You’ve heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words. But sometimes, a picture doesn’t tell an accurate story of what you are looking at. This can, unfortunately, often be the case when you are in the market for a new house.
We’ve all been there before, and it’s not a fun place to be. You see a home listing online that meets all of your criteria, and the listing features stunning photography of every room in the house, the exterior, and the surrounding landscaping. You think to yourself, “Wow! Dreams really do come true!” But the pictures you are looking at of that open kitchen don’t show the problems happening with the plumbing. That shot of the finished basement doesn’t reveal the big crack in the foundation or the fact that the renovation wasn’t done correctly in the first place.
There are certain things where it doesn’t matter how much potential a home has; some problems, any home buyer should run, not walk, away from. Here are red flags to avoid when you are in the market for a new home:
Electrical Issues
If the home you are thinking of purchasing has outlets that feature two holes instead of three, this often means that the outlets are not grounded and that the electrical system is dated. According to the Capital Homes Specialists, aging electrical systems in a home are a guaranteed fire hazard and must be brought up to current code requirements immediately. You can also see if a home’s electrical system is dated by carefully examining the electrical panel and asking about the type of wiring throughout the house.
No Photography
It’s one thing if a house listing’s photographs are deceptive as to the actual conditions of the home. It’s an entirely different thing if a listing has no photos at all! If you see a house listing where the descriptions look ideal, but there aren’t any pictures to back it up, it is not worth your time to see the house in person. After all, if the house was so great, why aren’t there photos to prove just how great it actually is?
Moisture Problems
There are few things in a house more unappealing (or, let’s face it, costly to repair) than moisture problems. If you see signs of moisture problems when touring a home, be sure to ask your realtor about possible water damage and what the source of the issue is. According to the DIY Playbook, these signs may include stains on the ceiling, wood floors that buckle, and, perhaps the biggest sign of all, the smell of mildew.
When it comes to avoiding red flags and getting you in the home of your dreams, Contact Sandy Majetich-Toth today at 815-791-2215, Coldwell Banker – The Real Estate Group, 925 Illinois Route 59, Shorewood, IL for help with searching for a new home, selling your current property, and to experience service that only an experienced REALTOR® can provide.
