Red Flags to Know When House-Hunting

Q: What are some red flags I should look for while checking out potential new homes?

A: When looking for a new home, it’s important to be familiar with potential signs of defects and disrepair. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 red flags to watch for in a new home. 

If the doors of the house you’re viewing don’t meet the jambs, the house may have settled, which may mean foundation problems. 

The nose knows. When a house has a distinctly musty smell, you can assume there is mold present. 

Buying in a newly formed community means risking the chance that it doesn’t turn out the way you expect. It can also mean dealing with lots of construction in the neighborhood. 

When checking out a house, look up. If the ceiling sags, you may be looking at a leaky roof, an internal plumbing issue or an insect infestation. 

If you’re hit by the scent of air fresheners when walking inside, beware. The strong smells may be covering up for pet-stained carpets or mold.

If a home is listed “as is,” prepare for issues. Look out for defects, or ask the seller to point them out so you walk into a potential sale with your eyes wide open.

If the house seems humid and stuffy, it probably indicates poor ventilation, which does not allow the hot air to escape. 

If the shingles on the house you’re viewing are peeling, cracked or curling, the roof is probably nearing the end of its life. Replacing it can run you $10,000. 

If you feel like you’re walking downhill in the kitchen, that’s a problem. It can indicate a foundational problem, broken floor joists or rotted support beams.

Houses priced below market value tend to have big structural issues the owner does not plan to fix before selling. 

Look out for the red flags described here to be sure there are no big surprises after moving day.