When you buy a home in the Gables or parts of Coconut Grove you may now inherit something called a Septic Tank.  Septic Tanks are in South Coconut Grove while all of North Grove is on the sewer system.  It’s not a big deal and they certainly are easy to contend with just remember to have your Realtor ask if there is one and where it is located.  You need to have a company come out and they inspect the tank and drain field to make sure the levels of water are appropriate and it doesn’t have to be pumped out.  The cost of the inspection is typically $150-$200 some including a pump out.  Every 2-3 years you are supposed to get your tank pumped out.  If the tank and drain field are old and perhaps cracked the company may suggest to replace it but keep in mind get a second opinion.  I also suggest using the following companies and not just getting the yellow pages and picking the first or second one that starts with “A”.  Chapman Septic Service has been around the Grove and Gables since 1949 and have a great reputation.   Chapmanseptic.com-305-661-0628.  Another company is Smith Septic Tanks-http://www.smithseptictanks.com-305-245-7720 who has been in business for over 30 years and Wendell & Tina Smith are a pleasure to do business.   If the septic tank does require replacement this job is not a big deal and nothing to get nervous about.  When I purchased my Coconut Grove home I looked at having to replace the septic tank as a good thing since we wanted to move the tank from the back to the front yard to put a pool in anyway.  Just another part of purchasing a home and another reason why having a seasoned Realtor, a Buyer’s Agent is so essential so they can suggest contacts and make sure all the proper inspections get completed and you avoid learning what you should have done during the sales cycle before you closed on the property and you are stuck and on your own!

If you are thinking of buying a home in the Coconut Grove or Coral Gables area please contact me at 305-807-9199.