Many of us dream of having that special getaway to retreat to on the weekends, holidays and anytime we just want to escape from the daily grind. Whether it is a mountain cabin, a casita on a lake or country cottage, we all have a need to go somewhere to rejuvenate our mind, body and spirit. If you plan to actually buy a getaway home outside the city, there are several things that you should take into consideration.
By living in the city, we enjoy many services that may or may not be available in country or mountain communities. City living typically has public services and utilities like water, sewage, natural gas, electricity and trash pickup. But when you are living out of the city, not all of these public utilities and services are available.
A city sewage system is a common service that is not always available in many outlying communities. It is not uncommon for homes in the country and mountains to have their own septic system. This is an onsite self-managed mini sewer system that each homeowner is responsible for. So if you are buying a home outside the city, it is important to know if the home you are buying is connected to a city sewer system or has its own septic tank. If there is a septic tank on the property, you will be responsible for it and should have it inspected and certified before the close of your escrow.
Water is another service that may or may not be available outside of the city. There are still properties that have their own water wells supplying the home with its water needs. This is less common today although, believe it or not, there are actually homes that have them.
Natural gas also may or may not be available in communities outside the city. Within the city we enjoy the efficiency and affordability of natural gas for cooking, heating our homes and many other niceties. But this is typically not the case elsewhere, where usually a large propane gas tank is installed on the property to supply the home with its gas needs. There are natural gas companies that service homes that have their own propane tanks. A truck from the gas company will actually come to the house and fill the tank.
Even trash pickup can be very different in country communities. Within the city, we are used to a trash pickup service that is coordinated throughout the city. Some areas have private trash service, for which homeowners pay the vendor directly. There are even some remote areas where there is no private or public trash service, so homeowners must take their own trash to a public or city dump. Recycling programs are not available in most areas outside the city limits.
There are many communities surrounding San Diego that do not have the public services that we enjoy every day within the city. Most or much of Julian, Fallbrook, Jamul, Alpine, Descanso, Pine Valley, Campo, Valley Center and many other remote communities typically do not have city-type services and utilities.
So if you are going to buy a home outside the city, make sure you find out what public services and utilities are and are not available for the property before you close your escrow. This will help eliminate any surprises later on.
Until we meet again, enjoy your home life.
Trent St. Louis is a licensed Real Estate Agent and a member of the National, California and San Diego Associations of Realtors. You can reach Trent at The Metropolitan Group at 619-300-1621 or at SpecialAgentTrent@gmail.com CADRE#01273643.
