Red Flags When Homebuying
Home searches can be exciting, and in the thrill of all of it, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement so much that you overlook some issues. Before something bites you down the road, it’s best to be clear-eyed about what you’re seeing before you buy. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we love seeing our clients find the home of their dreams, so here are a few red flags to watch for when you’re on the search.
Potential Structural Issues
If you see cracks in the foundation, floors that sag, uneven doorframes, or walls that visibly bow, you should definitely be concerned because those clues could mean there’s foundational damage or that the house was just built poorly. Furthermore, if you find water stains or if the house has a musty smell, especially in the basement, crawl space, or attic, be wary because the home might have long-term mold and moisture problems that could impact your or your family’s health.
Neighborhood Considerations
Be sure to have an eye toward the entire neighborhood and surrounding environs. Even if the home seems perfect, a difficult location could make resale harder or could produce other issues. If you see lots of “for sale” signs or if it seems like many of the houses are vacant, be wary of economic instability in the area. Look to see if surrounding properties have been kept well or neglected. Visit the neighborhood during different times of the day to get a sense of noise levels, traffic, and other activity.
Documents/Disclosures
You’re looking at a big red flag if the seller is unwilling to share any documentation or disclosers. They should show you any permits and information about renovations and repairs so you can evaluate whether major upgrades went through proper channels and approvals. If the seller refuses to provide that information, they might be trying to hide something like structural issues, flooding, or other damage.
Market Conditions
If the asking price for the home is pretty well below market value, check into why, and be especially wary if the home has been on the market for a long time. It’s possible the owner is trying a selling tactic, but it’s also possible there are some pretty big issues with the house. Be sure to get area comps and talk to your agent about their take on the pricing.
After You Purchase
Homes that aren’t new builds are frequently sold with the window fashions in place. Which makes moving in easier—one less thing to deal with immediately. However, many of our clients like to change out the window treatments for a variety of reasons: perhaps the old ones are worn out or broken, perhaps they don’t function the way a new owner might like, or maybe they just don’t work with the new owner’s style. No matter the reason, at Altra Home Décor, we’ll be happy to help you find the right treatments to match your goals and budget. Speak with one of our consultants today!
Homebuyer Watchouts in the Greater Phoenix Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
