Red Flags in the Online Listing:
- There are no interior photos
If the listing is more than a week old, a lack of photos or more photos of the area or neighborhood than the house itself is a red flag. If they’re not showing off the house, chances are it is not in great shape. Have your real estate agent reach out to the listing agent to find out why there aren’t photos before you schedule a showing. - The photos look stretched
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the size of a room through an image. Unfortunately, sometimes an image will be stretched to make a room seem bigger than it actually is. When viewing online photos, look at the outlet covers and light switch plates to ensure they look proportionate in the image. - The windows and curtains are all closed
Real estate photos usually try to take advantage of natural lighting. If all of the curtains are closed, it’s likely a sign that the view is unsightly. - The listing description seems off or uses “red flag words”
There are several things to look for in the language of the listing itself. If the listing is overly-flowery, it might be a sign that there isn’t much good to say about the house, so the agent is using filler. A listing riddled with typos is also a red flag. That is a good sign that the listing is low on the selling agent’s priority list. Finally, there are specific words to look for in the description of the home. Listings are written to portray the home in the best possible light, so it’s helpful to be able to translate what some of those words might mean:
- cozy or quaint: The house is likely very small. Be sure to check the square footage before scheduling a showing.
- fixer-upper or as-is: The house likely needs a lot of work. Be sure to get a thorough inspection.
- unique or custom: May mean the house has quirky construction or odd design choices. Be sure you are willing and able to change anything you can’t live with.
- charming or vintage: May mean the house has never been updated. Be sure to factor in any updates you feel necessary.
- secluded or quiet: Likely means the house is far from amenities. Be sure to map out and explore the area before committing.
- up-and-coming neighborhood: It could be a great investment opportunity, or it could mean loud construction and inconveniences for the foreseeable future. Be sure to check out the area before making a decision. - The house is “back on the market”
This may just be due to the potential buyer’s mortgage falling through or them being unable to sell their current home. But it also could mean an inspection uncovered major problems and they walked. Have your agent ask the seller’s agent why the deal fell through before scheduling a showing. - The house for sale by owner
If the seller doesn’t have a real estate agent, you never really know what you’re getting into. Be sure you do your due diligence and consider home inspections a must. - The asking price is way too low or it has been on the market a long time
These may be a sign that there is a major issue with the house that will be expensive to repair. Talk to your real estate agent about the home’s market value and the the average time spent on the market in your area so you can be aware these red flags. If you choose to move forward, be sure to get a full slate of home inspections before you make a decision.
Red Flags During the Showing:
- Doors that don’t open or close easily
This could be a sign that the framing has shifted or foundation has settled so that the door frame is no longer square. - Sloping floors
Normal settling can cause the house to be slightly out of level, but if the sloping is noticeable, it might be a sign of foundation or structural issues. - Cracks in the foundation
While some cracks are to be expected, you should be wary of cracks wider than 1/2 inch or any that have been recently patched. - Musty smell or strong air fresheners
If the house smells musty, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect for moisture and mold, particularly beneath sinks, around windows, and in basements and crawl spaces. If the air fresheners are too strong, it may be a sign that they are trying to cover another scent. - Signs of termites
Termites can damage wood throughout a home and damage its stability. Look for indications of termites around the home including small piles of tiny brown droppings on a floor near a wall, a hollow sound when you knock on a wood surface, and the presence of mud tubes on a foundation. - Water stains or peeling, bubbling paint
Signs of moisture on the ceiling or walls could be mean the roof needs replacing. If water stains are yellowish or brownish, they may be evidence of a plumbing problem on an upper floor. Notice if there is any fresh paint that seems out of place, as some homeowners may try to cover up signs of water damage. - Saggy ceiling
A sagging ceiling, no matter how slight, can be a of roof leaks, structural movement, or an insect infestation. - DIY renovations and additions
While many homeowners are capable of making small home repairs, most don’t have the knowledge and skill sets to take on major renovations and additions. Be sure to have an inspector ensure everything was built to code, including outdoor areas such as decks and patios. - Standing water in the yard
Drive by the home after a rain. If there are standing puddles in the yard, there is likely a drainage issue. This is especially concerning if the puddles are near the foundation, as they can result in damage and leaks. - Inadequate attic ventilation
From outside the house, look at the soffits underneath the roof eaves. You should see one or more intake vents. Additional exhaust vents should be located along the ridge of the roof, on the face of the roof near the ridge, or at the top of a gable wall. Without adequate ventilation, an attic can become blazingly hot during summer, which can lead to damage of the roof decking and the shingles themselves. - Old HVAC unit
If the unit looks old, chances are it doesn’t heat or cool as efficiently as it once did, running up your utility costs. Furnaces last on average 15-18 years and air conditioners last on average 10-12 years, and replacing them can be costly. - Shingle problems
A new roof can run $6K-$20K depending on the size and materials used, so it’s important to know if the roof is nearing the end of its life. Shingles that curl up at the corners, missing shingles, cracked shingles, or exposed nail heads are all signs that the roof might need to be replaced. - Everyone is selling
If the whole neighborhood is for sale, it is a good sign that there is a problem with the location, such as rising crime rates or a proposed landfill in the area.
