Written by: Emily Joswiak • September 15, 2021• In the Community

What To Watch Out for During a House Tour as a Buyer

Over time, homes tend to accumulate problems. Buyers should keep a watchful eye out for issues like structure damage, mold, or cheap fixes when touring.

Buyers often make a list of the room sizes, kitchen necessities, and other amenities they know are their must-haves before bidding on a home. However, there are some things buyers should have in mind as they look around a property as their must-not-haves. These are some examples of what to watch out for during a house tour as a buyer.

Visible Structural Issues

Many banks or mortgage companies will require an inspector’s appraisal to loan buyers the money for a home, and being there during the inspection can provide truly valuable insight for interested buyers wondering what future repairs the home will need. However, if you can’t be there during the inspection, taking the time to read through the inspector’s report before viewing gives buyers the chance to see issues for themselves. Any structural damage that’s immediately apparent is a major concern for home buyers.

Signs of Water Damage

Repairing water damage in a home, especially in older homes, is a long and tedious process for whoever owns the property. Cracks or bubbles in the ceiling, grey streaks on the walls, or a musty smell are all signs to watch out for during a house tour as a buyer. These red flags let you know that future rain on this already affected property might cause mold growth, necessitating frequent visits from repair teams and removal specialists.

Quick Paint Cover-Ups

It isn’t unusual for a homeowner to quickly make repairs to any holes in the walls or scratches with a bit of plaster, but if you notice a fresh patch of paint that stands out, it’s worth asking about. While it may have just been a quick fix, some homeowners may use paint to hide signs of water or insect damage that you’ll have to deal with later. If you don’t feel like you received an honest answer, ask again later or take the opportunity to be more thorough in your inspection of the home to see if anything else seems wrong.

None of these signs of trouble necessarily mean a buyer should immediately forget a house and move on. These issues, when addressed, can even lower a home’s cost. If you love a property’s location and layout, consider the risks and rewards associated with buying a property in need of repair and decide if having the house is worth the extra cost of repairs or weekend projects.

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