Looking for a home to buy can be an overwhelming experience for many people. With competing emotions, feelings and questions, it's possible you might overlook some very important details while house hunting. Below, we've outlined some key points to consider when viewing a property.
Foundation problems
When touring a home, pay attention to any cracks you might find in the foundation. If the cracks are small (like a hairline) it may indicate the house is settling as it ages. If there are larger gaps, it may indicate a problem with the foundation. Some other things to pay attention to include door frames, windows and floors. Are the doors/windows sticking when you try to open and close them? This could be a sign of a foundation problem. It’s a good idea to seek expert advice when concerned with foundation issues.
Amateur workmanship and repairs
If you know a property you're viewing has been flipped, pay close attention to items such as missing trim, leaky faucets or toilets, uneven flooring and messy finishes; these can be signs of amateur do it yourself work. Ask the selling agent how long the property was under its prior ownership as a quickly flipped home has potential for oversights.
Odours
If the home you're viewing has an overpowering scent (be it either pleasant or unpleasant) it might mean the homeowners are trying to hide underlying issues such as moisture or mold (especially if it’s musty). Pay attention to the presence of air fresheners or lit candles in every room or open windows in the middle of winter. Another thing to look for is the use of a humidifier in the winter months or a dehumidifier in the warmer months as this could indicate high levels of moisture or dry conditions. The use of these appliances can be more common in older homes, however, it’s still something to be cautious of.
Stains on walls and/or ceilings
Check the walls and ceilings for water lines as they could indicate water damage from a leaking roof or plumbing issues and signs of potential moisture issues. Be sure to look for exposed pipes in the basement or laundry room; look for rust, water stains and leaks. Another thing to pay attention to is efflorescence in the basement, garage and exterior walls of the home.
Electrical issues
Looking at potentially purchasing an older home? If so, be prepared to ask about knob and tube wiring. Knob and tube wiring is outdated and can be dangerous, causing some electrical hazards. Other electrical items that can be hazardous include exposed wiring, receptacles without wall plates and missing ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Something else to consider is to turn light switches on and off and look for flickering lights. Flickering lights may be an indication of underlying issues that could be a hazard and result in costly repairs.
Mold
Mold can cause major health problems and can be expensive to get rid of. When looking at a property, open cabinets in the bathroom and around sinks and look for any black or grey spots around water pipes and drains. Also check the caulking around the bathtubs and showers as well as around the windows as mold might be lurking there as well. When in the basement, pay attention to any efflorescence and the odour; if there is a musty smell it could indicate mold.
Out-of-place fresh paint
It's common for homeowners selling their house to freshen it up with some paint before putting it on the market. However, if you notice patches of fresh paint; it can indicate the homeowners are trying to cover something up.
A wet lot
Don’t forget to take a look at the exterior of the property when touring it. Is there standing water in sections of the yard? If you notice pools of water in the yard or close to the home, it may cause potential issues. Another sign to look for is moss around the foundation as it may be a sign of excess moisture. Does the home have a sump pump? If so, pay attention to how frequently it goes off if you can. If a sump pump runs frequently, it may be a sign of excess water around the property.
Purchasing a property is a big investment. Be sure to take the time and look for the items discussed above when initially touring a property. Although a home inspection will likely detect problems, you don't want to waste your time and energy on a home that isn't worth it in the long run.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest listings, news and more.
Thinking Real Estate? Think Nathan Team!