Building a wish list including a finished deck, central air conditioning, and other preferred features is part of the fun of buying a house. It’s just as important to have a deal-breaker list with problems and shortcomings that should make you proceed with caution.
Think twice about buying a house with any of these ten red flags.
- Foundation Faults
Hairline cracks can be a sign of the house settling but cracks larger than one-third inch or bulging spots often indicate a serious structural issue that’s time-consuming and costly to repair. In addition, if the yard slopes toward the house, the foundation could be vulnerable to water damage. - Pest Infestations
While viewing a home, you spot a creepy-crawly or flying invaders such as an ant or fly. How can you be sure it’s a random sighting? If you’re seriously considering such a house, get peace of mind with a pest inspection first. - Mold
Everyone has heard at least one horror story about a homeowner’s struggle with mold. Even if visible mold has been eliminated, there’s no guarantee that the conditions creating the mold have been resolved. Don’t put your family’s health at risk. - Poor Electrical Wiring
Test overhead lights, garbage disposals, ceiling fans and anything else that operates off the electrical system. Take a phone charger along when touring homes so you can check the outlets. - Fresh or Spotty Paint
A quick paint job is an inexpensive and easy cosmetic fix homeowners sometimes use to make the house seem up-to-date. Pay attention to kitchen counters, bathroom tiles and other decor features to see if they look outdated. Spotty paint is more cause for concern as it may be hiding damages. - Messy, Cluttered Interior
If someone can’t be bothered to clean up their home at a time it should be displayed at its best, chances are good they’re equally careless when it comes to major maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, has a homeowner kept you from viewing the basement or master bedroom because “it’s a mess right now?” Flags don’t get any redder than that. - Foggy or Broken Windows and Doors
Condensation inside double-paned windows generally indicates a worn seal, which is likely to result in higher energy bills. Open and close all windows and doors to see if they function properly without sticking. - Unpleasant Odors
Foul smells inside a home could be the result of problems such as mold or rotting wood, or they could be the by-product of bad housekeeping, Either one is a situation you want to avoid when buying a house. On the flip side, overpowering air freshener smells may be an attempt to cover up funkier ones. - “As-Is”
“As-Is” is another way of saying, “Buyer Beware.” A responsible homeowner makes a good-faith effort to present their house in livable condition. When a homeowner offers a home as-is, they’re essentially washing their hands of any problems, which are no doubt numerous. - Shabby Neighborhood
When you’re buying a house, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Are the surrounding homes neat and well-kept, or do you see overgrown lawns and peeling paint? Even if you have a high tolerance, a run-down neighborhood will negatively impact your home’s resale value.
Buying a house is an emotional experience. Don’t let yourself be dazzled by lots of bells and whistles. Take a clear-eyed look at the whole picture, good and bad, when choosing your future home.
[post_footer]
