Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a House
Hey there, future homeowners and house hunters! Buying a house and a little nervous about making a bad decision? What the obvious and not so obvious red flags you should keep an eye out for?
he home buying process is definitely an exciting journey. And while the process can be thrilling, it can also be overwhelming. So it’s important to keep your eyes peeled for potential pitfalls that might not be immediately obvious.
To help you navigate the exciting world of home buying, here are some things to watch out for when looking at properties.
Foundation and Structural Issues
Let’s start with the foundation – the backbone of your dream home. Cracks in the walls, sloping floors or doors that don’t close properly. This might indicate underlying structural problems. While some issues are minor, others could lead to significant headaches and costly repairs down the road. Be sure to hire a home inspector to thoroughly assess the property’s foundation and structural integrity.
Water Damage and Mold
Water can be both a friend and a foe when it comes to homes. Keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings, walls or floors, as these can indicate leaks or other water-related problems. Additionally, watch out for signs of mold or a musty smell, which might suggest ongoing moisture issues. Mold not only affects your health but can also be a costly problem to fix.
Roofing Woes
A sturdy roof is your shield against the elements, so it’s vital to check its condition. Missing shingles, signs of sagging, or visible water damage in the attic are red flags that the roof might need attention. Replacing or repairing a roof can be a substantial expense, so don’t forget to factor it into your budget.
Location and Neighborhood
Remember, you’re not just buying a house; you’re becoming a part of a neighborhood and community. Research crime rates, schools, amenities and the overall vibe of the area. If the neighborhood seems neglected or isn’t up to your standards, it might not be the right fit for your future.
Your real estate agent typically cannot speak about the makeup of a particular neighborhood because providing an opinion or information on a community’s residents can be discriminatory, even if it was not the intention. You can’t just ask them “is this a good place to live” – you have to do the research yourself and make your own decision.
Unusual Smells and Odors
When you step into a potential new home, trust your nose as much as your eyes. Lingering strange smells could indicate hidden problems, like mold or sewage issues. Air fresheners and candles can mask these smells temporarily, so take your time exploring each room and ask questions if you notice anything unusual.
Eyesores and Oddities
That fancy wallpaper might be fun at first, but keep your eyes peeled for any quirky design choices. Sometimes, weird decor could be hiding more sinister secrets – like structural issues or a basement dungeon you didn’t ask for! Aesthetically, they aren’t technically red flags – but it’s always smart to see what they could be covering up.
Sneaky Staging Shenanigans
Don’t be fooled by the magic of staging! Sometimes, those perfectly placed throw pillows and dreamy lighting setups are designed to distract you from potential red flags. Always look beyond the sparkle and glam. While furniture and decor aren’t outright red flags – it’s always smart to peak behind the drapes!
Electrical Issues
Let’s talk outlets and switches. If they’re playing hide and seek or giving you the static treatment, it could be a sign of outdated wiring.
Keep an eye out for flickering lights, dimming or buzzing, burn marks or discoloration around outlets and switches, exposed wiring etc. If you see a ton of extension cords or power strips being used, it might indicate a lack of outlets or improper wiring.
I also like to carry a phone charger with me when looking at properties & checking to see if some of the outlets work!
Pesky Pests
Uninvited guests can be a real buzzkill. Check for signs of pests – droppings, chewed-up corners or creepy-crawly friends.
When you’re outside, check for things like cracks and gaps, holes, missing shingles, door gaps & broken screens. These can serve as entry points for bugs & critters.
I always check for signs of pests near sinks and drains because moisture will attract things like cockroaches and silverfish. Cabinets & pantries (aka where food is stored) are where you want to keep an eye out for ants or droppings.
You can also have a professional pest inspector check out the property before finalizing your purchase.
Driveway Drama
Walk the length of the driveway and look for cracks, potholes or sunken areas. These can indicate poor construction or water damage. When you drive over it, drive slowly. See if you notice any unevenness or a bumpy ride.
You can also ask your agent to find out about maintenance history or any recent repairs to the driveway!
Doors That Won’t Close
When you’re touring a house, open and close the doors!
While it doesn’t necessarily indicate a catastrophic issue, it can hint at underlying problems that might need attention. Doors that won’t close properly or get stuck when you try to open them can be a sign of structural issues, poor installation, water damage, settling, termite damage, foundation problems or possibly a DIY repair.
Bonus Tips When Buying A House
Does the price seem unrealistically low? If it seems too good to be true, it might be. An unusually low price might mean that the property has severe issues that the seller isn’t disclosing. Always conduct thorough research and consider getting a multiple opinions from professionals before making a decision.
Buying a house is a big investment – both financially and emotionally. Take your time, do your due diligence and don’t hesitate to ask questions. When it comes time to getting inspections, more is more. Yes, it costs money – but wouldn’t you rather “waste” a few hundred dollars now to know there aren’t problems instead of thousands of dollars later?
Working with a good real estate agent and hiring a qualified home inspector will go a long way in helping you avoid these red flags.
Whether you’re considering buying a house in San Diego, California or another city, I’m happy to chat & answer your questions. Here’s a link to my contact info. You can also sign up for my mailing list below for home buying, selling & investment updates.