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