Septic Systems:
The majority of the ground in Cook County is either rock or clay. Neither "perk" well for a sewer system. If one is lucky they find gravel deposits on their property, which will lesson the cost of inspection of a septic system. Typically what is required is a "mound system" which is a man made drain field.

Wells:
Many people who are not located on a lake and or in the city limits drill wells for their water source. There are many well drillers and the cost of a well varies depending on again the terrain and ground, depth of drilling and casement. Unfortunately no one can tell you before the drilling process just how far you will need to drill. Many times however a well driller can give you an opinion of the area as they have drilled in the area before.

Survey:
There are many types of surveys but the point in a survey is to determine exactly how much land you have and it's boundaries. A survey can eliminate problems in the future. Survey cost depends on the nature of the lands surveyed and it's close proximity to other survey lines.

Special Use Permits:
It is very common in our area that access to a property crosses Federal Lands. About 92% of Cook County is owned by the Federal Government (USFS), which requires a permit to use lands or a road that crosses these lands.

Lake Water intake systems:
Many folks who live on inland lakeshore, particularly up the Gunflint Trail, use the water from the lake for their cabin or home instead of drilling a well. There are filter systems and Chlorinates systems which may help improve the quality of the water.

Easements:
This is a recorded document that allows someone access through a specific parcel of land, usually defined in a legal description. Encroachment:
A building, a part of a building, or an obstruction that physically intrudes upon, overlaps, or trespasses upon the property of another.

Wet Lands:
Land, such as a marsh or swamp, normally saturated with water. 80% of the states wetlands are located in Northern Minnesota and it is very common to have wetlands on your property. Wetlands does not necessarily mean this parcel of land is unbuildable, it means that these lands are protected and offer much wildlife to the surrounding area. There are county officials who will look at lands on your behalf and make the determination of "wetland" if needed.

Seasonal access:
Many of the lands in this county are rural. Many of them are not on roads that are plowed or maintained by the county. That means that access is seasonal (weather permitting) unless you as a property owner are willing to plow and maintain it yourself.

Zoning Ordinance:
Act of a city or county or other authorities specifying the type of use to which property may be put in specific areas.

Lead Paint:
Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller's possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-bases paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase. Please ask your agent if this applies in your transaction.

Inspection:
The property, if not new, cannot be expected to be in new condition. An inspection is a learning experience about the function and maintenance of the various components of a home and is your best defense against unexpected and unwelcome surprises after you've moved into your new home.

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