4 Condition Clues To Watch For When Viewing Homes For Sale

Shopping for a home is often said to be one of the most expensive purchases that most families will make. Since most home viewings last only a few moments, however, buyers are under tremendous pressure to choose the best possible home in which to invest. If you are currently looking at homes for sale or plan to do so in the near future, consider using the following information to help you spot condition clues that can help you eliminate potential money pits and select a home that your family will love for generations to come.

Condition Clue 1: Drainage Issues

When approaching the home for the first time, be sure to walk around the perimeter of the home. Are there areas that reflect obvious drainage issues that could result in water infiltration or landscaping issues, such as erosion? Be particularly observant for any areas where the terrain could allow water to pool against basement or foundation walls. 

Condition Clue 2: Water Leaks and Humidity Issues

Homes that have humidity issues can create or worsen some types of health issues, such as breathing-related ones. To quickly determine if a home suffers from high humidity, watch for these possible indicators:

  • water spots or stains on ceilings or drip marks along walls
  • signs of rust on HVAC vents
  • signs of water leakage under sinks
  • any signs of mold or mildew
  • water stains on basement floors
  • dampness or standing water in crawlspaces

Condition Clue 3: Potential Foundation or Settlement Issues

To discover potential foundation or settlement issues in a home you are viewing, learn to watch for flooring that feels uneven when you walk on it, cracks in foundation or basement walls, windows and doors that are difficult to open and close, and excessive cracking in plaster, concrete, or masonry walls.

Condition Clue 4: Electrical Issues

Since electrical wiring is largely hidden inside the walls, prospective buyers need to watch carefully for visible usage clues to help spot potential electrical issues in a home they are considering purchasing. These can include:

  • more than normal usage of extension cords and power strips in the home
  • discolored electrical plug ins and light sockets
  • unsafe wiring connections in the attic and other spaces
  • absence of grounded and GFCI plugs in the home
  • missing or obviously damaged fuses or breakers in the home's electrical panel

To spot even more condition clues that can help you learn which homes may not be the best investment for your family, ask a real estate professional from an agency like Chris Calhoon Real Estate to help you look for these and other potential condition issues in the homes you plan to view.


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