Uncovering Common Problems Home Sellers Try to Hide
When you are buying a house you want to know everything possible about the house. It is a nice idea to think that home sellers will be honest about the problems in the house, but that is not always the case. There are some key areas to look that is a surefire way to tell if the home sellers are trying to hide something.
When you are in the home buying process, keep these in mind:
Water Damage
This is one of the main problems that home sellers will try to hide. While spots of water damage are not only unappealing, they are also symptoms of a bigger problem.
If the house has a leak that has not been corrected it can lead to additional damage and dangerous mold. As the buyer you have the right to ask to have picture frames removed from the walls or to have furniture pulled away from the wall to see if they are hiding anything.
If the house has a basement, stacks of boxes are commonly used to hide water leaks.
Bad Foundation
If you notice jagged lines in the walls or cracks near doors and windows it could mean that the house has a bad foundation. Additional coats of paint can be used to try to hide this, but if you look carefully you should be able to notice this.
Other signs that there could be a problem with the foundation are if the doors in the house and cabinet doors are not able to close properly. Correcting foundation problems can be costly, so you want to make sure you know what you are getting into.
Bad Neighbors
Believe it or not home sellers are required to disclose if they have neighborhood nuisances. Many sellers are not going to do this, and you have to take them at their word.
If the house is in a neighborhood try stopping by during different times of the day to see who is outside. If there are neighbors in their yards strike up a conversation and see what you can find out.
The best house can be ruined by bad neighbors, so proceed with caution.
Variances in the Temperature
Some homes that have bad insulation will have some rooms in the house that are warmer or colder than other rooms. As you walk through the house pay attention to the feel of each room. If you notice that a room feels dryer or more humid than the other rooms in the house don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Before you buy a house make sure to have a home inspector check it out. You can let them know of any concerns that you have about the house, but an experienced inspector knows what to look for.
Once you have their findings you can make your decision on how to proceed or not to proceed at all. Many maintenance issues are simple ones that can be easily fixed, and if you find it during the negotiation process you can try to get the seller to pay the expense.