If you need assistance, please call 858-345-9040

Avoid These Red Flags When Buying a Home

Monday, January 29, 2018   /   by Sean Zanganeh

Avoid These Red Flags When Buying a Home

Avoid These Red Flags When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s important that serious buyers do their due diligence before making any commitments on a home. If you’re buying, there are several warning signs you should be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common red flags you’ll encounter when buying home.



A decline in the neighborhood


Unless you’re buying far out in the country with no neighbors nearby, you should take a good look at the neighborhood in which the house is situated. Even if the home you like is in great condition, what about the rest of the street? Are there many vacant homes? Do you see empty storefronts? Is there any evidence of vandalism? You’re not just buying a home; you’re becoming part of a community. If the neighborhood is in obvious decline, this is a big red flag.



Amateur repairs or additions


In our DIY culture, it’s not unusual for homeowners to tackle home maintenance and repairs on their own. But if something in the house looks like it was obviously done by an amateur that could be a cause for a concern. Find out if the proper permits were obtained before the work was done, and if everything was done according to code. If not, it could cause you significant money down the road.



Water damage


Water can cause substantial damage to a home. Be on the lookout for rotting wood in the bathroom and kitchen. Check the basement for signs of moisture or water stains. Examine the exterior including window trim, eaves and decks for signs of damage. Also be aware of any standing water in the yard or near the foundation, which could cause structural damage to the home.



Environmental hazards


If you’re considering an older home, be sure to thoroughly check it for possible environmental hazards. This could include lead paint, radon, toxic mold and asbestos. Older homes are more likely to contain these types of hazards because they were built before technology and building codes changed. Although many of these toxins can be removed, they require the services of a professional, which can be expensive.



Infestations


When you’re touring, take note of any signs of infestations. Look for droppings, dead insects or signs of nesting. These could mean termites, mice, roaches, bed bugs or even raccoons living in the attic. Sometimes the infestations are not always obvious, and you’ll want to include an inspection by a professional before moving in.



Old wiring


Is the house equipped to handle the demands of today’s technological environment? Old or faulty wiring in a house can be a safety hazard. In some cases, outdated electrical systems can cause a fire. Keep an eye out for ungrounded outlets, flickering lights, warm faceplates, lights that don’t work and aluminum wiring. These indicate that the home has inferior electrical work, which can be very expensive to replace.


As you begin to view homes, keep a eye out for any of the issues mentioned above and have them thoroughly inspected by a professional before closing on the house. If you don’t, it could end up costing you much more in the long run.


Compliments of Virtual Results

My San Diego Dream Home
Sean Zanganeh
12750 High Bluff Dr, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
858-345-9040
CA DRE# #01851910

This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by San Diego MLS. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived are protected by copyright. Compilation © 2024 San Diego MLS.
This site powered by CINC: www.cincpro.com