Red flags for Home Buyers

Buying a home is one of the most important investments you will make in your lifetime. Most states require that home sellers disclose any defaults of a house before a contract is signed and you should never sign a contract before a professional home inspection. However, some hidden problems can be missed, or you may have fallen in love with a home before the disclosures are made. Here are some red flags you should be aware of before purchasing a house:

1. Low water pressure
Low water flow can be an indication of plumbing problems such as corroded pipes or build up of deposits. To test, check for weak flow in the bathroom sinks, see if there is a long delay before the water turns hot and check for faucet flow when flushing the toilets. If low water pressure exists throughout the home, have a plumber come out to see if you have a potentially pricey problem.

2. Stains on the ceiling
Any kind of stains on the ceiling is usually an indication of water damage because of leak. It could be a leak from the roof or even a shower, if the stain appears beneath the bathroom. If the roof leak has existed for a lengthy amount of time, there could also be a more serious problem of mold. Having to replace a roof or eradicate mold can be an extremely expensive endeavor, so either keep looking or factor in this condition when you negotiate price with the seller.

3. Hard to close doors
One bad door usually isn’t a problem. But if several doors in the home are hard to close, swing open by themselves or fail to open fully, there could be foundation problems or framing that is deteriorating.

4. Odors
Pet odors, musty smells or cigarette smoke can be extremely difficult to get rid of. If the house smells too clean, the owner may be trying to cover up. Be sure to investigate thoroughly and ask plenty of questions.

5. Sloping exterior features
A porch or driveway that slopes towards the home usually mean water in the basement which can lead to structural damage and mold. If the basement smells musty, or the walls have stains, these are good indications there has been flooding or water penetration. Solving the problem can be cheap if you only have to add gutter extensions or cost thousands of dollars if you have to excavate and build exterior or buried drains.

If you are looking to buy an Arizona home, and need a honest realtor who can help you find the perfect house for your needs, please give me a call day or night at 602-904-1496 or send me an email by clicking here.