Make sure that you have the property professionally inspected & if you have the opportunity to go to the property on a rainy day (it would be smart!)

http://www.RemoRealty.com

K & C,

Sump pumps in basements are quite common and are often installed because someone in the area had a flooded basement.

We would suggest that you try to determine if this is a neighborhood problem and what the conditions are for flooding in the area. There could be a host of reasons why the pump exists....we recommend trying to get to the bottom of it sooner than later.

The best source of information may be the neighbors...walking the neighborhood and getting to know them might be a good thing from a number of stand points.

Good luck

You must verify any information you receive from the seller. In this case, you would have your home inspector determine if there are signs of water damage or leakage into the home. It's common for this area due to the high water table in the county to have a sump pump. They are relatively inexpensive to install and very easy to maintain; it's basically a passive system that captures and pumps out water that has risen and could potentially leach up around the slab and into the home. If there is a significant issue with water in the basement, a possible solution is french drains. This is much more expensive, involves putting in a drainage system around the slab that feeds into the sump pump. A good home inspector can help you determine if this remedy is necessary. All of this is negotiable with the seller.

I tend to agree with Carmen's answer. It's well thought out. If this sump pump is running constantly, I would see if you have any other options in addition to the sump pump (i.e B- Dry System).

Kristen and Chris,

Sump pumps are common in Rockland County due to the high water table. They are inexpensive to install and easy to maintain. My greater concern would be the flood zone issue. Determine, in fact, that it is not in a flood zone. Flood insurance can be expensive. Your home inspector can determine if there have been floods in the basement. Some obvious signs are items raised above the floor, rusting at base of lolly columns, water lines on walls etc, as well has heavy musty odors. If it has been determined that there has been flooding, you can use it as a point of negotiation.

For more info on flood insurance go to: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/your_flood_risk/y…

Many homes have sump pumps as a back-up in the event of heavy rains or large snow storms. Good idea to have a generator, not just for the pump but for your refridge in the event of power loss. You know the cost of food today. If you like the home, buy it.

You should be discussing this issue with a Home Inspector who has a PE; however, if there is a sump pump, any problem there is has been dealt with. The advise about a backup for the pump is GOOD advice. However, you don't need a generator. The backup batteries power used for computer systems will work just fine.

Love the house? Buy it!

It depends on the size and location of the sump pump. In general, they are inexpensive to maintain. Sump pumps are very common in basements. Where is your sump pump located? Back up generators are fairly uncommon which tells me either your sump pump is very critical, you got bad advice or the home is very large or valuable. Are you working with a realtor? Perhaps you should be working with a buyer's agent. Is this a FSBO? Buyer beware when it comes to FSBOs.