Home Buying: What Issues to Look for When Viewing Potential Homes

When you walk into a home and take a tour, it is important to take note of repair items that may be costly and what you may not want to be responsible for repairing in your new home.  It's often easy to notice cosmetic changes or quick fixes when viewing potential homes, but in the excitement of the moment, significant and costly repairs can sometimes be overlooked. That's why we prioritize educating our clients about the potential red flags to watch out for during property showings.

Here are a few items to take a closer look while touring:

Lead Based Paint

Homes constructed before 1978 often contain lead-based paint, which can exhibit a distinctive cracking pattern resembling alligator skin. The dust produced from lead-based paint, particularly when doors and windows are opened or closed, or when the paint cracks, can pose significant health risks, especially for children.

If you have concerns about the presence of lead-based paint in a home, you can easily obtain testing kits from Amazon and discreetly use them during property showings to quickly assess the presence of lead-based paint.

When conducting these tests, it's essential to focus on areas such as the interiors and exteriors of windows and doors, stair stringers, painted interior or exterior railings, porches, garages, and siding, as these are common locations for lead-based paint. However, it's important to note that lead-based paint can potentially be found throughout older homes, so thorough testing is recommended.

Roof

It may be difficult to see the entire roof especially if you are shorter in height or if the home sits on a hill. Do you see cracked, bubbling, missing, or broken shingles? Are the shingles slightly separated where you see extreme wear and tear? That could mean the property needs a new roof right sooner than later and is that within your immediate home repair/upgrade budget. 

Windows

If the operation and condition of the windows are important to you, then you want to make sure you open and shut the windows prior to making an offer and prior to having a home inspection.  New windows can cost $500 - $800 per window depending on the size and style. You want to make sure there aren't any drafts coming from the windows. One key indicator to look out for is condensation between the panes, as this can be a sign of seal failure. Additionally, take note of whether the window is single-paned, which often indicates an older window, or double-paned, typically a feature of newer windows.

Another clue to the quality of the window is the presence of buttons or tabs on the inside that can be used to pop it out and clean both sides. This feature is commonly found in newer windows and suggests a higher level of functionality and maintenance.

Investing in good-quality windows can have a positive impact on a property's energy efficiency, helping to lower heating and cooling costs. Therefore, taking the time to assess the condition of windows during a property viewing can provide valuable insights for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.

Termite Damage

When inspecting a property for potential termite damage, it's crucial to be vigilant for certain telltale signs. Look out for mud tubes, which are often visible in areas where there is wood framing, such as basements or ceilings. Additionally, keep an eye out for damaged wood, pellets, or wings, as these are common indicators of termite activity.

By paying close attention to these signs, you can proactively address any termite issues, safeguarding the structural integrity of the property.