DeKalb County new water laws vs. Selling your home!

If you live in DeKalb County and have a house built before 1993, I hope you've been following the news about the recent legislation that has just been passed about "Low-Flow Toilets." In response to the drought, the DeKalb County commissioners office and CEO Vernon Jones passed the "Inefficient plumbing fixtures replacement plan," which will affect home sellers to who's property was built before 1993.

Under this new legislation sellers will be forced to spend more money replacing their toilets, facets and other fixtures to more water conserving units in order to be in compliance. Currently there are 4,577 properties (single family homes, condos/townhouses) built before 1993 advertised for sale on Georgia MLS. Starting in June, home buyers who purchase homes built prior to 1993 will find that the DeKalb Water Department will NOT hook up their water service unless they have proof that they have a new "low-flow" toilet. For sellers because of disclosure, your toilets will need to be addressed.

In efforts to offset the costs of replacing the toilets, The Department of Watershed Management offers a Toilet Retrofit Rebate. There are two options, first is a $50 rebate for 1.6 gallons per flush toilet and secondly there's a $100 rebate for 1.28 gallons per flush toilet. To receive the rebate the toilets must be on their approved list. For more details about the rebate and requirements go to http://www.dekalbwatershed.com/index.html

As a Full-Time Realtor® working in DeKalb County, I take this news in stride. As my sellers face home depreciation and economic woes, this is another jagged little pill we'll need to digest. If you're facing or have faced this situation please share your comments or advice.

Katherine Basden,Broker

Phase 7 Realty, LLC

Phone: 404.399.8155

http://www.phase7realty.com/