What are Some Red Flags to Know About When House-Hunting?

When you’re looking for a #house, you know all the things you want. We’ve got a list of the things that should make you walk away. Watch out for sloping floors, saggy ceilings or doors that don’t close right. Air fresheners should tip you off as to what they’re hiding, and a price below market value should make you worry, as well. Substandard shingles and poor ventilation are danger signs, especially if the home’s being sold “as is.” Finally, beware of an up-and-coming neighborhood. You might be dealing with a lot of construction, and you don’t know how the area is going to end up.

Q: What are some red flags I should look for while checking out potential new homes?

A: When looking for a new home, it’s important to be familiar with potential signs of defects and disrepair. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 red flags to watch for in a new home. 

1. Doors that don’t close completely

If the doors of the house you’re viewing don’t meet the jambs, the house may have settled, which may mean foundation problems. 

2. A musty smell

The nose knows. When a house has a distinctly musty smell, you can assume there is mold present. 

3. An up-and-coming neighborhood

Buying in a newly formed community means risking the chance that it doesn’t turn out the way you expect. It can also mean dealing with lots of construction in the neighborhood. 

4. A saggy ceiling 

When checking out a house, look up. If the ceiling sags, you may be looking at a leaky roof, an internal plumbing issue or an insect infestation. 

5. Overpowering air fresheners

If you’re hit by the scent of air fresheners when walking inside, beware. The strong smells may be covering up for pet-stained carpets or mold.

6. Selling “as is”

If a home is listed “as is,” prepare for issues. Look out for defects, or ask the seller to point them out so you walk into a potential sale with your eyes wide open.

7. Poor ventilation

If the house seems humid and stuffy, it probably indicates poor ventilation, which does not allow the hot air to escape. 

8. Substandard shingles

If the shingles on the house you’re viewing are peeling, cracked or curling, the roof is probably nearing the end of its life. Replacing it can run you $10,000. 

9. Sloping floors

If you feel like you’re walking downhill in the kitchen, that’s a problem. It can indicate a foundational problem, broken floor joists or rotted support beams.

10. Below market price

Houses priced below market value tend to have big structural issues the owner does not plan to fix before selling. 

Look out for the red flags described here to be sure there are no big surprises after moving day.