Buying a home is a milestone achievement for anyone. It is a right of passage to maturity and independence. Many people go to an open house clueless on what to watch out for. Sometimes an agent will carry you away with flowery words, often leading you on until you sign the contract. Or you may come looking for a house with just your gut feel as a guide. Avoid the pitfalls of home buying by looking carefully and objectively at your prospective house. We have listed the telltale signs that you need to watch out for when scouting for a house to buy.
Pest Infestation Signs
Research the location of the home you are prospecting to make sure that it is not a natural habitat or commonly infested with pests. The house itself could also show some sign of pest infestation. But to be sure, you need to have a professional pest control expert who is trained to locate and identify pest infestation. We consulted with pest control Bakersfield, and they advised that a professional pest control inspection should be part of your checks when it comes to buying a home. The cost of pest inspection is nothing to the amount you will spend to eliminate the pests. Early detection of the pest can oblige the house seller to fix the pest problem before you purchase the house. Or you can haggle for a discount and call your preferred pest control to handle the job. In any case, you have the upper hand on how the pest should be managed before you sign any contract. It’s important that you check the electrical wiring of the house before buying it, you can hire an electrician for this job.
Suspicious Paint Job
Remember that it is unusual to paint just one portion of the ceiling or wall unless you are covering up a flaw. Once you spot blotchy paint job, you need to raise your concern to the house seller or agent so they can address them. Getting a bail is an easy thing if you know the right bail bondsman.
Dirty Walls and Ceilings
Concealing a damage is wrong, but not doing something about it is another red flag. Check what caused the wall or ceiling stains. It could be probably due to leaky pipes or tattered roofing. The low price of the house is not an excuse to have issues that could cost you thousands of dollars to repair. Inform the home seller or the agent so that they can have the problem fixed.
Puddles and Water Marks
Poor or broken Drainage is another destructive problem at home. It could cause rot and decay on wood, and even harbor stinky odor in your house. It is also a nuisance because of the leaks and spills you could have every time you use water. You can spot this problem in the yard when you see pooling of water, water stains on the walls, especially in the basement. You should also ensure proper grading of the foundation so that the water will run-off and not seep into the house.
Watch out for these sign when you do your initial check on the property you want to purchase. To be sure, contract the help of professional building inspectors and pest control experts to do a thorough examination. They will be able to spot some signs that regular buyers are not able to see.