In the current, fast-paced housing market, it can be difficult to take your time while house hunting. Of course, you want to make a wise decision; but often, if you don’t act fast, another buyer will swoop in with an offer and you’ve missed your chance. At GVC Mortgage, we understand that home buying is a big deal, and we want you to feel like you’ve done your due diligence before signing on the bottom line. That’s why we’ve put together a list of major red flags to avoid while house hunting, so you can quickly know if a property is worth considering.
The first thing to consider is the neighborhood. If there are several other properties for sale, the area might be becoming undesirable or even unsafe. If you are still interested in the property after a showing or open house, drive by the home at different times during the day to get a feel of the neighborhood. If you decide you are comfortable with the neighborhood, be sure to also consider your future resale value: you don’t want to be stuck with a home that no one else will want to buy.
The smell of the house you are considering can tell you a lot about its condition. If there is any type of musty smell, there could be leaks or mold, both of which are big, expensive issues. Additionally, beware of too much good smell – like freshly baked cookies or air fresheners. The more aggressive the scent, the greater likelihood the seller is taking precautions to mask a more offensive odor.
Finally, while you’re walking through the home, take a minute to pull back the curtains and check out the windows. Look especially for lopsided frames and see if you are able to open them easily. If they stick, it could be a sign of foundations issues or poor installation. Also, if a home is advertised for having new windows, make sure to check if they’ve been installed correctly.
If you’ve found a home with no red flags and you’re ready to explore your mortgage options, contact GVC Mortgage today at (317) 564-4906. Our team of home loan professionals serves first-time home buyers just like you every day. Our office is convenient for anyone in the Carmel, Fishers, or greater Indianapolis area. Get one step closer to home ownership by calling us today.
It's well understood that real estate "season" picks up in early spring and lasts until…
What are Millennials interested in when looking to buy a home? Ideally, their dream home…
Is it possible to buy a house with no money down? Yes. Is that a…
When purchasing a home, there are many new terms to learn. PMI, escrow, earnest money,…
Today's housing market is a little crazy, to say the least. We're seeing many changes…
The bulk of most individuals' money each month goes to keeping a roof over their…