You’re finally ready to look for a house! While this time is exciting and a big step in your life, there’s many things you may not know yet. When you’re touring homes, there will be some green flags and red flags to look for. It’s important to know what to be aware of as you navigate buying a home.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services are here to help. Here are three red flags and three green flags to look for during your home buying search.
Red Flags
- Strong Odors or Overpowering Scents
One of the first things you notice when touring a home is the smells. Usually this is a good thing, but if a home smells overly perfumed or has scented candles burning in every room, it might be a sign the seller is masking something. There could be underlying problems like pet odors, mildew or even water damage. A clean home should smell neutral. While candles being burnt can be normal, make sure it’s not overly powerful.
- Signs of Water Damage or Foundation Issues
One of the most expensive fixes on a house can be the foundation. As you’re walking through, keep an out for water stains on ceilings, cracks in the walls or uneven floors. All of these signs can signal bigger and very expensive problems. Even small cracks around door frames can be an early warning that something structural is going on. Always ask questions and be sure to have a home inspection done.
- Unpermitted Renovations
When going through houses, you may notice some beautiful upgrades that were made. That gorgeous, finished basement or bonus room might look great, but if the work wasn’t done with the proper permits, it could become your headache later. Unpermitted projects can affect insurance coverage, appraisal value and even your ability to resell. Be sure to ask questions about each part of the house.
Green Flags
- Well-Maintained Systems and Records
The last thing you want to worry about when buying a home is when you’ll have to replace major parts of it. When sellers can provide maintenance records for the HVAC, roof or major appliances, it’s a sign they’ve taken care of the home. Consistent upkeep often means fewer surprises after you move in.
- Quality Windows and Insulation
You don’t want to be warm all summer and cold all winter. So, when you go through a home, if you see energy-efficient windows and good insulation take this as a green flag. This small, but important detail can make a huge difference in comfort and monthly costs. If the home feels solid and draft-free, that’s a great sign of both build quality and care.
- Neighborhood Pride and Curb Appeal
The first thing you’ll see when you go to tour a home before you step in it is the outside appearance and neighborhood. Pay attention to how the neighboring homes look. A well-kept street with tidy lawns and friendly neighbors signals a community that takes pride in ownership. This not only adds value to your future home but gives you assurance that you’re making the right move.
The Bottom Line
Every home tells a story. Knowing the difference between red flags and green flags helps buyers read between the lines and make a confident, informed decision. If you’re ready to get started, contact a Howard Hanna agent today to get started.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 14 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. Recognized as the most innovative brokerage, Howard Hanna provides solution-based programs and platforms to empower their agents to provide more resources for homebuyers and home sellers, resulting in their agents achieving a sales success rate that is 53% higher than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Since 1957, Howard Hanna has helped agents build the skills and experience needed to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
