Hello Friends,
As summer wraps up and September settles in, I hope you’ve had time to recharge before we head into the fall real estate season. This is the time of year when buyers start thinking about wrapping up deals before the holidays—and when savvy agents know that a little knowledge can make a big difference in getting properties sold.
This month, I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked until it’s a deal-breaker: perk tests and soil mapping when selling land. If you’ve ever had a land deal fall apart because of septic approval issues, you know exactly why this matters.
Why Perk Tests Matter
When selling land for residential construction, one of the first hurdles is determining if the property can support a septic system. A perk (percolation) test measures how quickly soil absorbs water. If the soil drains too slowly—or too quickly—it may not be suitable for septic, or the system design might require extra engineering (and extra cost).
Buyers planning to build will want that perk test completed before they commit. Without it, you’re asking them to take a risk that could stall or kill the project.
Soil Mapping-A Realtors Secret Weapon
Soil mapping gives a detailed look at the property’s composition and drainage characteristics. Many counties in East Tennessee have public soil maps, but they’re just a starting point. A professional soil scientist or septic designer can provide an on-site evaluation and pinpoint the best location for a drain field.
The more you can tell a buyer about where and how a home can be built, the more confident they’ll be in making an offer. This is especially critical for sloped lots, properties near water, or larger tracts being subdivided.
Tips for Realtors Working with Buyers and Sellers on Land Deals
- Get the perk test done early—it can take weeks to schedule, especially in busy seasons.
- Know the local requirements—each county has its own rules for septic approval and soil classification.
- Advertise the results—include perk test and soil mapping details in your listing to attract serious buyers.
- Think construction financing—many buyers don’t realize they can roll the land purchase and construction into one loan. That’s where I can make the process seamless.
How I Can Help Your Clients
When you have buyers looking to build, I can structure one-time-close construction loans that finance the land, construction, and permanent mortgage in one package. This means:
- One approval
- One closing
- Interest-only payments during construction
- A smooth transition into their final loan
This can make buying land far less intimidating for clients—and help you close deals that might otherwise stall.
If you have land listings or buyers dreaming of building, call me 865-745-5626. Let’s get the financing lined up so when the perk test comes back approved, you can move straight to closing.
As always, I appreciate you!
Food For Thought:
East Tennessee continues to attract buyers from out of state, many of whom want acreage to build their dream home. Land that’s perk-tested and construction-ready often sells faster and for more money. Helping your sellers take this step can position their property at the top of the market.
Happenings:
Mark your calendars—The Tennessee Valley Fair runs September 5–14 at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville. From live music and livestock shows to funnel cakes and Ferris wheels, it’s a true local tradition. Great place to network, bump into clients, and maybe enjoy a corn dog or two.