Michael Santos

MLB Residential Lending

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House Hunting? Watch for These 5 Red Flags when Viewing Potential New Homes

July 16, 2015 by Michael Santos

House Hunting? Watch for These 5 Red Flags when Viewing Potential New Homes From the sales price to the general layout of the building, there are numerous factors that buyers will consider when touring homes. While there are specific factors that buyers may be searching for in a new house, there are also a few warning signs that home buyers should keep their eyes open for. The following are among the top red flags that may serve as warning signs.

Signs Of Poor Home Maintenance

It is reasonable to expect all homes to have some signs of wear and tear unless they are new construction. However, it is also reasonable to expect that sellers have taken some steps to improve the condition and look of the property before listing it. When a home appears to be poorly maintained on a superficial level, home buyers should pause to consider what other aspects of the home have also been poorly maintained that are not visible.

The Grading In The Yard

When a yard grades toward the house, issues with erosion and even flooding may be concerns. Everything from a brief, torrential downpour to snow melt can result in water running toward a property when grading is a concern. Home buyers should take time to review the yard carefully to determine how water may flow when it rains or when snow melts.

A Foul Odor

It is common for sellers to try to make their home smell appealing, and different types of deodorizers may be used to mask everything from food smells to pet odors. However, it is important for home buyers to pay attention to the underlying smells in a home. Everything from a musky or mildew-y smell to sewage smells and gas odors should be warning signs.

Repairs To One Wall

Homeowners may repaint walls to make the space look cleaner, brighter and more appealing, so a fresh coat of paint by itself is not a warning sign. However, if the paint is on just one wall or if the area under the fresh coat of paint appears to have been recently textured or repaired, these are signs that water damage or other damage may have been addressed recently.

Signs Of Pests And Rodents

Another warning sign relates to signs of pests and rodents. Even if bugs and rodents are not visible during the initial tour, things like a can of bug spray, mouse traps and other related items may indicate that the seller has had an issue with bugs and rodents.

Some warning signs will be obvious during an initial home tour, but others may require more skill and experience to see. Because of this, it is best for all home buyers to consider ordering a property inspection to learn more about the condition of the home before finalizing their buying plans.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Buying a Home, Home Buyer Tips, Home Inspections

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Michael Santos NMLS #199875 • MLB Residential Lending, LLC. NMLS# 1101220. Michael originates NJ loans only. MLB Residential Lending, LLC. is located at 51 Commerce Street, Springfield, NJ 07081, 732.243.0140. MLB Residential Lending, LLC. NMLS#: 1101220 is a residential lender, licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; licensed by the PA Department of Banking and Securities; licensed by the CT Department of Banking; licensed by the DE Dept. of the Banking Commissioner; and is licensed under the FL Mortgage Lender Service License # MLD1128. All rates are subject to change without notice. MLB in no way, claims to represent or to conduct business on behalf of HUD, the FHA or the Federal Government. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. THIS SITE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR NJ CONSUMERS.

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