7 Property Red Flags To Watch Out For When Buying a Single Detached House
5 min read
Owning a house is one of the most fulfilling experiences. You can design it as you please and you are free to use it any way you want. There are also many different types of property to invest in, which can suit your lifestyle.
For example, condos are convenient for on-the-go individuals with a fast-paced lifestyle. Meanwhile, townhouses are a great in-betweener if you need the convenience of living in a condo and the space for your family. But if you need a little more privacy, a single-detached property can be the right home for you.
What are single-detached houses?
Single-detached houses are a type of property that sits in the middle of a lot, freeing up space on all four sides of your house. It doesn’t have any common structures that you’ll need to share with your neighbors. For most families choosing between a condo versus a house, a single-detached home is the better alternative as it offers the utmost privacy and enough space to accommodate more family members.
In this property type, you’ll have more leeway to add structures to accommodate your lifestyle. You can host big parties in the yard or let each family member occupy a separate room so they don’t feel cramped.
What are common red flags to watch out for when buying a home?
Single-detached homes can be the most expensive, so you’ll have to ensure that you won’t regret purchasing one. That is you don’t want to encounter issues that typically come with buying a property you didn’t thoroughly inspect.
Here are some red flags to watch out for when investing in real estate like a single-detached home.
1. Cracks on the walls
One of the most important parts of the house is its foundations. These structures allow your home to stand upright and prevent it from collapsing.
Hairline cracks are alright, but once you see a crack wider than 0.5 inches, there may be problems with the foundation’s ability to support the weight of the house. Aside from that, you need to keep an eye out for cracks that were painted over to avoid any accidents that may result from a weak foundation.
2. Moldy smell
Watch out for any moldy smell you may encounter when house-hunting. Although most molds aren’t highly toxic, inhaling mold spores can still cause serious respiratory problems and health issues.
Molds form in a damp and moist environment. If you smell or see any signs of mold around the house, there may be water problems like a leaky plumbing system that need to be fixed. However, this may be too costly, so you may want to avoid this altogether.
3. Active pests and insect infestations
Although some insects aren’t that harmful, some can cause health complications once you’ve been stung or bitten by them. On top of this, some pests like termites can damage the structural integrity of your home. This scenario may put your family’s life at risk, especially if natural disasters, such as earthquakes, strike, which can cause your house walls to collapse.
4. House on the market for a long period
A house listing that has been available and occupant-free for years is a sure red flag. If you see this when house-hunting, it most likely means something is wrong with the property. For example, it may have been the site of unfortunate accidents or may have damaged structures. These things can give off bad vibes to the next settler.
5. Lots of houses for sale in the area
As you go house-hunting and see your neighbors putting up for-sale signs, it’s best to pause and think instead of ignoring, well, the sign. There may be something wrong with the neighborhood itself and not just the property. For instance, the area may be prone to flooding with just a tiny bit of rain or its security may be compromised. In any case, you’ll want to stay away from a neighborless community.
6. Listed as “as-is” when turned over
When buying foreclosed properties, you’ll often see them being marketed “as-is,” meaning whatever the condition of the house is, that is what you’ll receive with no renovations done to the property. Although this type of property is relatively cheap, the money you could save from paying for the house may just be taken back with repairs to its structures, including faulty wirings, plumbing issues, and the like.
7. Closed-off sections in the house
Most open houses let you see all rooms of the house for inspection so that you can decide whether or not you want to live in it. However, some houses may have rooms that are off-limits to prospective buyers. Perhaps the seller is trying to hide certain issues of the house. If that’s the case, it’s a big red flag because you won’t know what’s in it or if there’s an issue that may spread to the rest of the home.
What are the ways to avoid these red flags?
There are several steps you can do to avoid houses that have red flags in them. You’ll want to carefully inspect each room and facility within the house. For example, you may want to look at the bathrooms or under the sinks to see if water is most likely to leak. Check for any mold, as this may indicate a water problem.
You can bring in an expert to check if there are any problems with the house’s structures, wirings, plumbing, and so on. On top of that, you need to thoroughly research the house and the neighborhood. Doing so will help you know its history and see if there’s anything out of place with the surroundings and the property.
Home Sweet Home
It’s time to start a saving habit and invest in a home for your family. However, buying a home is a big commitment, one that you make for a long time. It doesn’t just end with the paperwork and the payment—you’ll have to invest time in maintaining it and keeping it in tip-top shape.
You must note every detail and inspect every room in the house before making a final decision. More importantly, knowing what red flags to avoid can guide you in making the best home-buying decision so that you and your family can live in a place you can safely call home.
