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Rainmaker
108,016
Scott Lawson
America's Home loans - Santa Rosa, Petaluma Mortgage Broker - Santa Rosa, CA
Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, refinance or purchase

Don't throw any bodies down it...That's just stupid....Totally ruins the drinking water... 

Aug 19, 2016 12:07 AM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

We have well contingency clauses in our contracts with regard to flow rate, pressure, and testing to confirm if it is fit for human consumption.  You want to verify if any or all of the water treatment systems remain with the home and are in good working order ie water softener, UV light  

This may seem silly but you also want to confirm the well is actually located on the property being purchased and is not shared with anyone.

Aug 19, 2016 12:39 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

In rural community there are several issues: does it work, is the water free from bacteria, heavy metals and toxins, will it continue to operate, do you own the land and rights, do you share the rights or maintenance, what will it cost to dig deeper or repair, what animals/chemicals may graze upstream and polute the well. In more urban areas there are concerns about other tanks near the water source that will leak in time, ground runoff of fecal material/oil/ garden chemicals into the source and who owns and legally is responsible to maintain. Some cities work on wells and are regulated but smaller owner wells are not. Go research the water problems in Atascadero (wells dried up people have water tanked in) and the many wells that are contaminated by mining, plating, undustrial use... complex issues

Aug 19, 2016 04:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I personally test them and inspect for leakage, circuit function. Turning on and off.

I have a well inspector but more often than not it is not needed.

Aug 19, 2016 12:46 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

have them test every year for coliform bacteria if you're the homeowner.... 

the buyer needs a quality and quantity test before signing a purchase and sales agreement...

 

Aug 19, 2016 12:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Make sure they do not go dry and are drinkable.

Aug 18, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Get a home warranty to cover the well pump and filter if installed

Aug 19, 2016 11:56 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Have them tested and sign up with a service to maintain and test the water from the well yearly.

Aug 19, 2016 10:56 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Long Answer:

     Our home is on a well.  We are over the Floridan aquifer, some of the purest water in the world.  "Deer Park" bottled water plant is about an hour from my house.  They put the same water straight into those bottles.

     My advice is to get a comprehensive test of the water from a company like Ackuritlabs (watch the short YouTube Video).

     And, have the well pump and well tank inspected by a professional well installer.   Check the pipes from the well to the house, make sure they are not leaking. 

     Finally, determine if the well serves other houses or properties (a community well).  If so, have an attorney verify any easements, restrictive covenants, usage agreements, who pays maintenance, etc.

Aug 19, 2016 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Have your water tested and if it passes muster leave it the heck alone! Feeling apprehensive then add a filter.

Aug 19, 2016 04:48 AM
Rainmaker
2,810,149
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

In Colorado, water law is complicated and agents are advised to seek expert help. We can explain particular types of well permits, but anything beyond that goes to the water attorneys.

Aug 19, 2016 04:04 AM
Rainmaker
644,125
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

Best advice?

1. Don't fall head first into it.

2. Have it tested for flow and quality before transfer.

3. Susan Emo makes an excellent point about being on the parcel and not being shared, and verify if treatment systems remain and in working order.

Aug 19, 2016 03:18 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Helps to have a filter between the well and the water that goes into the house, no matter how much you have it tested.

Aug 19, 2016 02:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,900
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Verify location and location of septic tank, if applicable. Also test for quality and rate flow.

Aug 19, 2016 02:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

If to be used as potable water water source, have the water tested for bacteria and heavy metals.

Aug 19, 2016 01:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dusty,

Exactly what Susan Emo said...my first thought was oil wells.  Beverly Hills High School has an oil well on the premise, and it does produce an income for them.  LOL A

Aug 19, 2016 01:49 AM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Require it to be tested as part of the contract to purchase

Aug 19, 2016 01:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Can you be more specific?

Aug 19, 2016 01:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Like Corrine said, we need them to get tested before close by the county they are located in. Monitoring once a year is a good idea.

There are a couple of towns that are eventually making everyone hook up for city water & sewer. The water is not the problem it's the septic systems that are not being maintained that the village worries about. Considered a biohazard now .

Aug 19, 2016 01:15 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I knew of two water sources and both tested not potable. However, you can put them to other uses. Go back a 100 years and more, you just waited for the mud to settle to the bottom and drank your fill. Today, not so around cities

Aug 19, 2016 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Unfortunately, this is beyond my pay grade ---- wells are not common in my market.  

Aug 19, 2016 12:28 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Go to health dept and check file. Find installer if possible. Check depth, gpm, pump, location. Send water sample to lab if buying. That is probably done by the well installer, but wells can become contaminated for a variety of reasons. If toilets, tubs, and sinks are stained rust, manganese,iron, etc, figure on having a water treatment system installed.

Aug 19, 2016 12:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,248
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I would think your state has a Department of Water.  I would run my inquiry through them.

Aug 19, 2016 12:27 AM
Ambassador
2,436,470
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Have the water tested before moving in. Then the rule is that you're supposed to test it annually but we have a well and don't do that.

Aug 19, 2016 12:18 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Protect that part of the yard from contaminants like fuel tanks and sewage.

Aug 19, 2016 12:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Have a well test contingency clause in contract.

We have had private well for 20 years & have it tested periodically.

Aug 18, 2016 11:58 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

"California is in a hundred year draught and many of our wells have gone dry.  There may not be public water available or it may be very costly so be aware that you may, at some point have a dry well"

Aug 20, 2016 12:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Aside from throwing a penny down there and making a wish... nada.

Aug 20, 2016 08:12 AM
Rainer
232,019
Jessie Cochran
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Panama City Realty Group

Depends on the water and location

Aug 20, 2016 12:16 AM
Rainer
283,833
Dusty Rhoton CLHMS, ABR, SRES, GRI
RE/MAX Fine Properties - Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona Real Estate

The one thing I learned about wells that hasn't been mentioned here is to immediately ask for a well log (drilling report) from the company who drilled the well.    This provides quite a bit of important information about a well's implementation and history.    AND...most importantly, when having tests done on a well for financing  - it is very important to have the correct test done as VA financing asks for a more complex test!   Great thoughts everyone and thanks for sharing your all knowing wisdom and advice.

Aug 19, 2016 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I'm not sure what your question is.

Aug 19, 2016 10:14 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Caroline Gerardo nailed this one!

Aug 19, 2016 10:10 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Have the water tested.

Aug 19, 2016 09:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I never worked with property that has a private well, they are very rare in my area. 

Aug 19, 2016 06:56 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Ditto what Susan Emo wrote, especially testing and confirming location.

Aug 19, 2016 06:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Dusty Rhoton, SFR, SRS, CDPE, RSPS - get ALL possible water test done - along with radon in water, pressure test etc.

Aug 19, 2016 02:52 PM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Definitely have it inspected and located (to be sure it's located on the property that is conveying).  A good well inspector will be able to teach your buyers all they need to know about their new water source!

Aug 19, 2016 02:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Make sure it is not next to the septic tank.

Aug 19, 2016 02:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Do not fall down in the well.

Aug 19, 2016 01:57 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Most of my work is in the big city, so this doesn't really come up.

Aug 19, 2016 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Get both the well and the water tested.

Aug 19, 2016 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Make sure they are thoroughly tested and inspected by your buyers.

Aug 19, 2016 12:39 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Disclose Disclose Disclose

Aug 19, 2016 08:18 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

You have some good answers.

Aug 19, 2016 07:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

1. Make sure it's registered and if not, register it in escrow.

2. Find out if it's shared and if so, what the sharing agreement outlines in terms of maintenance and costs.
3. Have it inspected and water tested.

4. Maintain it periodically (see 3.).
5. Have filters installed and maintained.

Wells are wonderful . . . as a rule.

Aug 19, 2016 06:40 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Make sure they work and are producing clean water.

Aug 19, 2016 05:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Dusty Rhoton, SFR, SRS, CDPE, RSPS Have the well checked by a lab periodically. I had a property where the lead content was out of sight. It turned out the lead solder joints on the pump down in the well were leaching high contents of lead into the water supply. A new pump and a filtration system made the buyers happy campers.

Aug 19, 2016 02:18 AM