In the Market for a Home? 9 Deal Breaking Red Flags You Need to Know About!
You are tired of renting and ready to find a place to call your home. You have called a local agent and eagerly embarked on the search for the perfect home.
Now you have found a home that looks perfect, but looks can be deceiving. Some problems are merely cosmetic, easily fixed with nothing more than a fresh coat of paint. Other issues run much deeper, and here are nine deal breaking red flags that should be on your mind as you shop for the perfect home.
1. Cracks that are more than skin deep —
Aging paint can peel and crack, but if those cracks are more than skin deep the walls and ceiling could be harboring hidden damage. Any crack more than 1/3″ should be investigated, as they could indicate dangerous, and expensive, damage to the foundation of the home.
2. An aging electrical system –
An outdated electrical system is another red flag that could actually spark a fire. Older electrical systems were not designed for the demands of modern homes, and that mismatch could mean frequent circuit breaker tripping – or worse. Upgrading an older home to modern standards could cost more than you might realize, making that home anything but a bargain.
3. A moldy or musty odor –
Mold and mildew are more than unsightly; these fungi can be dangerous to human health. Mold remediation can also be costly to fix, especially if it has been allowed to infiltrate the interior.
4. Signs of water damage –
Water spots on the walls or ceiling should always be investigated. It could be a minor problem, but maybe not. Past flooding or extensive water damage can leave traces behind – and problems that are very expensive to fix.
5. Foggy windows –
A single window can cost thousands of dollars to replace, and replacing a house full of them could reach well into five digits. Aging windows may show signs of fogging and discoloration, red flags that are well worth investigating before the sale goes through.
6. Evidence of insect damage –
A few spiders or houseflies are no big deal, but extensive insect damage is another thing altogether. Some insects, like termites, can literally eat your home from the outside out, not an issue you want to inherit.
7. Standing water in the lawn –
The way water runs off, or doesn’t, matters a lot, and standing water in the landscape should be a big red flag. Fixing drainage issues can involve extensive, and expensive, landscaping, yet another reason you might want to pass.
8. Fresh paint on just one wall –
If one wall looks bright and new and the rest look old and drab there could be something sinister hiding behind that freshly painted wall. From cracks in the foundation to water damage, a fresh coat of paint can cover up a lot.
9. Shoddy exterior maintenance –
If the current owners of the home cut corners on landscaping and exterior maintenance the attention they paid to the inside could be just as bad. Poor landscaping is not always a deal breaker, but it should be a red flag just the same.
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The search for the perfect home can be long and frustrating. At some point you just want to settle – and settle in. It is tempting to make compromises in your quest for home ownership, but there are some red flags you should never, ever ignore. These major issues could leave you with significant costs in addition to the mortgage, expenses that are best avoided.
Don’t forget, though our team here at Live Dallas Apartment Locators will always know the top spots, best deals, and up-to-date info for luxury apartments in Dallas, let’s stay connected within 60 days of your upcoming search rather you’re leasing or purchasing your new home…we’re here to help!
Contact Janna and Lindsay at www.livedallas.com, We can’t wait to help you find your new luxury pad…Live Dallas with us!