Red Flags To Watch For When Buying A Home

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You must do two main things before you shop for a house to buy. First, you need to work out your financing strategy with a lender. Secondly, you must hire a home buying agent to help you with the process. Once you have an agent, they will accompany you to see homes for sale. Your agent can help you know what to look for in a house, but your agent can also help you understand what red flags to watch for when house shopping. Here are some red flags to be aware of as you shop for a home.

Water Spots on the Ceilings or Walls

One thing to keep an eye out for is water spots on the ceilings or walls. If you see water spots, talk to your home buying agent. Your agent will explain what this probably means, and they might tell you to beware of this issue. Water spots in these areas can indicate two things. First, they reveal leaks in the home. The leaks might be from plumbing problems or a bad ceiling. Secondly, water leaking into a home tends to cause water damage and mold issues.

Bad Odors or Strong Smells

If you walk through a home and smell bad odors, such as mildew, you might want to consider this a red flag. Bad odors can also indicate a problem in the home. If you smell mold or mildew, it likely means that the house has water leaks and damage. You might also want to watch for strong smells. For example, do you smell strong candles and air fresheners as you walk through the house? If so, your agent might explain that the homeowner is trying to cover up a bad odor by using products that smell good.

Doors or Windows that Do Not Close Properly

Next, you might want to test the doors and windows. If you find that some do not close properly, the house might have foundational issues. A sinking foundation can lead to doors not closing properly.

Numerous Homes for Sale on the Same Street

Finally, seeing many homes for sale on the same street can also be a red flag. You can talk to your agent about this to learn more, but it often means that there is a problem in the area that is causing everyone to want to sell.

When you buy a house, you should examine it thoroughly to ensure it is in good condition. If you have questions, talk to a local home buying agent.


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