Buying a home can be a daunting task in and of itself. We have seen a few common red flags that we like to call out to our clients when they are purchasing a home, so we wanted to share those with you, too.
Foundational or Structural Issues
One of the most expensive issues to fix in a home! This is also the most important part of a home as a good foundation keeps the home standing. If you see large cracks on walls, a sloping floor, or if the doors do not fully close properly, it is possible that there are issues that would need to be addressed. This is something your home inspector will call out, so if you don’t see anything, they will bring it to your attention.
Pest Issues
Is there obvious termite damage or are there signs of other insects in or around the home? Pests can also cause a lot of damage that you may not see, so it’s worth having a pest inspector come out to assess any potential issues. Getting pest damage fixed in a home could cost thousands, so it’s worth paying a little bit on the front end to ensure that everything looks okay in the home.
State of the Neighborhood
Are there a lot of vacant homes in the area or are several of the homes very run down? When you buy a home, you’re also buying the neighborhood, so it’s important that you pay close attention to the areas surrounding the home and feel comfortable with the area.
Mold
Mold issues are not always obvious, but most home inspectors will be able to find any mold damage during their inspection. It can cause health issues and a series of other issues in a home and can also be costly to fix!
Strange Odors
If you walk into a home and smell something that seems off, there could be an underlying issue. If you don’t smell something that seems off, but rather smell lots of pleasant smells because of air fresheners or candles burning in rooms, take note of that as well! That could mean a smell is being covered up, so be aware of this.
Your agent can help you identify some of these factors when touring houses, but your inspector will be able to address the severity of these if any of these issues are present in the home! Have questions about the buying process? Let us know!