The Perfect Location

Special Utility Considerations For Buying A Rural Retirement Home

If you have recently opted to take an early retirement and are selling your house in the city to buy a new property in the mountains, then it's vital that you understand some of the special utility considerations for this type of move. When you own a home within the city limits, public utilities are readily available to connect to your home. However, you cannot assume this is the case in most rural mountain areas. While living in a rural area has many benefits utility problems can range from inconvenient to a complete change in the way you have to live your daily life. To this end, take these utility issues into consideration before making your purchase offer:

Heating and Cooling

Since you will be retiring and aging in your new home, it is important to consider how your new home will be heated in the winter and cooled in the summer months. If your potential home has force-air heating and cooling with a connection to the power grid, then this isn't an issue. However, a home with only a fireplace for heat could be a future problem for you as you get older.

Well Water

Rural mountain homes often rely on wells to provide all of the home's necessary water. While it is nice not to have to pay a monthly water utility bill, wells can develop serious problems that can be expensive for you to fix. For this reason, you should ask your realtor the following questions:

  • How deep is the well?

  • How old is the submersible pump?

  • What is the production level of the well?

Also, it is important to ascertain if the well has been treated for bacterial contamination or has issues with excessively hard or stinky water. Any issues with your home's well water will be ongoing for the duration of your stay at your new retirement home, so it is important that you know what to expect from day one of ownership.

Septic Tank

Homes that are not connected to a city sewer systems utilize septic tanks to dispose of their solid waste and household waste water. While septic tanks can last for decades without much maintenance, you should insist that a contingency of the sale includes pumping out and cleaning of the septic tank. A thorough cleaning of the septic tank allows your plumber the ability to inspect the tank for cracks and other damage.

Internet Connectivity

Finally, you may be surprised to learn that many rural areas still do not have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Before you sign on the dotted line of your purchase offer form for your new mountain retirement home, you first must ensure that your new home can be connected to the internet. Talk to a realtor, like Coldwell Banker Preferred - The Kathy Gagnon Team, to get started.


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