7 Buyer Red Flags

7 Buyer Red Flags

Prior to tendering that offer on your new home, check specifically for deficiencies that quite often lead to pricey and problematic repairs.

In Pennsylvania, homeowners must disclose, by way of a Seller’s Disclosure Statement, any defect they’re aware of that could affect how desirable and marketable their home is prior to signing a purchase agreement with a prospective buyer.  In addition, the Pennsylvania’s Association of Realtors, mandates that all agents subscribe to their code of ethics which requires them to identify any defects that THEY are aware of as well.

However, you may well have already fallen in love with The home of your dreams and spent countless hours deliberating over purchase terms before any disclosures are made.  As such, it’s important to make your purchase contingent upon being satisfied with a professional home inspection; generally priced starting at $400.00.  Keep in mind, that despite the level of professionalism, an inspector could miss a hidden problem, such as a roof or basement that takes on water, only when it rains.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when examining your home for trouble areas:

1. Poor Water Pressure: Aside from the issues of comfort and convenience, low water flow may indicate plumbing problems, such as corroded pipes that will require replacement, an ineffectual supply system or leaking behind the walls.  *A quick test you can perform: While running the water in the bathroom sink, flush the commode.  If you experience a significant decrease in flow….there’s an issue to be addressed somewhere.  An inspector will be equipped with gauges to accurately assess water pressures at all areas of concern and judge whether any changes are significant.
2. Ceiling Stains: Something’s Leaking or has in the past.  The cause may be a leaking pipe between the rafters, or a roofing issue.  Either one is a costly fix…one that needs to be considered into your final price negotiations.  Again, your inspector will be able to assess the degree of dampness using a monitor for that specific purpose.  It’s at this time, where you’d be advised to inquire of the homeowner about the history of the stain.  Perhaps it’s an issue that has since been resolved and documentation will prove that the problem has been addressed.
3. Troublesome doors: Are the doors difficult to close?  Do they swing to their full arc?  This may reveal either a poorly installed door, or indicate a more serious structural problem such as, settling or shifting foundation or framing.  The Fix?  It could be a $350. Door, or a $10,000 re-engineering project.
4. Overloaded Electrical Service: The subject of electricity is usually beyond the scope of the everyday buyer.  And because today’s electrical demands may well exceed the capacity of homes built just 10 years ago, you may find some very creative, scary and downright unsafe homeowner modifications.  Electrical upgrades range from an $800 panel box to a $5,000. rewiring job.
5. Excavation and Landscape: On a midsummer’s day, it may be the last thing on your mind to look beyond the carefully placed shrubs, flowers and tastefully manicured surroundings.  However, porches, patios, flower beds, driveways or grading that slope toward the home, all but guarantees water in the basement, that subsequently leads to structural decay, mold and insect infestation.  In the basement, a musty smell or water marks may indicate previous water intrusion or ongoing moisture problems.  Check the walls for stains, which are tell-tale signs that water has penetrated the foundation at some point.
6. A much-used axiom in the business is: “If you can SMELL it…you can’t sell it.”  The reason being, odors are often difficult, if not impossible to eradicate.  Even then, it comes at a premium.  Be aware of an abundance of air fresheners, heavy scents of recently used cleaning products, i.e. Pine Sol, Clorox that may indicate a homeowner’s attempt to mask unpleasant odors.
7. Siding & Decking: Whether it’s brick, stone, wood, vinyl, aluminum, natural or synthetic…every product is designed to be applied in a very specific manner to the exterior of a home.  Any product, improperly installed, will fail to function in the manner in which it was intended, which can lead to a wide variety of problems down the road.  If you’re not familiar enough with construction techniques, it’s critical to have a Professional Home Inspector evaluate this element of your new home to ensure many years of satisfaction.
8. Hey Wait a minute….You said 7 Red Flags.  Just checking to see if you’re paying attention.  In addition, it’s important to keep in mind, that by no means, are these the 7 Cardinal Sins of a home…the transgressions may be many, and you should be aware of them all.

There are elements of non-disclosure and litigation that are far beyond the scope of my professional parameters as a Realtor.  My advice?  Be as informed as you can be by seeking answers to as many questions about your home as you deem necessary.

*And Enjoy the American Dream of Home-ownership.