Permits are the big one. Unpermitted additions, converted garages, enclosed patios, a shop out back, a bathroom someone added years ago, those come up in nearly every sale where they exist. The county can require permits after the fact, and whether that’s simple or complicated depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s paperwork and an inspection. Sometimes it’s more, and sometimes the county wants something corrected before it will sign off. I’d talk to the county about your specific property rather than guess, and if the scope is unclear or the work is significant, get a lawyer involved. You don’t want to promise a buyer something the county won’t back up.
Septic and wells matter in some parts of the county and not others. If you’re on a septic system, buyers will want to know its condition and where it sits on the lot, and lenders and inspectors may have their own questions. Wells come up too on rural parcels. How much documentation exists depends on the property and on what was recorded when the system was put in. The county is the place to ask what’s on file, and a septic inspection is often part of the conversation. This is one of those areas where the answer really does depend on your parcel, so don’t assume your neighbor’s situation is yours.
Special districts are the other piece people forget. Depending on where you are, you might be in a district for water, sewer, fire, drainage, or something else, and those districts can have their own rules, fees, or disclosure requirements that come up during escrow. It’s not unusual for a seller to learn at the last minute that a district needs to sign off on something. Ask the county and ask the district directly if you’re not sure who serves your address.
On the money side, how a sale affects your taxes is a question for a CPA, not for me. If you’re worried about what you can afford next or how a sale fits into your plans, a HUD-approved housing counselor is a good free resource. And keep in mind that disclosure rules and contract details are where a real estate lawyer earns their fee. The county handles permits and code enforcement, but it won’t advise you on your sale. Get your records straight early, ask the county the specific questions about your address, and bring in the right professional when something is beyond a neighborly conversation.
A closer look is at selling in unincorporated Sacramento County.