Working with a realtor can protect you against negligence and any binding legal oversights on the seller's part. They can also point you in the right direction and advise you on best practices. You should also be well versed and interested in the foundations of any homes you visit and are likely to purchase. We've put together a list of five things you should look for when viewing a property.
1. Exterior Cracks & Tilts
On the surface or interior, everything could look great and smoothed over. But, take the time to walk around the exterior of the home also. Keep an eye out for any cracks or tilts in the home's structure. Warning signs like this could mean there is structural damage that could lead to major expenses down the line. If you do find cracks, don't fret right away. Cracks that are less than 1/4 inch wide shouldn't cause too much concern.
2. Ownership History
Take a look at ownership history and any back-to-back short-term stints in a house. This could indicate that there are some major problems with the home like perhaps - very loud neighbors or constant honking. You could end up spending thousands to put this oversight right. We also recommend visiting the home at all different times of the day to see what the neighborhood is like - are you near a school? Will you get a lot of traffic at rush hour?
3. Mismatched Paint or Surfaces
Check out any mismatched paint or fresh paint that may signify recent repairs or water damage. Often times, homeowners will "fix" mold simply by painting over it, without actually remedying the problem. Do your due diligence and ask about any mismatched paint or unusual surfaces in the home.
4. Uneven Floors
An old trick is to bring a marble to a home viewing. Let the marble roll across the floor. If it rolls all the way, the floor may be uneven. While you may not think this is a big issue, especially because it could just be a minor difference, it may mean expensive floor replacements could be in your future. Uneven floors are a key indicator for structural damage and may require more support and infrastructure on the home.
5. Overly Scented Rooms
Beware of any overly scented home tours, this is an old trick for covering up stinky odors in the home that can be caused by leaks, mold, sewage, animal mess, etc. The same goes for sounds and music. If you visit a home and there is music playing in every room, it may be an attempt to mask a loud neighborhood.
Work with a realtor you trust who keeps an eye out for all of these things, that way, once you've moved into your home, you are not surprised by any popup fixes.