Looking to buy a new home?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for something new, there is a lot you can overlook on your first open house. When in doubt, pursue inspections before making an offer. Below are just a few red flags to keep your eye on when touring your future home.
Stucco
While stucco exteriors are great for energy efficiency, improperly installed or old stucco can cause problems. Breaking and broken stucco can cause issues for your home, like leaks and rotting. Stucco remediation contractors can fix the problem by removing and replacing the damaged and loose stucco.
Newly Painted Walls
In some cases, this can just be the work of a good homeowner, but in others could be a homeowner hiding water damage, mildew, or even mold. Keep an eye (or nose) out for strange smells.
Check for Mold
Mold has a distinct smell and can cause a variety of illnesses and respiratory issues. Check in the usual spots: under the sink, windows, and in the basement. Mold and leaks can be a very pricey oversight if missed and can lead to you needing to replace a lot more than expected.
Faulty Wiring
Always check the light switches and outlets when touring a home. Check for flickering lights and faulty outlets, which can mean wiring problems and a need for new home electrical wiring.
DIY Renovations
Opening up a home floor by removing a wall might be a sign of structural issues. If it doesn’t look quite right, be sure to get it inspected by a structural engineer. It could also be questionable if the renovations are up to code, which can be costly to fix.
Unwanted Pests
Pests are not a good sign regardless of where you find them. Keep an eye out for them and definitely go for additional inspections to look for pests like termites that can cause structural damage or even moths, you can check out Moth Prevention for mot information on how to deal with pest like these. If you’re suspicious, calling in a termite specialist may be a good call and can save you some hassle.
Cracks in the Foundation
Bulges or cracks in the foundation can be a sign of structural issues or damage. Depending on how water drains in the yard, it can also contribute to mold or other water damage issues.
Older Homes
Older homes can carry with them a variety of issues. Old windows are less efficient and sometimes drafty, so you’ll more than likely pay more for heating and cooling. In addition, old wiring and plumbing can be costly to update, so be sure to ask about the status of the home.
Look at the Neighborhood
If many other homes in the neighborhood are also for sale, it may signify something else is happening in the area. In some cases, it can be because of rising crime or zoning. Either way, something could be fishy, so be sure to figure it out before making a bid.
Low Asking Prices
Low relative prices on a home can be a sign that the seller is trying to hide something. More than likely, there is an expensive problem to fix.
Keep an eye out for these issues, and don’t be afraid to get a professional inspection done! In most cases, a professional may see something you’ll miss, and when making a large purchase like this, it's better to be safe than sorry. Spend a bit more for peace of mind.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.