By the time my clients begin touring homes with me they generally have a pretty good idea about how many bedrooms and bathrooms they need, their top locations, etc. When I take clients on a property tour, I am in the habit of scanning the home for any warning signs of latent problems that could plague my buyers at inspection time or after they move in. This month, I outline five things to be on the lookout for when touring a potential home for purchase.
Cracks
Small visible cracks are common and are a harmless sign of settling. If, however, the cracks around doorways or windows are large or if doors and windows stick when you try to open them this can be a warning sign of larger problems with the foundation.
Flooring
The home you are touring may have beautiful new flooring but try to look past it to see if there is any visible Sloping flooring or tiling can be an indication of foundation problems or costly subfloor issues.
The Roof
You probably won’t be able to inspect the home’s roof closely, but I suggest asking questions about it. Knowing how old is the roof and if the owner has an inspection letter can help you better assess the condition of the roof.
Basement
Basements are especially vulnerable to water damage. When touring a home’s basement, or any other room in the home for that matter, pay particular attention to musty odors. Also be on the lookout for visible water stains or mold. All of these signs are indications of possible water damage.
Trees
Mature landscaping (large trees in particular) are usually a plus when it comes to the curb appeal of a home. However, the root system of large trees close to the home could also cause future issues such as sewer line issues or cracking of surrounding concrete
These are just a few of the things that I encourage my buyers to be on the lookout for. I always recommend consulting a qualified contractor or structural engineer to further evaluate any concerns you have. In today’s real estate climate, touring homes can be overwhelming and the homebuying process can be emotional. When touring a home, I certainly encourage buyers to consider if a home meets their basic requirements, but it is also important to reserve some focus on details beyond the cosmetics of the home. Paying attention to these details is a part of my job that I love doing for my clients. I worry about them so my clients don’t have to. If you or someone you know has questions regarding real estate please give me a call, I am happy to help.