Buying a home is a huge investment of your money and your time. Avoid potential issues by keeping an eye out for these three warning signs during home viewings.
- Foundation cracks. Small cracks in the foundation are totally normal and usually occur when a foundation settles after being poured. However, in the worst cases they can be structural hazards. When viewing a property, watch for doors that don’t close properly, vertical cracks under windows and water or snow pooling in certain areas around the home’s exterior.
- Fresh paint in certain areas only. A fresh coat of paint is a completely normal – even expected – feature of a house for sale. But be wary if the fresh paint is only under windows or along the edge of the ceiling. Paint can cover up mold and mildew problems, but it certainly doesn’t fix the underlying cause.
Off-limit sections of the house. If you’re thinking of buying a home, you should be able to inspect every nook and cranny. Be wary of homes where the seller has requested you avoid certain areas – such as the basement or attic.
