Your Insider’s Guide to Smart Home Buying
Exclusive 8-Week Series
You know how everyone says “buyer beware” but never really tells you what to watch out for? That’s exactly why I created this 8-week series – to give you the real inside scoop on what to look for when you’re house hunting. Think of it as your behind-the-scenes guide to avoiding those “I wish someone had told me” moments.
I get it! You’re excited to find your dream home! But here’s the thing: that excitement can sometimes make us overlook some pretty serious warning signs. Trust me, you don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s going to become a nightmare later on.
So let’s talk about those red flags that could save you a ton of headaches (and money) down the road.
What’s Going On in the Neighborhood?
You want to buy somewhere that’s going to hold its value, right? Here’s how to tell if a neighborhood is solid or if people are trying to get out:
If you’re seeing a bunch of “For Sale” signs, lots of rentals, and foreclosures, that might be a sign that something’s up. When properties aren’t being maintained well, it can drag everyone’s home values down.
If the area feels like it’s changing, make sure it’s changing in the right direction. Sometimes it’s hard to tell just by driving around, so ask me to pull some numbers, are prices going up or down? How long are houses sitting on the market? Are people actually paying asking price or more?
These days, a lot of buyers want to be near public transit and fun spots like restaurants and shops, especially if they’re looking in the city.
Now, sometimes you can get a great deal in an area that’s about to take off, even if it looks a little rough around the edges right now. Just make sure any big development plans are actually real and funded, not just someone’s wishful thinking.
The Home Inspection Reality Check
You already know you’ll need a good inspector to check out the house’s bones. But here’s what they won’t tell you, they’re just going to point out what they see, not whether you should buy the house or not. That decision is totally up to you.
Here are the things that should make you really think twice:
The house just looks… neglected. Like no one’s really taken care of it in years. That’s often a sign that bigger problems are hiding underneath.
It’s supposed to be a “fixer-upper” but it’s not even that old, and yet everything seems to be falling apart. That’s different from an older home with character that just needs some love.
Someone did a bunch of DIY work that looks sketchy. If there’s an addition that looks like it was built by someone who maybe watched too many YouTube videos, you’ll want to see permits and make sure it was done right.
Termites. Yeah, they’re as bad as they sound. If you suspect them, spend the $50 to get a termite company out there to check.
The basement smells funky or you see water stains. Moisture problems can mean mold, and mold is no joke for your health.
Water marks on ceilings or walls usually mean roof, gutter, or plumbing issues – all fixable, but you need to know how bad it is.
Cracks in walls or floors that feel sloped. Could be foundation issues, which can get expensive fast.
Old, sketchy wiring. This is a fire hazard, and if you’re planning renovations, you need to make sure the house can handle it.
Trust Your Gut
Sometimes you walk into a place and something just feels off. Here’s what to look for:
Just one freshly painted wall? They might be covering up water damage or mold.
The place smells like a Bath & Body Works exploded? They could be hiding pet odors, smoke, or that musty smell that comes with moisture problems.
Weird furniture placement or random rugs? Check underneath, they might be covering up damaged floors.
Try opening and closing all the windows and doors. If they don’t work properly, it could signal bigger issues.
New Construction Isn’t Always Better
I know, I know! Brand new everything sounds amazing! And it can be. But here’s the thing nobody tells you: sometimes it’s actually better to be the second owner.
With new construction, you’re basically the guinea pig. No one’s lived there to test out all the systems. It might take months of living there to discover that the shower leaks or the heating system is wonky.
Plus, if it’s a new condo building, don’t be surprised if those monthly fees go up significantly in the first year once they figure out what things actually cost to maintain.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’m not trying to scare you away from any house that isn’t perfect. Most of these things can be fixed if you have the budget and energy for it. The key is going in with your eyes wide open so you can make smart decisions instead of getting hit with expensive surprises later.
Next up in my Insider’s Guide: House Hunting 101: How to Stay Focused and Find the Right Home, where I share two must-do strategies and two common mistakes to avoid while touring.
Questions about any of this? Reach out to me anytime, I love talking through these scenarios with my clients!
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