their well water is safe to drink, and that their well and septic system are properly maintained. When you are purchasing a home with a private water supply (a well), there are 3 key items to consider: well system, water quantity and water quality. There are three common types of wells: dug, bored and drilled. Click here to learn more about well & septic systems.
Sump pump – A sump pump is a device that picks up water from your basement (specifically from the sump pit, a hole in the lowest part of the basement floor, where runoff from your home’s weeping tile collects) and pumps it safely away from your home’s foundation. Sump pumps are especially helpful in rural areas and regions that have a higher water table or prone to flooding, where rainwater and melting snow can’t easily drain into a municipal sewer system. Once the water in your sump pit rises to a certain level, it raises a floating trigger that activates the sump pump, which brings the water up through a pipe and out of your home, usually into a storm sewer system or a drainage ditch. Some sump pits are open and allow you to see the water inside (so you’ll be more likely to notice if it’s close to overflowing), while others have lids that are bolted down to keep the moist air out of your home. If you have a sump pump it is recommended to have a battery back up for it and even an additional sump pump. Some systems can now be tied into alarm monitoring systems so that you can be alerted on your phone.
Other sources for energy – Some home owners have installed heat pumps, generators and other renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to assist with supporting power requirements. Click here to learn more about solar energy.
Offer with conditions
It is important to work with a Realtor® familiar with rural properties and their requirements to protect your best interests. When purchasing a rural property, your Realtor® will prepare an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, (offer to purchase) that can include conditions that pertain specifically to rural properties and will include conditions allowing you to complete not only a building inspection, but also a well inspection, water quality and water treatment system inspections, septic inspections, and Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection for wood burning fireplaces and stoves.
Are you are considering buying a rural property, or have Real Estate questions? As experienced greater Ottawa REALTORS® we would be pleased to help you. We also have contacts of professionals to assist you.