Looking Beyond the Seemingly Perfect Home

If you’re in the market to purchase your first home or relocate to a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the home-buying process and forget some of the details. The clock is ticking, rates have nowhere to go but up and you’ve found the perfect home on the perfect street. Nothing left now but to make an offer, right?
Well, while location definitely matters, if you’re not careful and observant when making your new home choice, you could end up in a great location and still purchase a money pit.
After all, in many cases, those anxious to sell their home have been known to make a few cosmetic adjustments or staging tricks to hide the areas where their house may require a little extra care or even some serious repairs.
Pay special attention to and mention to your home inspector (if you reach that point) if you come across anything that seems out of the norm, including:
1. Freshly painted basements. We all know that basements are often prone to leaks. If you notice that a basement has recently been painted – particularly the floor of an unfinished basement – make sure you ask why this was done. Also take a look around the outside perimeters of the home to see if there are other telltale signs of a possible basement leak.
2. 2. Strong smells. Your senses are your first and one of your best methods of avoiding deception. Mould smells like mould. It’s easy to hide the visual signs of mould with paint, but it’s a hard smell to mask. Don’t be afraid to sniff around any area that makes you feel uneasy.
3. 3. Suspicious piles and large plants. If something looks out of place, ask about it. A pile of bricks stacked against the side of the house could just be a pile of bricks, but it could also be a way of hiding a cracked foundation. The same holds true for a large plant or tree located in an odd area.
One of the benefits of working with a qualified real estate professional is that we know what to look for in a home to ensure you’re not buying a money pit. If you see anything that doesn’t feel right, let’s discuss it. Follow your gut. Even after you’ve been through a home, answers to your questions and concerns are just a phone call or e-mail away!