Got A Deal, But Have No Idea What To Do With It?
Hi,
I am actually interested in developing land for a manufactured home, I sent out letters to all the owners in the area, and was contacted by one owner.
He owns a lot, but it failed perc test, so I do not want it to build on, but he does want to sell it, since he will not build on it either. He had it in escrow last year for $11,000 until it failed perc and the buyer backed out. Land in that area is around $18,000 - $20,000 (good perc/buildable) I told I will see what I can do?
So, guys what can I do? Should I offer him a low amount and then try to flip it? and if I can flip it, who do I flip it too?
Thanks
Talk to your County Health Dept. They may permit alternative systems. In my area you can get a soils report and a engineering design for less then a $1000. Alternative systems range from $4k to $10K depending on the design.
Offer your guy $5k (or what ever number that you are comfortable with) contingent on a permit for an alternative septic system.
Good luck,
HI,
Thanks for the post
Thanks, I already contacted the health deptartment, and they said that even the alternative systems eventually discharge into the soil, so they will not allow an alternative system.
unomateo,
If I understand correctly, there's no public sewer here, the lot didn't perc, and the county health dept won't approve an alternative on-site sewage disposal system. Nobody's going to be able to build anything on this lot for which a Cert of Occupancy would be required.
Obviously, the land only has value if someone can use it. So, what uses does the current zoning allow besides single-family homes? What types of properties are contiguous with it?
Nancy
Here in GA most of the County Health Depts. follow the State guidelines. In fact, I think the County enviornmental officer actually works for the State.
Check with your State Health Dept. The purpose of the alternative systems is to clean the waste water before it is discharged back into the ground. These systems are used on marginal soils. An altenative system may be as simple as blowing air through your tank or as complex as a self contained treatment plant. There are soil types where no system is allowed.
Hi,
Even though the land is unbuildable, I think the land still has value. This area in CA is very hot, and people are buying up the land right and left without even checking it out. I see useless lots on Ebay in this area selling for thousands...
I was thinking about putting it on Ebay, before I laid out cash for it. how would I handle that. Should I tell him my plans and split the profits, or should I try to get control of the land and then try to sell it?
Matt
I can relate to your excitement in a possible deal BUT...
Considering full disclosure and just plain old ethics, I wouldn't feel comfortable, personally, trying to "turn/flip" that property on ebay.
I think Nancy is on the right track IMHO, what is the zoning?
What are the other permitted uses under the zoning, save SFR?
Could you get self storage on the property?
Car wash?
What types of uses would be consistent w/the surrounding area?
What are the lot dimensions?
Good luck.
Don Heckel
I agree with Dheckels response, you must search out more info and be ready to deal based on info that is clear and concise to really make an offer and be able to have an exit strategy?
Good Luck
There are zero discharge alternative systems. Equaris Corp. makes one.