Top 10 Red Flags When Buying A Home in Clifton Park
What are some signs home buyers should be aware of when buying a home in Clifton Park?
By: House Detective
Picture courtesy of Front Door.com
When searching for a home in Clifton Park, it is important to watch out for some common red flags. Seller's do not always disclose the entire truth to home buyers. This is especially true when sellers are very motivated to sell. It is important to have a home inspection done when buying a home in Clifton Park.
Top Ten Red Flags to Look For When Buying a Home in Clifton Park
1. Lack of curb appeal throughout the neighborhood. Look at other homes in the neighborhood, are they boarded up or vandalized. Check with the neighbors. Are they ready to pack up and leave as well?
2. Minor maintenance. When buying a home in Clifton Park, check for signs of poor maintenance. For example three layers of the roof and plants growing where they should not be. As a home buyer, ask yourself what else did they neglect?
3. Failure in the foundation. Look at the yard grading. If the yard is sloping downward towards the house, this could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement. When buying a home look for cracks or bulges in the foundation. This could indicate a serious issue and you should have a home inspection done.
4. Bad smells indoors or outdoors. Be aware of smells while looking for a home. If there is mass amounts of potpourri this could indicate a red flag.
5. Faulty and old wiring in the home. Although you may not be an electrician, when buying a home check and see if all the switches work in the home. Symptoms of faulty wiring include flickering lights, circuits that do not work, and warm or hot outlets.
6. Fresh paint just on one wall. When buying a home fresh paint can be appealing to home buyers, however it can also be used to cover up problems, such as mold or mildew. If a room smells or has sagging walls or ceilings make sure to have a home inspector check for leaks.
7. Off limit rooms or blockades. When buying a home locked doors or blocked areas could be a major red flag. Make sure you tour the entire house.
8. Non functioning windows. Make sure all the windows work. When buying a home check for water in between double paned windows. Also make sure the windows all function.
9. Floors or structural walls are removed. Open floor plans are becoming more and more popular today. However during rennovations if a load bearing wall is removed with out adjustments, this shifts the weight to other parts of the home.
10. Pests! Be aware of any unwanted creatures in the home. Have a pest inspection just to be sure. This can save you money in the long run.
The bottom line is when buying a home in Clifton Park NY, always have a home inspection done. The small inital fees will save you from possible costly future repairs.
For all of your Home Inspection Needs Contact House Detective 518-884-0675
