How much of an impact does tapping into city water have on potential buyers?

Question

Would i recoup the cost in my price? Will it sell faster?

Please take into consideration that the house is on acreage and well water is common where I live if you have "land"

Answer 1

You will not recoup any costs. Homes need water and you will not be able to sell it without water.

Answer 2

For me personally, I would not buy a home that had well water.  I like the convenience of being tapped into city water.  But that's just me.  From your post, you say its common for people to have well water if they have land.  

I would ask your real estate agent what to do.  If you have well water, a well and septic should be ordered prior to the sale of the home and if it doesn't pass, the lender will not give the buyer the loan until the issues are fixed (at least that is how it was when I underwrote loans.)  In your post, you say the well is not producing enough water.  I highly doubt a buyer would accept this, (I wouldn't as a buyer), meaning you will have to correct the problem prior to sale.   Wells can be a hassle, so I would lean towards getting the city hookup.  I know when the city water became available in my area, I switched.  

Answer 3

This is a better question for your listing agent. I grew up in an area where well water is common outside of towns and it didn’t seem to bother people. However, I now live in a city and when people are looking for acreage within driving distance (say an hour or so away), they really do want public water. Ask your agent what buyers in your area are likely to expect.

Personally, I'd take into consideration the age of the well and whether or not you have a water softener installed before deciding if this was a deal breaking issue.  

Answer 4

so glad I didn't buy this lemon of yours

Answer 5

How much would it cost to get city water? It sells definite better then well water, but I don't think, you will recoup your money.

I would make it an option for the buyer.

Answer 6

Most people expect that city water is "better" and "safer" then well water, when this may or may not be true.

Well water in CA is the same we all drink, minus a bunch of chemicals and is very good where I live.    However, most people would still think of city water as better.

I would hook up the water, it will help you sell, but leave the well there.   Well water is not as easily contaminated as city water and you might find a buyer happy to have a back up source, especially with recent disasters in the country where the access to clean water became an issue.

If you go with well water don't put no water softener on it!   Gross!    You want to keep the water drinkable.

Answer 7

can't really tell you if you'll recoup your costs without knowing what they are.  but if a buyer is comparing two comparable properties and one has city water, that one will win out.  the buyer is assured of a constant water source that they know is tested and treated.  they will have a certain degree of uncertainty over the well - depth, water quality and taste, etc.

Answer 8

If the current well water is a dependable supply with little likelihood of disruption, connecting to city water may not be that advantageous.  The advantage to connecting to city water supply is that there is no danger of the well running dry or getting contaminated.  Also, you no longer need to use electric power to pump water from your well  into your house.    

The disadvantages include the cost of bringing a main into your property, which would cost '???' dollars and the ongoing charges from your city water supply forever.

Even if your acreage is prime for subdivision or development, bringing a main into the property is something that should be designed as a part of that proposed plan.

AHHHHA!  I just read your additional comments.  Since the cost of bringing city water in is only $2,500 more than the well, sure tap the city system.  But don't cap or close the well -- it will be a nice additional selling feature!

Answer 9

Just tap your real estate agents azz and you'll recoup your costs.