Buying A Home? 3 Red Flags To Avoid
The purchase of a home is a big decision. Not only will the home be where you and your family live for a period of time, but the house will also be a financial investment. Therefore, choosing the right house is key for many reasons. Of course, if you are new to the world of real estate, scouring through the different listings can be challenging, but help is available. Here are a few red flags to avoid when searching for your home.
Maintenance Issues
As a first-time buyer or an inexperienced buyer, you may not have much knowledge in real estate to determine if a home was properly maintained. Thankfully, a home will show physical signs, in most cases, if it was not maintained well.
Stains on the roof and cluttered gutters are definite red flags because these could be early warning signs of roof damage. Stains occur because the house/roof was not cleaned properly, which can increase the risk of mold growth and heavy debris that leads to leaks. Also, clogged gutters, especially if they have been clogged for a long time, will eventually lead to roof problems.
Foul odors in and around the home may also be signs of maintenance issues. Odors from faucets could stem from septic and plumbing issues, which can be costly to repair. High levels of humidity, which could stem from heating/cooling issues or a hidden leak, may cause the house to smell poorly, as well.
Pest Signs
Pest control is a part of maintenance, too, but signs of pests are a common problem seen by many real estate professionals and buyers.
When considering a home, check the attic, closets, crawlspaces, and in cabinets and drawers for mouse droppings, especially. Other signs of pests may be damaged, rotting wood, which may stem from termites or carpenter ants. Wings, left behind by termites and other pests, may build up around windows and doors, too, if the home is infested.
Discoloration/Stains
Another red flag you want to avoid are discolorations and stains. For example, if you notice a portion of drywall appears to be freshly painted or there is a noticeable discoloration on the drywall, the owners may have recently repaired water damage.
Stains on a ceiling are also red flags, since they could indicate another hidden water leak from a plumbing or roofing problem.
Buying a single family home does not have to be stressful. With this guide, you will learn a few red flags to avoid.
