But much can be learned even before an inspector is brought in. If a neighborhood is riddled with “for sale” signs, it's generally a good idea to figure out why so many people are getting out. Experts also stress that prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the way a house smells. If the home smells bad, it could be a sign of mold, if it smells too artificially good, it could mean an attempt has been made to cover up a moldy smell. Also, would-be buyers should inspect cabinets and dark corners for evidence of rodent or insect problems.
In the past, a home sitting on the market for too long was considered a red flag, but, with today's troubled housing market, homes not selling for several months or more has become more of the norm. The number one red flag, according to most inspectors, is lack of maintenance. It's always a good idea to look at the condition of a home's roof, as a damaged roof can lead to other, costly problems. Rain gutters should be checked, as well, to determine if they are regularly cleaned. Condition of a house's paint, siding and trim can also present indicators of a home that hasn't been properly maintained.
Search La Jolla Real Estate
