Question
I was looking at a home to purchase and noticed that the owner had watered the backyard.  However, when I stepped on the grass it was saturated with water.  It backs up to a greenbelt that is maintained by the homeowners association.  However, I am concerned that there might be other problems.  What should I look for to make sure that maybe they over watered the lawn and not that there is a problem with the direction of the water flowing?

Answer
Rose:

The question of drainage and grade is valid.  Determining the drainage pattern may require a trained eye or professional equipment.

If the water drains away from the house and toward the greenbelt, if the lawn has no fungus damage or blue-green algae growth, you should be all right.  It is possible that the lawn was overwatered before your inspection and has proper drainage.

If there are signs of water collection and turf damage, then, it is your choice whether to proceed with the purchase.  Landscape issues are low on a realtor's priority and have little to do with an appraisal value.

The water should follow a path out of the yard area and away from the house.  If this issue is a major concern, hire a professional, licensed landscape contractor to review the yard and drainage.

Best wishes.