In the world of real estate, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential red flags that can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Here are some of the most common issues that home buyers have faced in the past, and I want you to learn these cautionary signs to watch for during the home-buying process.
Lack of Quality Photos in the Listing
One of the first things you should be wary of is a listing with few photos. Are there only a few photos of the home included in the listing? Are certain rooms or areas of the home left out? If the listing doesn’t include high-quality photos, buyers should question why that is. We recommend asking your Realtor to find older photos of the home from previous listings before touring the house.
Presence of Water Stains
Water and construction materials don’t mix. The trickle of water from a leaky roof or window can over time rot away structural wood members. If water stains are yellowish or brownish, they may be evidence of a plumbing problem on the upper floor. Until you know where a leak is coming from and how much damage it’s caused, don’t make an offer.
Saggy Ceilings
No matter how quaint and cozy the house is, if the ceiling sags, it’s a red flag. A saggy ceiling—even if the sag is only slight—can be the result of roof leaks, the structural movement that’s causing the ceiling drywall to work lose from the ceiling joists or an insect infestation that’s eating away at the joists.
DIY Additions
File this one squarely in the realm of “buyer beware!” While many homeowners are capable of making repairs around the house, few have sufficient knowledge and skills to construct an addition that meets building codes. If the homeowner built an addition without oversight from the local building authority, it could contain structural, wiring, and plumbing defects. Ask your agent to see any pulled permits.
Excessive Use of Air Fresheners
If you’re immediately assailed by the strong scent of air freshener when you walk into a house, or if essential oil diffusers are steaming away in every room, this could indicate that the homeowner is trying to cloak the smell of something else, such as carpeting that’s saturated with pet urine or mold that’s growing beneath the sink. If you’re interested in the house, ask for a second showing and request that the seller not use an air freshener before you arrive.
Standing Water in the Yard
To keep water away from the foundation wall, a yard should have a minimum of 2 percent grade away from the house. Drive by the house you like after a rain. If you find puddles of standing water, the yard may have a drainage problem. Puddles near the foundation are the most concerning because water that drains along a foundation wall can leak into a basement through the smallest crack.
Being aware of these red flags can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a home. Remember, it’s always better to ask questions and be safe rather than sorry.
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