Smart Standards: How to Identify Dealbreakers When Buying a Home

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 06 March 2019 14:09

Although buying a house can be an exhilarating time, it’s also one to be on your toes. You have to watch out for pitfalls that could result in a lot of inconvenience and expense if the home has certain problems. While some can be effectively repaired, others might be lingering issues.

Foundation Problems

Nothing spells costly more than serious foundation problems. Small cracks in the concrete are normally acceptable, but when you see crumbling, large cracks, or sinking, it’s probably time to pass on the home.

Of these issues, sinking is probably the worst situation. You can expect settling problems throughout the house. Windows and doors may not open or close easily, cracks will appear in the walls and you may even experience plumbing problems if rigid pipes break due to stress. Moisture from the soil may also seep into the foundation or basement wall cracks, setting the stage for mold growth.

Wood Rot

There shouldn’t be any signs of wood rot anywhere in a home for sale. It only occurs when wood is exposed to constant moisture. If you’re buying a house in the winter and see ice dams on eaves, be sure you carefully inspect the attic. Ice dams form when there’s enough heat in the attic to seep through the roofing materials to melt the snow. The water trickles to the edge of the roof, where it’s cooler, and it freezes. As it melts, it trickles down the wall studs or attic floor, setting the stage for wood rot or mold.

Other causes of wood rot are hidden plumbing leaks. Water leaks from pipes aren’t always easy to trace. Water seeks the downward path of least resistance and the evidence of leaks could be far from the source. A leaking roof can also be a cause of wood rot. Look for discolored insulation and water stains on the roof deck overhead.

Termites

Chances are you’ll have to have a termite inspection before the bank will give you the OK to buy the home. If there is extensive termite damage, they may not. Termites will eat anything made from wood and if they attack the floors or walls and roofing components of the home, you will have extensive damage to deal with.

Flood Plain

Floods are disruptive and dangerous and living in a flood plain puts you at their mercy. Even if you can get insurance for the property, in the event of a catastrophic flood, you could lose your irreplaceable valuables.

Bottom Line

Your lender probably requires a home inspection and it’s your right as a home buyer to go along to see for yourself about each of these situations and others that the inspector may discover. The condition of the home could affect your finances, health and overall well being.

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.