8 Red Flags to Look for When Buying a House

You’ve been shopping for months and you finally found it: the perfect home. You’re finally buying a house! Now, nothing stands between you and home ownership but a bit of paperwork and some meetings. You think you’re in the clear, but what if you’re overlooking something big? Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon situation.

Each year, thousands of homeowners go into home sales only to find that they overlooked some obvious red flags while deciding to buy the property. Luckily, knowing how to recognize these can keep the process of buying a house safe and simple.

8 Dangerous Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a House

From major structural issues to small functionality problems, these eight things can derail a home purchase in the blink of an eye:

1. Problems with the Foundation

The foundation of a home influences everything else – from its structure to its stability. Foundation problems ranging from cracks to crookedness can cost thousands of dollars to fix and are a major red flag.

2. Pest Problems

While squirrels in the roof might not seem like a big deal, coping with infestations can be time-consuming and troubling. Skip it unless you’re sure there’s a simple fix.

3. Shoddy Repairs

While renovating or improving a home is a great way to perk up its sale value, this only works when the renovations are well done. Be on the lookout for any botched DIY jobs that could cost you money after you purchase the home.

4. Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can be a health hazard, and they’re difficult to eradicate from the home. Be on the lookout for these or any areas of excess dampness before you sign the purchase agreement.

5. Odors

Foul odors can be hard to pinpoint and can make living in the home an unpleasant experience. With this in mind, be on the lookout for anything that smells funky, sour, or not quite right.

6. Problems in the Electrical System and Wiring

Older homes typically have outdated wiring that can lead to costly repairs and safety risks down the road. Have an electrician check out the home’s wiring before you purchase it.

7. A Damaged Roof

Roofs can cost thousands to repair. A damaged roof is a big red flag and should cause the buyer to take pause before leaping into the home purchase.

8. Random Spots of Fresh Paint

While fresh paint in a for-sale home can spruce it up, it’s a bit odd for a homeowner to only paint one wall or a small patch. This may indicate there’s some damage you’re not seeing, and should necessitate further investigation.

Buying a House and Protecting Yourself

While buying a house is an exciting process, it’s critical not to get so swept up in it that you forget to evaluate the bones of the home. If any of these red flags are present, it may mean that the home isn’t the deal you though it was, and that it’s wiser to move on.