House hunting can be fun and exciting, but for first-time homebuyers, it can also be intimidating. Home sellers naturally try to put their best foot forward when listing their properties, sometimes masking or downplaying important downsides. If you are not sure what to look for, it can be easy to overlook important warning signs that could cost you dearly down the road. To help you avoid these snares, here are seven real estate red flags you should watch for when house hunting in Atlanta.
1. Bad drainage
If you observe ponding water against or near the home — or if you notice areas where yard slopes toward the house instead of away from it — these could be signs of drainage problems. Dry rot is another sign of bad drainage. When water is not properly drained away from the house, it can seep into the foundation, causing costly damage. If you notice drainage issues, be sure to have the foundation inspected before closing the deal.
2. Signs of pests
When walking through the home, keep a sharp eye out for any signs of possible pest problems (e.g., rodent droppings, mousetraps, roach traps, etc.). Also check exposed wood for signs of damage, as this may be a sign of termite infestation. If the home has unresolved pest issues, you will inherit these problems later.
3. Overuse of potpourri and deodorizers
Scented candles, potpourri and other deodorizers are common in listed homes for obvious reasons, but if the “good” scents are overbearing, the owner may be attempting to mask some less desirable odors. If you smell something bad inside or outside the home — or observe an attempt to cover over such smells — ask questions before signing on the dotted line.
4. Sporadic fresh paint
Again, many sellers repaint before listing their homes, but if you see sporadic touch-ups or a single wall painted over, it could be concealing damage of some sort. Look a little closer for signs of stains, sags, or bubbles in the walls or ceilings.
5. Sloppy repairs or maintenance
Some homeowners like to cut corners on maintenance, taking the piecemeal approach instead of fixing or replacing things correctly. Watch for warning signs like mismatched roof tiles, exposed wiring or suspicious amounts of duct tape as these can point to other signs of neglect.
6. Suspicious renovations
If you are looking at an older home that was recently renovated to an “open floor plan” by knocking out walls, make sure you have it inspected by a structural engineer. Such renovations may be fine, but occasionally an owner inadvertently knocks out a load-bearing wall in the process, which can lead to structural issues later.
7. Lots of “For Sale” signs in the neighborhood
If you notice an inordinate amount of homes for sale along the street, take note, because there is often a reason for it that the sellers do not want to mention. Take a closer look in the neighborhood for signs of vandalism, abandoned homes, overgrown yards, or anything else that might be lowering property values.
At Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, our neighborhood experts can help you identify and address these and other potential red flags encountered during your house hunting. For more information