Red Flags for Home Buyers

Home buying is an exciting time and can be stressful too. Buyers should always be looking for potential problems with a property. Home inspections are critical for revealing issues in a property and may save buyers a significant amount of money and frustration down the road.  A few things to look for:

• Questionable renovations. A homeowner may attempt to boost the value of their properties, by adding on rooms or removing walls in order to create a more open floor plan. If the renovation is done without the proper expertise, structural issues could result. Check the permits in the public records.
• Strong fragrances.  If overwhelming aromas of potpourri or air fresheners linger in a home, they may be looking to conceal odors.
• Water stains or peeling paint. Water stains on the walls or ceilings may indicate leaks or mildew, while paint that is fresh only in certain spots may signal that the homeowner is attempting to mask problems.
• Poorly maintained gutters. If gutters are clogged with debris, leaks will result and may cause a multitude of problems, including mold growth and damage to the home’s foundation or exterior walls.
  
• Roof problems. Roof repairs or replacements may be very expensive. Look for loose material and worn, damaged, or missing shingles.
• Aging appliances or HVAC systems. If a home’s major appliances show signs of age, they may soon require costly repairs or replacements.
• Damage to the foundation. If the walls of a home appear curved or uneven or there are noticeable cracks or bulges in the foundation, the home may be suffering from structural issues.

Deciding whether to purchase a home is a process of weighing the pros and cons of each property. While none of the above signs should necessarily be viewed as a deal-breaker, they clearly indicate the need for further investigation. Buyers should have a professional inspection. Source: wiseagent.com