House Hunting Red Flags

Have you ever purchased something without really knowing what you’re getting? Maybe a bunk bed that was way too hard to assemble? Or a shirt that was totally ruined after one trip through the dryer? Although these situations can be frustrating, they are nowhere near as heartbreaking as the realization that you’ve purchased a home without knowing about those skeletons hiding in the closet.

Buying a home is a major financial decision. Often home owners budget for the cost of the home – not including repairs. If a major problem arises within the first few months, even the first year, it can be financially crippling! These house hunting red flags will have you pumping the brakes on a home purchase before signing on the dotted line!

🚩 Questionable Foundation

Most of us are itching to see the inside of a home when we schedule a showing but the outside is just as important. When you view a home, take a walk around the house and check the exterior. Do you see any bulges or cracks in the foundation or exterior walls? Is there a gap between the roof and the side of the house? Although a crack might seem like an easy fix, this house hunting red flag could be a sign that there are major structural issues with the home. 

🚩 Flood Plain

While you’re outside, take a step back and look at the property as a whole. Does the ground slope toward or away from the house? Is this lot a high or low point for the neighborhood? Ask the owner or realtor what the yard looks like when it rains. Check for well-maintained gutters and downspouts that will help direct water away from the home. Standing water is a home’s archenemy – one of the easiest house hunting red flags to spot.

🚩 Water Damage

You’ll know for sure if the home has water damage once you look around inside. If a room smells musty or you see stains or bubbles in the wall or ceiling, you can bet there’s water leaking somewhere. If you can see evidence of water damage from the inside of the room, there’s no telling what kind of damage is hiding behind the walls. 

We also recommend taking a close look at the kitchen sink and bathrooms, especially around the tub, toilets, countertops, and flooring. Rotted wood or soft spots are additional signs of a water leak. Even if you don’t see any water damage red flags, you’ll still want to get an inspector to take a closer look for mold and leaks, just to be safe.

🚩 Poor Ventilation

It’s always a good idea to view a home on a day with extreme conditions. Although you may not want to be out and about, pick an extremely hot day or maybe one after it’s been raining for awhile. Why? Moisture and intense heat need to be able to escape to prevent damage to the roof, interior walls, and structural elements. Try to get an idea of how well the home is ventilated. Is the air moving well or does it feel stagnant? Poor ventilation could be one of those deal breaking house hunting red flags!

🚩 Dangerously Old Materials

Building materials and regulations have progressed in recent years. That means the materials used in older homes may pose a risk to your health and safety. Ask questions about lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds, or even asbestos. Depending on the price to take care of issues like these, that bill might be enough to tip the scale and send you looking for a different home.

🚩 Problematic Renovations

In 2019, 90 percent of homeowners said they plan to remodel their home at some point. According to Trulia.com, 47% of those planning to remodel claimed they are only willing to spend $5,000 or less. If you’re thinking about buying a home that’s been renovated, you need to know if those renovations were done right. No cut corners. Amateur electrical and plumbing repairs might save a pretty penny up front but could cost more to fix AGAIN later down the road. Ask if the owners hired professional contractors or did the work themselves. Did they open up the floor plan and remove any load bearing walls? Have they had any problems since the renovations were completed? These are all factors you’ll want to take into consideration before you make an offer. They might be house hunting red flags, but they might not.

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