When you are browsing the listings and doorstepping every potential property you think might meet your criteria for a new home, the energy to be as discerning as possible can run out pretty quick. It is precisely at this point of near dejection – when you have either found something wrong with every home you have visited or been beaten to the punch on the ones you did like – that buyers are perhaps most susceptible to the dodgy home that looks like a steal. It is hard to be constantly discerning, and if a great home turns up out of the blue when you’ve had a string of disappointing candidates then you can be hoodwinked into purchasing it, only to find out about its hidden flaws after it’s too late.
A really professional home assessment is in fact the preserve of those qualified to make one. And indeed, it could be a good plan to enlist the help of a professional to help you see if the home you are thinking of buying is up to scratch. But if you’re viewing yourself and you want to make sure the home you buy has everything you need, it’s very wise to get clued up on the real “red flags” which can indicate deeper problems with a home.
Despite the imagery of this metaphor, these red flags are not always obvious warning signs and are actually things you need to be consciously on the look-out for – not things that will announce themselves to you. The red flags around a house are not typically the things which present an obvious danger like a hole in the floor or some exposed electric wires– you’re hardly going to be searching for the best first aid kit in the UK or putting up safety barriers – but, instead, they are all the small indicators that could present a problem at some point down the line, after the home has been bought.
Don’t Get Distracted
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Perhaps the real reason that many of these red flags go unnoticed is not only that they are pretty hard to spot, but that there is a sort of subconscious bias on the part of the viewer to ignore them. The questions that buyer’s most want answered are not questions like “Will that crack widen?” or “Why won’t that door close?” but instead “Are there enough bedrooms?” and “Is this property close to a good school?” If these concerns are satisfied, and the buyer is impressed by their overall impression of the home, then it is almost as if they don’t want to see these small indicators of bigger problems. The process of buying a house is hard, after all, and it’s easy to get worn down.
But that is the wrong way to go about things and could lead to real disappointment in the long run. So, while the process may be long and arduous, you should never settle for a substandard property. And learning about the potential red flags and diligently looking out for them is important. There is a lot to be said for being discerning.
The Red Flags
Here follows some of the most alarming red flags that you should watch out for. Do not rely on the previous owner or even the estate agent to do it for you:
Doors that Won’t Close
If you come across a door that will not close, that is just a faulty door, right? Easy enough to fix, right? Wrong on both counts. Doors that will not close are an indication that the framing members of the home have shifted, and the door frame is now out of square. This is a very fundamental structural problem and a good reason to give the whole home a wide berth. Also be on the lookout for doors that have had a little trimmed off the top or the bottom in order to make it close properly. This may solve the problem with the door, but the deeper structural problem is still very much there.
Foundation Cracks
All poured concrete foundations will eventually crack somewhat. So do not be put off by a small hairline crack in the foundation. However, if the crack is wider than a half inch, then you could be in trouble. A faulty foundation is another major structural problem and an indication that you’re better off avoiding that home. However, bear in mind that even larger cracks might not be anything to be overly concerned about. Have a foundation contractor examine the foundations if you are unsure.
Mouldy Smell
Not all mould is of the dangerous variety, and you should not be overly concerned with a little mould in, say, the basement. That is something that can be effectively dealt with. Nevertheless, if you notice a mouldy smell, then you could be dealing with a potentially harmful variety and this might in turn suggest a deeper structural issue with the home. If you smell mould, check around the sinks and pipes for leaks. If a leak has been going on for a long time, then there could be a good deal of construction materials that will have to be replaced.
The Signs of Termite Infestations
Termites are a real killer when it comes to a home’s chances of being sold – as well they should be. Termite infestations can mean that a great deal of work has to be done on some of the most fundamental structural elements of the house. Look out for tiny mud brown droppings on the floor near the walls and give the walls a tap and check for a hollow sound. If either of these tests come up positive, then request a more professional investigation.
Water Stains
Water in and about the construction materials of a house is something that you definitely want to avoid. Water stains can be an indication of this but bear in mind that the problem might not as extensive as you might expect. If the stains are yellowish or brownish, it could signify a plumbing problem. If you notice water stains, do not make an offer until you have had them thoroughly checked out.
When you go to view a house, do not be afraid to be as rigorous as possible in your appraisal and to request further investigation into anything you are unsure about. This is, or should be, common practice and any owner who refuses to allow this probably has something to hide. Do not be fooled – you might regret it later.
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Site Disclaimer
The Content in this post and on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our Site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by HII or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Nothing in this post or on this site constitutes professional and/or financial advice. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this post or on this site.
You recognize that when making investments, an investor may get back less than the amount invested. Information on past performance, where given, is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
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