Today I’ll share my six red flags to watch out for when buying or selling a home.
Looking to sell a home in Southern California?
Looking to buy a home in Southern California?
Today I’m discussing the red flags to watch out for when buying a home and to check on when selling your home:
1. Check for significant cracks in the foundation and walls. Small cracks here and there are natural, since the ground shifts over time. However, you should get larger cracks checked out by a professional. That way you have peace of mind if there are issues.
2. Check sewer piping. Older homes, particularly ones built during or prior to the 1940s, they may have cast iron or clay pipes. If these are cracked, they can still last many years; however, over time, they can develop issues. This can be expensive to replace, so get this checked out while in escrow. You can hire a plumber to send a camera down the pipes to analyze any damage.
3. Investigate the roof. Many older roofs will have damage or even contain asbestos, which is more expensive to replace than a roof with average wear and tear. Some older roofs can last up to 50 years, but not all of them will.
Many insurance companies will not insure a home with knob and tube wiring.
4. Find out if you have knob and tube wiring. Many insurance companies will not insure a home with this type of wiring. You want to be aware, especially in homes built in the 1940s or older, that they can frequently have knob and tube wiring in the walls. Some homes have been remodeled and have newer wiring, but you need to have it checked out by an electrician.
5. Watch out for mold and mildew. These are very common to check out, they’re everywhere. Some types will be damaging, some will not. There is a test that can determine if it’s something to be concerned over.
6. Check for lead-based paint. This is sometimes neglected in homes that were built before 1978. If you’re going to have adults only in the home, then you likely won’t have many issues with this. Older homes will doubtless have it in them somewhere. If you have smaller children or the paint is flaked or peeling, the chemicals from that can be released into the home and can be ingested, which is harmful.
If you have any questions about these red flags or real estate in general feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We’ll be sure to walk you through any process you’re concerned about. We look forward to hearing from you.
