Every seller wants to show their home in the best light when prospective buyers come around for a tour. They’ve probably done some research of their own or talked to their agent about how best to showcase the property’s most attractive assets—and downplay any flaws. But as a smart buyer, you need to know how to look beyond the sparkle and polish of a well-staged home and spot any potential red flags that could spell trouble down the line. We’ve got you covered.
Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers
1. Exterior neglect.
Before you even step inside, make sure you carefully scan the home’s exterior for things like cracked or peeling paint, saggy porch stairs, a ragged roof, leaf-littered gutters, or overgrown landscaping. Often, you can tell if a home has been carefully maintained or if it’s likely the owners have let some things go over time.
2. Odors.
If you get hit in the face by the smell of scented candles or air fresheners the moment you step through the door, be on guard. It might just be the owners’ attempt to make their home welcoming for all the senses—but strong scents like these could also cover up unpleasant odors.
3. Bugs.
This one goes without saying. You don’t want to share your new home with any uninvited guests—and if you see one, there are almost certainly more you don’t see. For pests like termites, which can cause serious damage and are hard to spot with the naked eye, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection before you move forward with your purchase.
4. Potential electrical issues.
The last thing any buyer needs is to go all in on a home that has faulty wiring. Check the light switches, touch faceplates and outlets to see if they’re warm or hot, and be on the lookout for flickering lights.
5. Fresh paint contained in one area.
Lots of sellers do some painting to spruce up their home before they put it on the market. But look closely. Has the whole room been recently painted? If the fresh paint is limited to a particular area, it could actually be covering up signs of water damage, mildew, or other unpleasantness.
6. Off-limits rooms or spaces.
It’s important to check out every part of a home you’re interested in putting an offer on. If any rooms aren’t accessible during your showing, ask when you can come back to view those spaces.
7. Cracks in the foundation.
Like electrical issues, foundation problems are something no one wants to contend with. If you opt for an inspection—and you should—you’ll get an expert assessment. But if you spot obvious cracks during your showing, it’s a good reason to be on guard.
8. Price is TOO good.
You know what they say about things that seem too good to be true. Check against comparable homes in the area to see if the list price is reasonable or if it’s truly a steal—and if it’s the latter, do some digging to find out why.
9. DIY projects.
Did the owners remove a wall or two to open up the floor plan, renovate the kitchen, or install new plumbing fixtures—all without professional assistance? Be prepared to check the workmanship carefully (or have your home inspector do it for you). Amateur reno jobs can cost you big bucks down the line.
10. Too many For Sale signs.
Do you get the feeling that everyone is trying to flee the neighborhood? Multiple homes for sale in the same location could be an ominous sign. Make sure you do your homework—and enlist the help of your real estate agent—to figure out what’s motivating all the prospective sellers.
The Easiest Way to Avoid Red Flags
Working with an experienced real estate professional will give you the peace of mind you need to navigate your homebuying journey with confidence. They will be on your side every step of the way, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and make the best decisions on your way to becoming a happy homeowner. Find the perfect pro for your exact needs on Nestfully.
