You may think you’ve found your dream home, but it’s important to remain cautious. After all, this property could have several underlying issues you may not immediately detect. In no particular order, we identify the five biggest red flags for homebuyers.
Red Flag #1: Structural Issues
One of the main things homeowners should worry about is whether or not your new home has a solid foundation. If it’s not structurally sound, you could face expensive repairs in the future. There are innumerable ways to tell if a house has foundation issues, so check before you buy.
Red Flag #2: There are Stains on The Ceilings and Walls
Homebuyers want to know the past owners took care of the property, and stains undoubtedly signify poor maintenance. Additionally, stains can also indicate bigger problems, such as a leaking roof. You’ll have to further investigate these stains, and examining them can be costly and time-consuming.
Red Flag #3: The Home Is in A Questionable Location
Anyone will tell you, “location, location, location.” What they mean is, when you buy a home, you also purchase its surroundings. You may not want to live on a busy road, and you likely don’t want to reside in an area that’s known for its high crime rate. You should also be wary if you notice that everybody in the neighborhood has their homes on the market.
Red Flag #4: The Rooms Aren’t Up to Snuff
It’s possible that the previous homeowners added rooms themselves—you can usually tell since they won’t blend in with the rest of the house. They more than likely did this without permits, so it’ll cost you time and money to correctly update the home.
Red Flag #5: Faulty Utilities
You don’t want to find out too late that your electricity or plumbing doesn’t function properly. Check the home’s utilities—flip the light switches on and off, and run the faucets. If these don’t work how they should, you may want to look at a different property.
