It sounds as if the owner is looking for an optimist to purchase this home. We know from the statement that the current system does not work. If it did, it would be useable now. So, as it stands, the mobile home is uninhabitable. Now the existing septic MAY be useable with updating but then again it's more likely that it MAY NOT. In order to figure that out you would need to have an expert come out, evaluate the system and the property and tell you some potential solutions. Sometimes there are no good solutions and the only option would be to have a holding tank that must be pumped out by a septic company periodically. That gets expensive over time. Replacement of a system is expensive all at once, up to $30,000 in our area. If this were something other than a mobile home we might encourage our client to look into it further if the price was right and the deal was contingent upon buyers approval of a qualified system. But mobile homes do not have the same potential for appreciation that another home would. Unless this home is in incredible, up-to-date condition (doubtful in our mind) and you can get it for just slightly more than the cost of land we would suggest looking elsewhere.

Put this one under "redflag.com"
Stay clear of this one, because updating can be costly, and raise all kinds of cans of worms, among other things....be very careful because code considerations and then replacing soil and other issues may come up

The secret in real estate is to know what you don't know...ie, if you don't know the questions to ask in this case, move to the next property...mobile homes and sewers are never an inexpensive fix.

Get an estimate of replacing the septic tank before making an offer. Take that cost into consideration. If there is a problem with the septic, it can be costly.

Hi Liz. Yes, not only could be costly, but it could also be impossible depending on the soil. You really need a whole lot more information about this septic system. If your septic system fails, the property becomes uninhabitable. There are so many variables to septic systems that no one answer can cover it all. I suspect that there may be a problem with the leach fields. There are quite a few new septic systems on the market these days, but they can be costly ($5,000 - $25,000 or more) and not all of the new system have been approved in all areas. If the price is right and you know that you'll be able to remedy the situation, it may be worth it. Good luck.