Hi Home buyer,

The test is usually required as part of the C.O. if the town has one; may be required by the mortgage company; and because of the cost of a new system, you, the buyer, should definately want to have it tested. The buyer pays for most inpections in a contract, but the seller usually pays for any problem remediation. The BIG EXCEPTION to this rule is if it is a bank-owned property (REO), short sale, pre-foreclosure, bankruptcy sale. or if the seller has said up front that they want an as-is sale and will not do repairs, so these are questions you want to have the answer to before you even tender an offer. Sometimes because of issues like these -that cheap foreclosed property is not so cheap after all!
Kim

Kimberly Thomas, Broker
Realty Executives Brown & Pope
856-308-5989
email: kim@kimcanhelp.com http://www.KimThomasHomes.com http://www.NJHomesNearPhilly.com

An important addition to some of the good answers already posted is that if the property is in Cherry Hill, ( I see your zip code) then that test must be done by the County. You cannot just call a septic service that does testing in many other towns. Also, a word to the wise, the tank cannot be tested if it was recently pumped. Be sure to ask questions about the tank as part of your negotiations.

Hi Homebuyer, it is in your best interest to have the septic system inspected as a part of your overall inspection contingency. It is at your expense and will increase your inspection costs, but it is money well spent. If there is an issue, you can ask the seller to address it.

To be more direct, it is not required in order to close, but is highly recommended for your own protection.

Good luck to you!
Jeannie Feenick
Search and connect at http://www.feenick.com

Hello!
It is strongly recommended to check a septic system as a part of home inspection, and yes, buyer pays for it, but this is a seller's responsibility to so repairs of it or give a credit to a buyer, or even install a new septic.
Yelena

All Inspections are for the benefit of the Buyer and therefore the Buyer pays for them. it would be in the best interest of the Buyer to conduct a Septic system Inspection as any repairs would be at the cost of the Seller.

It depends on the township...most require the septic inspection before issuing the Certificate of Occupancy. It's possible your lender will also require this test. Even if not required, that is something I would not pass on doing...a new septic can easily cost $20,000.-$40,000. It's worth it for you to do to make sure you have a good working system.
Typically, the Buyer is responsible for the septic and the Seller is responsible for water testing.