Don't judge a house by its cover, says the first rule in the home-touring rulebook.
Aesthetics can be deceptive, and the most serious problems with a house may be completely invisible to anyone who isn't looking for them.
If you're not careful, you may wind up with a dud of a home that will cost you a lot more money in the long run.
As an expert in the Boulder real estate market, I’ve compiled five red flags to keep an eye out for when touring homes.
Home with weird smells
One of the most effective tools at your disposal for detecting possible red flags during a home tour is your sense of smell. Observe any unusual or unpleasant odors emanating from the inside or exterior of your home with caution. Odors that are strange or offensive might mean mold, a leak in the plumbing, water damage, an issue with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, bugs, or insufficient airflow. A trusted real estate agent in the Boulder real estate market will detect this if you're taking a virtual property tour.
Cracks in the foundation
One of the most important things to check for while inspecting a potential property is damage to the foundation, such as cracks. Little fractures in the walls are expected as a home settles on its foundation over time. On the other hand, large cracks or bulges in the walls or flooring should raise serious red flags.
Marks left by water
Discolorations caused by water usually indicate that there was some sort of water damage.
Asthma and other respiratory disorders are only two of the many that might develop once water damage has occurred. You may look for signs of water damage by inspecting recently damp areas like window sills, countertops, and the like. You should inspect the house for structural damage, such as squeaky floors or peeling paint, and any unusual noises if you see any water stains on a property.
Prices too good to be true
A listing price that seems too good to be true is the biggest red flag when touring homes.
When the price of the home is too low, it is a telltale sign that the sellers are particularly eager to close the deal, so it's natural to question why.
They may be in a hurry to sell because of financial pressures, personal issues, or a job transfer, but the house might also be in poor shape.
Inquire with your real estate agent about the legitimacy of the seemingly unbelievable pricing.
There are a large number of houses for sale in the area
It's also important to keep an eye on the houses in the area. While it's always nice to have choices, it might be overwhelming if there are several houses for sale on the same block.
If you notice many "For Sale" signs in the area, you may want to investigate further by asking your real estate agent if this is cause for alarm or only a coincidence. Many houses “For Sale” in the same neighborhood might be a major red flag that something is wrong with the area.
I can help you see these and other warning signs so you can address them or decide whether to move on from the property. Looking for your dream home in Boulder or want to make an inquiry about the boulder real estate market? Feel free to call or text me at 303-520-0070.