Avoid These Red Flags When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s important that serious buyers do their due diligence before making any commitments on a home. If you’re buying, there are several warning signs you should be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common red flags you’ll encounter when buying home.

Amateur repairs or additions

In our DIY culture, it’s not unusual for homeowners to tackle home maintenance and repairs on their own. But if something in the house looks like it was obviously done by an amateur that could be a cause for a concern. Find out if the proper permits were obtained before the work was done, and if everything was done according to code. If not, it could cause you significant money down the road.

Water damage

Water can cause substantial damage to a home. Be on the lookout for rotting wood in the bathroom and kitchen. Check the basement for signs of moisture or water stains. Examine the exterior including window trim, eaves and decks for signs of damage. Also be aware of any standing water in the yard or near the foundation, which could cause structural damage to the home.

Infestations

When you’re touring, take note of any signs of infestations. Look for droppings, dead insects or signs of nesting. These could mean termites, mice, roaches, bed bugs or even possums living in the attic. Sometimes the infestations are not always obvious, and you’ll want to include an inspection by a professional before moving in.

Old wiring

Is the house equipped to handle the demands of today’s technological environment? In some cases, outdated electrical systems can cause a fire. Keep an eye out for ungrounded outlets, flickering lights, warm faceplates, lights that don’t work and aluminum wiring. These indicate that the home has inferior electrical work, which can be very expensive to replace.

As you begin to view homes, keep an eye out for any of the issues mentioned above and have them thoroughly inspected by a professional before closing on the house. If you don’t, it could end up costing you much more in the long run.

Helping you through this process of due diligence and inspection is one of the many services our Realtors provide our client's during the home buying process. If you looking for a guide through this process from discovering a great neighborhood to finding the right home to analyzing that home to smoothly arriving at the closing desk, let us know by filling out the form below.  We are here to help.