Warning Signs to Look for When Touring a Home
CHARLOTTE, NC
Ready to go see some houses? Be on the lookout for these warning signs during your tour
There are a ton of new homes going up all over Charlotte, NC. But there are also many beautiful older homes with history and character. If you’re looking at a home that’s more than a few years old, there may be more to it than meets the eye. Even if you’re planning a renovation, it’s important to know what issues or warning signs to look for in a home so they can be detected early on. Below is a list of warning signs to be weary of when touring a home for the first time with your Charlotte Real Estate agent. Noticing these problem-areas early on will help you determine how much money you may have to spend to make a prospective house your home!
Large, overgrown trees
If the large trees in your yard are old and weathered, they could pose a potential threat during wind or ice storms. Check to make sure large trees are sturdy and see if they seem to be rotting out. A rotting tree may need to be completely removed, where a strong tree may just require a little extra maintenance and trimming.
Difficult-to-open Windows
If you find it significantly difficult to get a window open, it could indicate anything from dry rot to termite infections. Check around sticking windows to see if the sellers may have covered up damp spots with fresh paint. If so, they had something to hide that will likely cost you extra money.
Wiring and electricity issues
Electrical outlets that seem old or discolored could be a warning sign. Electrical wiring can be extremely costly. If the house isn’t vacant and has power turned on, flip the light switches on and off and check electrical sockets for signs of damage.
Damaged Cabinets
Cabinets are easy to cover up and face-lift on the outside, but the same isn’t always true for the interiors. Check the inside of the kitchen cabinets to make sure there isn’t any water damage. Sometimes coffee pots left underneath wooden cabinets for years can cause damage from the steam, so it may be helpful to look underneath the upper cabinets as well. You can repair a water-damaged cabinet, but it may be pricey.
Dampness
Be observant of all the walls and ceilings in a home. Check for any stains or evidence of water damage. If you can smell dampness but can’t see it, try to determine if the paint in that area is fresh. If so, the sellers may have tried to cover up stains by painting over them.
Water Pressure
Check the shower pressure in the bathrooms. You don’t want to be stuck in a home with terrible water pressure. While you’re running the water, check out how well the drains work. It may also help to check the kitchen and bathroom sinks for drainage issues as well.
Loose Tiles
Loose tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms is a sign of water damage. If you see any uplifted tile or loose grout, also check and see if any wood seems to be cracked or swollen in that area.
Roof
Unfortunately, roofs can pose dozens of expensive issues. Make sure the roof does not appear rusty or damaged. Be observant of whether the roof seems sturdy or slightly saggy. If the roof seems to be caving in slightly, this could mean there is a framing or foundation issue with the house.
Yard condition
Try to determine by the shape the yard whether or not drainage is an issue. If the yard seems to cave in at any point, this may indicate that rain will cause pools of mud in the lawn which means you will be the one to spend money on a new drainage system. This could be especially troublesome if you have pets.
Heating and AC
Check out the HVAC or heating system to determine the age of the system. If it seems old and weathered, it may need to be replaced in the near future or right away.
As always, consult your Charlotte RE/MAX Executive agent, Danielle Edwards if you believe you may have identified a warning sign in your potential home. Some warning signs can be false alarms, but if not, your Real Estate agent will have many contacts and resources as well as expertise on how to fix the issue.
Contact Realtor Danielle Edwards for your real estate needs in Charlotte, NC region.
Realtor NC/SC
704-604-2999
email: drivendanielle@gmail.com
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Written in collaboration with Shannon Hefferon
