7 Red Flags Every Home Buyer Should Know

Buying a home is a very important purchase! For most, it's the most significant purchase they'll make in their lifetime! In your home search, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration once you've found a home you love. First-time homebuyers may find the process challenging to navigate, given the many unfamiliar steps that take place throughout the homebuying process. 

When you begin home shopping, you learn that the seller is required to disclose any concerns there are about their home that may affect a homebuyer's purchase. Unfortunately, not all sellers are 100% truthful, or they may downplay the disclosures to avoid losing potential buyers.

Here are 7 "red flags" that we to keep your eyes peeled for throughout your home search:

1. Signs of Poor Home Maintenance

When you take a tour of a home, take note of the interior and exterior maintenance. Is the grass overgrown? Are there signs of deterioration on the exterior (siding, roofing, etc.) due to neglect? Are there broken fixtures or faucets? One issue may not be a deal breaker, but it should make you question how well-maintained (or neglected!) the other areas of the home were.

2. Many Homes for Sale in the Neighborhood

If you notice that a lot of homes in the neighborhood or on the same street are also going up for sale, this could be sign of a potential concern! Interact with neighbors in the area to see how they enjoy living there. There may be a bigger issue causing residents to list their homes at once. (For example, noise issues or the announcement of a factory being built nearby that poses potential concerns to residents.)

3. Distinct, Strange or Just Plain Bad Smells

If something smells funky to you when you enter a home, you should question it. Smells can be the cause of so many different factors from mold to neglect or just a home with pets. If it doesn't smell right, it could be a major red flag of something worse. And, if the homeowner or agent hosting an open house has several candles lit or other items to mask scent, there is probably a reason. It's typical to light a candle to make the house feel "homey" for visitors, but overpowering scents should make you wonder.

4. Oddly Painted Walls

If you notice a wall that seems freshly painted in a room where the other walls haven't been painted recently, the homeowner could potentially be covering up something like water damage. Keep an eye out for what could have been the root of the cause or ask the seller or seller's real estate agent.

5. Foundation Cracks or Issues

While it's important to keep in mind that foundation cracks are not always an issue, significant cracks or visible issues with the foundation can pose serious issues for the future homeowner. Most foundations will experience hairline cracks throughout the settling process in a home, but there is a difference between tiny cracks and large cracks in the foundation. 

6. Bugs

This one will probably seem obvious, but it may be tempting to overlook if you really love them home. If you notice pests at any point throughout your time at a home, you should at the very least question the issue and schedule a termite inspection prior to purchasing. Even if you don't see any bugs throughout the process, we encourage scheduling a termite inspection although it is not required.

7. Flipped Homes

A recently flipped home will be very appealing to homebuyers. The appliances and materials used throughout are likely aesthetic and brand-new, and you don't have to make any changes once you move-in. While this may sound like a dream come true, there are many homes that are flipped with inexperienced contractors (or DIY enthusiasts) and measures may have been made to cut costs and maximize their investment. Not every flipped or renovated home is a red flag! But keep an eye out for potential issues that have been covered up or work that has been done improperly. From flooring to roofing, electrical outlets and beyond... you must pay attention to how the flip was completed.

Isn't buying a home scary with so many potential red flags to keep in mind? No! Not at all. A great way to protect yourself from potential issues is to hire a reputable home inspector prior to closing on your investment. Ask friends and family who they recommend and research online to be sure you're picking the best around.

While home inspections are an added cost to an already "expensive" purchase, it is a step you don't want to skip to ensure this investment is the best decision for you. You'd be surprised of the many issues a home inspector can unveil inside an otherwise seemingly "perfect" home. If you need help with your home search or recommendations for a reputable home inspector in South Jersey, give us a call to discuss at 856-264-8671 or email Scott@zhomesrealestate.com!