Touring open houses can be exciting as you consider the prospect of finally becoming a homeowner. However, you should be prepared to look into many different properties and spend some time inspecting the fine details. While homes on the market will look great presentation-wise, lazy sellers may be hiding disastrous and costly flaws. Here are some red flags you should always look out for when inspecting a home for sale.
Cracks in the Floors and Walls
Any cracks in the floors or walls indicates that there might be structural problems at hand. Additional things to look for are sticking doors or windows, cracks along window frames, and uneven floors or tiling. Any major gaps will lead to costly and extensive repairs.
Any Unusual Paint Cover-ups
It’s expected that when it comes to preparing a house to sell, applying a fresh layer of paint to the interior and exterior walls is a common practice. As a potential buyer, you definitely want a home that has been properly refreshed. However, some sellers may use paint to cover up problems rather fix it. This can include hiding any mold and mildew spots, water damage from leaking pipes, termite damage, etc.
If you notice unusual fresh paint spots, it may mean they’re trying to hide something – especially if it looks like it’s an older home that hasn’t been renovated. You should ask the seller why the job was done.
Electrical and Plumbing Issues
When doing your walkthrough of the open house, always remember to check the condition of the electrical panel, any exposed wires, the number of outlets in each room, and any other potential hazards. You’ll also want to eyeball the plumbing such as the pipes under the sink. This is a common place for leaks and water damage.
Hire a Professional Home Inspector
You may think you have a good eye, but home inspectors are trained to have an even keener perception. Appearances can be very deceiving, and an expert will be able to identify any major flaws that the seller or landlord is trying to cover up. This will save you a lot of money down the line and give more leverage in potentially renegotiating the offer on the house. If the home inspector identifies any drastic problems that will be more than you can handle, it’s better to just walk away and consider a different house.
Conclusion
We hope these tips will assist you in finding your dream home within your budget. If you’ve finally settled on that perfect property and are now looking for financing and loan options, our professionals can help. American Mortgage Resource, Inc. is the number one source for reasonable home loans and expert support. Get in touch with our team today!
