Red Flags Buyers Should Look For

When searching for a home, you need to be on the lookout for red flags that a house might not be a good fit for
you. Here are some potential red flags to look for:

* Foundation cracks or structural problems. Wide cracks can be a cause for alarm, especially if they look
recently patched.
* Outdated wiring and plumbing. While this is common in older houses, make sure your home inspector
takes a close look.
* Strong artificial smells can be a concern since they might be there to cover up bad odors from mold or
cigarette smoke.
* Fresh paint, especially in the basement, could indicate an attempt to cover up water leaks.
* If the seller did any work on the house but doesn’t have building permits available, as the new owner, you
could be facing serious and costly problems.
* And, of course, signs of pests or lack of maintenance can indicate future problems you’ll have to deal with.

These are just a few of many possible red flags – so always be sure to seek advice from your REALTOR®.