Red Flags to Look Out For When Buying a House

Big investments call for big thinking because the mistakes resulting from them can cost you tremendously. Getting yourself a new home should never be done in a rush, so it is essential that the decisions you make are good ones. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell whether the home you are buying doesn’t have some well-hidden defects. To help you make the best purchase that will not end up in some bad and costly surprises, here are some red flags to look out for when buying a house. 

It’s been listed for too long

The first significant indicator that something might be wrong with the house you are considering buying is the number of days it’s been on the market. Great homes tend to sell fast, so when something has been listed for too long, there’s usually a good reason for it. Of course, no one says you shouldn’t even consider such a property. It is only important to inspect it in great detail and to determine exactly the reason for its apparent unpopularity. 

One of the red flags to look out for when buying a house is termite damage

Termites are tiny creatures that can cause huge damage. They can’t be spotted immediately, but some signs can tell us about their presence. The biggest trouble with termites is that they can be very hard to eradicate, so it’s very important to determine that the house is termite free. When it comes to these pesky little creatures, this is what you should look for: 

• Hollow-sounding wood. Termites eat wood from within and make it hollow
• Frass. These are wood-colored droppings of termites, and they are the key sign of their presence
• Mud tubes. Termites use them as travel routes, and they usually indicate that the pests have gone subterranean
• Swarms. Once you see the swarm of tiny insects, especially at night, you can be certain the house suffers from termite infestation

Foundation cracks indicate structural issues

While the esthetic appeal of a property is certainly important, its structural integrity is a deal-breaker. The damages of that type are very expensive to deal with, so it is crucial that you correctly appraise the status of the house in that respect. One of the bad signs regarding this topic is foundation cracks. Cracks are bad in general, but in the foundation, they can be a sign of serious issues a potential buyer must know about. 

The presence of water where there should be none is another red flag

Water is capable of causing serious and expensive problems when it gets out of control, and similarly to termites, it is hard to eradicate. To make sure the property isn’t suffering from rogue water issues, go to the basement first and inspect it closely. Most people decide to buy a new house because they want bigger space, and those usually have plans for the basement and attic as well. Although you alone must think about your needs and weigh the pros and cons of moving into a bigger house, you will certainly want all the space to be in proper condition. Apart from the usual wetness, mold is a sure sign of the prolonged presence of water in the area. Therefore, pay good attention to such sights. 

Too many people are selling their homes in the neighborhood

The characteristics of the neighborhood are just as important as the ones of the house you are viewing. It might be a bit difficult to tell for sure whether the area is good or bad for you. But one of the signs you should reconsider purchasing in that particular zone is that there are too many houses on the market there. Simply speaking, if people are fleeing from there, you should do better research on that particular neighborhood. 

Caption: If there are many listings in the neighborhood, it might mean there’s something wrong with that particular area.

Alt-text: A red sign that says “Home for sale” in front of a house. 

Fresh paint of only parts of the room should raise your suspicion

Fresh paint should immediately raise your concerns. Why did they paint one area and not the entire house? It is common for sellers to opt for some cheap upgrades before they list their property. But painting only one wall in a room, for example, usually means they are trying to cover up something at the last minute. Of course, the reason for this strange choice of selective painting may be something benign, such as a stain on the wall. Nevertheless, take a close look at the areas that seem to have gone through refurbishment. You might find something serious and potentially costly. 

Caption: Fresh paint is one of the red flags to look out for when buying a house because it can indicate covering up something.

Alt-text: Two people painting the wall with paint rollers. 

The roof looks suspicious

Roofs are super expensive to fix. And when the time comes for fixing them, you will not have a choice in the matter. That is why you should inspect the state of the roof when you are viewing a house. Look for missing shingles. That usually indicates it is time for their replacement. A sagging roof is also a sign that it needs total repair. The good idea is to inspect the attic as well and look for the presence of water there that can indicate the roof is leaking. While you’re at it, take a look at details from the inside. Does it seem like someone has decided to do a bit of DIY work on it? That is not a good indication, as these types of repairs specifically require professionals to do them. Finally, even if the roof looks great, it would be wise to take a second and even a third close look at it. 

Caption: A bad roof is a costly issue that you should try to avoid.

Alt-text: A roof with missing shingles which is one of the red flags to look out for when buying a house

Final thoughts 

As you can see, it is important to concentrate while viewing a property. These red flags to look out for when buying a house can save you from making a wrong investment that can cost you both your money and your health. They say it is better to prevent something than to treat it later, and in the context of buying a home, that couldn’t be truer. Therefore, arm yourself with patience and enough time and inspect your potential house as closely as possible. You will be glad in the future that you put in some extra effort at that stage.

Meta description: Take a look at the most common red flags to look out for when buying a house. Pay close attention to them if you want to avoid making a bad investment.

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Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/rainbow-over-sea-behind-roof-9899096/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/anonymous-people-painting-the-wall-7218029/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/property-with-red-and-white-home-for-sale-signage-8469934/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-viewing-a-house-7641868/