Buying a home can be an exciting journey. However, it’s also one of the biggest purchases that you’ll make in your lifetime. To that end, not all properties are in top-top condition, and some could be hiding major flaws underneath the surface – many of which are costly to repair.
When house hunting, it’s important to look out for signs that a home may not be in great condition. Some of these red flags are easy to spot, while you’ll need to look closely for others.
Here are five red flags to look out for when buying a home.
1) Roof Issues
Most homeowners don’t think about their roof every day, however, it’s one of the most important parts of a home’s structure and overall physical health.
A failing roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, so it’s important to know its condition before you buy. Look for missing or curling shingles, water stains on ceilings, or sagging areas as these can indicate a problem with the roof. If it’s an older home, ask if it has been repaired or replaced recently.
2) Visible Water Damage
Signs of water damage, such as water stains on ceilings or walls, warped flooring, and musty odors, can indicate serious problems like poor drainage, roof leaks, or plumbing issues. Plus, mold growth, which can cause health problems and is expensive to fix, may also be present.
Become an informed home buyer by checking out these related blogs next:
- Will I Ever Be Able to Afford a Home?
- How Much Do You Need to Make a Deposit & Down Payment?
- How Long Should You Plan Ahead Before Buying a Home?
3) Uncleanliness & Pest Problems
A clean home is a well-cared-for home. If a seller isn’t willing to tidy up around the house before welcoming in potential buyers, it could be a sign that they haven’t taken regular care of their property over the years.
Beyond being visually unappealing, a poorly cared-for home may also have issues with pests. Rodents, insects, or other pests can cause significant damage to a home’s structure. Look for mouse or insect traps, small holes in wood, droppings, nests, or other telltale signs that the home may have a current or past infestation.
4) Outdated Systems
Many older homes have undeniable charm that makes them appealing to buyers. However, because of their age, many heritage properties have old or dated systems that can be costly to operate, fix, or replace.
Check the age and condition of the furnace, air conditioning, water heater, and insulation. Ask the current homeowners for the utility bill history to get an idea of energy costs. Homes with poor insulation or inefficient systems can be expensive to maintain and may require costly upgrades.
5) Neglectful Neighbours
The home itself may be in good condition, but the surrounding area is just as important.
Do the properties next door appear well-kept, or are they an eyesore? Who lives there – are they long-time homeowners or a house full of university students? These are important questions to keep in mind while you attend open houses and showings. Don’t forget to listen for any excess or disruptive noise coming from the neighbours while visiting the home also.
Looking for more home-buying insights? Consider these other posts from our blog.
- What Should First-Time Buyers Know About Home Insurance?
- Can You Buy a Home Without an Agent?
- How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home
Protecting Yourself as a Buyer
Buying a home is a big investment. As a buyer, you’ll want to do everything that you can to make sure you’re putting your money in a good place. While looking out for these red flags is a good starting point, there are two big must-dos when it comes to making a smart purchase.
The first way to protect your interests as a buyer is by partnering with a knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent. As an expert in all things real estate, they’ll help you avoid potential risks and pitfalls during the buying process. Of course, they’ll also help you find the right home for your needs based on your budget.
The second way to ensure you’re protected is to include a home inspection condition in your buying offer. This means the deal can’t go through until the property has been checked out by a professional inspector who will identify any minor or major flaws in the home that you may not already be aware of.
Buying a Home? We Can Help
If you’re searching for a real estate team that can help you find a great home, look no further.
Bosley Real Estate has helped Canadians find the perfect home for close to a century. Today, our advanced buying systems, client-first approach to service, and vast industry relationships can help you build a thoughtful home-buying roadmap, leading to a smooth and successful home purchase.
Gearing up to buy your first home? Our team of experienced agents can help you achieve your real estate goals. Give us a call at 416-322-8000 or reach us by email at info@bosleyrealestate.com.
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