Here are seven of the most common red flags to watch out for before you set your heart on any potential property and claim it as your dream home.
1. The listing includes only a few photos of the home’s interior.
Take note and deep-dive into why these people are selling their homes. Are crime rates rising? Is it located near a busy and noisy highway? This is why it’s crucial to do some neighborhood sleuthing before buying a home. Local details such as crime statistics, school information, and other demographic data are easily accessible online and could be helpful when checking out your potential neighborhood.
Be wary if the listing price is way too low for its market value and seems too good to be true. It’s a common red flag that usually indicates a number of issues with the home. There could be an issue with the house or location, or there are major problems that will be expensive to repair. Make sure to ask your realtor about the listing price before you rush to make an offer and purchase a money pit that will give you headaches later on.
If you’re touring the home yourself, also check if the seller is using too much air freshener, or every room has a scented candle lit on. Because while these are appealing scents, they could mean the seller is trying to mask or cover up any offending odor. Likewise, don’t forget to sniff out warning signs in areas like closets, cabinets, in the basement, and any other crawl spaces.
Also, watch out for any leaky faucets and pipes as they could be an indication of a plumbing problem on the upper floor. If the property you’re considering is located in a flood zone, you might also want to check if the home has a history of flooding prior to purchasing.
