Hidden Defects to Look for When Purchasing a Home

When you are purchasing a home, there are hidden defects that you will want to look for.  Your seller will give you a disclosure statement to read over that will indicate any past problems that they are aware of in the house.  However, if it’s a foreclosure, the bank has never lived in the house and does not have to supply you with a disclosure statement.  I always encourage my buyers to get an inspection because the inspector is licensed and knows what to look for in the property.  You also want to be on the lookout for water leaks, foundation issues, drainage problems, termites, roof issues, potential wiring problems, and plumbing issues.  Stains on ceilings and near baseboards can be indicative of water leaks.  Large cracks in the homes foundation and horizontal cracks in walls and ceilings can indicate shifting in the foundation.  Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home or in the yard.  You will want to have an exterminator check for termites.  Your inspector will be looking for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles.  They will also check to make sure the property does not have an antiquated fuse box and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.  Make sure you check water pressure in showers, faucets and outside water pressure.  Also listen for banging in pipes.  These are all things you want to be watching out for when you are purchasing a home.  In addition to a home inspector checking out the property, you might want to have a certified HVAC dealer check out the heating and air conditioning systems in the home.

"Hidden Defects to Look for When Purchasing a Home" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 16, 2010.

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