Buying a home is a detailed process. During your search, you may tour several homes. While most people know to look for things like cracks in the walls and signs of water damage, there are some subtler clues that things are wrong with the home.
Taking the time to check for these five things might show you whether the house is truly what you think it is. Even if these all check out, you should still take the time to have an inspection done if you’re going to purchase the home.
1. It’s over-furnished
Furniture is sometimes used to distract potential buyers from something else in the room. If you see that rooms are overly furnished, take a closer look around the furniture to see if there’s anything amiss.
2. There are odd paint jobs
It’s not unusual for a home seller to paint the home before putting it on the market. An odd paint job would be only painting an accent wall or a specific area in a room. That may be a clue that recent repairs were done or damage is hidden.
3. Too many air fresheners
Air fresheners, including candles, wax warmers and diffusers, can make the atmosphere in the home pleasant. Too many of them are a red flag that the home seller is trying to hide a stench.
4. Rugs everywhere
Rugs are beautiful additions to a home, but they can also be tools of deception. Take the time to look for damage to the floor under the rugs.
5. The night scene
It’s not in the home, but taking a drive through the neighborhood at night can give you an idea of what the area is like around the clock.
One of the most important things to remember during the home-buying process is to protect your interests. A home is a major investment, so you need to know exactly what you’re getting into when you purchase it. Working with a team that understands your purchasing goals and unique situation can help you to ensure you’re making the best decision for your needs.