The story
The goal
A family of four living in southwest Minneapolis wanted a fourth bedroom, a usable yard, and an address served by Westonka Public Schools. Their budget was up to $675,000, and they wanted to close by mid-July so the children could settle in before the school year. They liked older homes with character but did not want a major renovation, and easy access to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail was a priority.
The challenge
Several homes fit on paper but sat on steep lots where most of the backyard was not practical for play. The family chose a four-bedroom, three-bath home listed at $639,000 on a gentler lot near the trail. During the inspection period, CJ recommended a sewer camera inspection because the home was built in the 1960s and the seller did not have records showing that the original line had been replaced. The sewer scope found heavy root intrusion and a cracked section of clay pipe near the connection to the city line, and a licensed contractor estimated the repair at $11,800.
The approach
CJ obtained two written sewer-repair estimates rather than negotiating from a verbal opinion.
The buyers asked for a credit so they could select the contractor and control the repair after closing.
CJ coordinated with the lender before finalizing the amendment to confirm how much credit the loan allowed.
The parties agreed to a $9,500 seller credit, with the buyers keeping funds available for any difference between the estimate and final work.
CJ confirmed the school-district boundary for the property rather than relying on the school name shown in the listing.
The result
The buyers closed in July at $631,000 with the negotiated seller credit. The sewer repair was completed before the family moved their furniture into the home. They had several weeks to settle in before school began and avoided inheriting an unknown underground expense.
“The visible parts of the home were in good condition. The expensive problem was underground. The sewer scope, written bids, lender-approved credit, and boundary confirmation turned a rushed summer purchase into a more informed move.”Family real estate in Mound, Victoria, and Minnetrista on Norman-Homes.com