Buying a home is a big investment, so it’s important to know what to look for during your home tour. Some issues can be easily fixed, while others can cause more serious problems over time. There are some red flags to watch out for as you are looking for the right home.
This article highlights 10 red flags when buying a home, as well as what Seattle-based Redfin agent David Palmer will advise. Whether you’re touring a home for sale in Seattle, Washington, or looking at a condominium in San Diego, California, you’ll learn what to look for before making an offer.
1. Basic problems
One of the most important aspects of the house is its foundation. “The main thing will be the foundation,” says Redfin’s agent David Palmer. “I’m looking for cracks in the horizontal foundation [in the basement] beginning. If I see them it will stop soon – you will at least need a foundation expert to see it. ”
On the other hand, vertical cracks are not necessarily a concern. However, if the crack is large enough to fit a coin or similar sized object, make a note of it. Palmer continues.
基礎の修理は非常に高価な場合があるため、問題を早期に特定することで、将来の予期しないコストから救うことができます。 If you are concerned about the foundation’s issues, ask the real estate agent for your opinion or schedule a foundation inspection.
2. Flood and mold
Water stains on the ceiling, walls, or floors can be a sign of leaks or poor drainage. Damage from untreated water can lead to additional issues such as sagging ceilings and mold. Mold, especially in basements and bathrooms, is another indicator of moisture problems that can lead to long-term structural damage and health concerns.
Always check for musty smells and visible mold spots as it can show costly repairs in the future. It’s a simple place to check out and includes bathrooms such as showers and sinks.
3. Signs of rodent invasion
Pests, including pests, are another important red flag when buying a home. You’ll want to inspect the crawl space for signs of rodent invasion. “When I walk around the boundary, I’m going to look at the vents to the crawl space and check the holes I bite,” Palmer points out.
Small holes in crawl space may indicate currents or past rodent problems. “Mouses only need holes the size of one dime, and now they have rodent problems,” he warns. It is essential to address these issues before you buy a home. Fixing rodent problems can prevent major road intrusions.
4. An outdated electrical system
Outdated electrical panels or exposed wiring can be a serious fire hazard. If you still have knob and tube or aluminum wiring in your home, upgrades to your system can be expensive. Make sure your electrical panel meets the latest safety standards and check for flickering lights, frequent tripping breakers, or exposed wires.
5. Roof condition
As the roof of your home is essential to protect it from elements, it is important to know the condition, age and materials of the roof. “When I’m approaching the house, I look at the roofline to see if I’m watching the waves,” says Palmer. “Do you see the waves on the roof line?
These signs indicate the condition of the roof, potential damage, and whether it has been recently replaced. If you have any questions, please be sure to contact our listing agent.
Additionally, the chimney should also check for signs of deterioration. “How does that collapse?” It is important to catch these signs early, as damaged roofs and chimneys can be expensive to repair.
6. Sloping floors and drooping ceilings
Two major signs that lead to expensive repairs include sloping floors and drooping ceilings. Sloped floors indicate basic problems, rotten floors, or collapsed beams. The drooping ceiling also indicates basic issues and leaks. Both of these issues can be expensive to repair in the future, so it is important to understand the cause of these issues.
7. Bad drainage and rating
Like the interior of your home, you need to check for signs of tilt outside. If your garden is tilted towards the house rather than away from the house, the water can accumulate near the foundation. This can lead to leaks and flooding in the basement.これは、修正するのに費用がかかる場合があります。 Also, if possible, you should check for signs of erosion of water near your home or flooding on your exterior walls.
8. Window mist or condensation
If condensation is visible in the window, it may be because there is insufficient sealing. This means that the windows are not properly sealed and are released into the air from the outside. Low ceilings can lead to increased utility costs as the windows contain hot or cold air. It’s not a trading breaker, but it can mean that you need to replace your Windows.
9. Unpleasant or strange smell
When hunting homes, it is important to pay close attention to detail. Picking up funky smells can indicate mold, plumbing issues, flooding, HVAC issues, and more. And if you have an overly fragrant hallway or bedroom, such as too many air fresheners, it can indicate that there is a smell that the seller is trying to mask.
10. The price seems too good
When you’re a home hunt, home prices can break the contract. If it’s out of your price range, it’s usually out of the question. However, if you have a household price that is below the market value, this can mean that there is a problem with your home or location. So, before you get too excited about lower mortgage payments, be sure to ask your real estate agent for more details on home pricing and insights. It may reveal hidden issues such as the home needs a new roof or an HVAC system.
Conclusion: Don’t skip small issues
Minor issues can reveal more important issues. “They can wrap around like the strings of a sweater. You start going down that rabbit hole and things start to become more and more expensive,” advises Palmer. If you see a red flag when buying a home, try to address these issues before they become expensive.
