Touring and inspecting homes can be one of the most challenging yet exciting aspects of purchasing a home in Atlanta. You get to visit several homes, each with its peculiar personality and features. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream home and miss out on the important details associated with each property, which could lead to bigger issues in the future.
If you are like 56% of homebuyers in the US who believe that picking a house is the most challenging part of the home buying process, then this article is just what you need. In this article, you will find out five (5) potential red flags to be aware of when house hunting in Atlanta.
1. Few Photos of the Home Interior
One of the major red flags is seeing a listing with little to no photos of the home interiors. Do you see only a few photos of the home interior? Are certain areas like the bathroom, ceiling, and flooring left out of the listing photos? Are there more photos of the home exterior than the home interior? Then, you are most likely buying into a money pit.
To avoid this, ask your real estate agent for more photos and request photos of certain areas of the home that may have been intentionally left out.
2. Many Homes in the Area Are Up for Sale
While it is great to have multiple home options but what happens when they're so many ‘house for sale’ signs in the same street? When you notice multiple houses for sale signs in an old or new neighborhood, you should find out from your real estate agent about the story behind the sudden sale? It might be an indication of an underlying problem with the location.
Furthermore, it would help if you carried out your personal research to find out why the residents are selling their homes at the same time. Are crime rates on the increase? Is the area a potential flood zone? Local details like crime rates, schools, basic amenities, and other demographic information are easily available online.
3. Signs of Water Damage
Another major red flag to look out for is any sign of water damage. Is there a pool of water around the foundation or in the yard? This could be a sign of poorly functional gutters or a lack of gutters in the building. Are you seeing water stains on the wall, ceiling, and basement area? Water signs are easily noticeable because they are yellowish or brownish in appearance.
Also, you should check with your real estate agent if the property is located in a flood zone and the history of flooding in the area. If the property was affected by flooding in the past, it is important that you reconsider your purchasing decision.
4. Insect Infestations and Pest Damage
A house faced with constant insect and pest infestation is definitely not a home worth spending thousand dollars on or moving in with your family. During your inspection of the property, lookout for signs of pest or insect damage. Check for dead termites, bugs, pest droppings, mud tunnels built by termites, and any visible nesting by rodents. You may even decide to hire the service of a professional pest inspector to help you with the process.
Remember that pests like termites can cause destruction to your home and properties that may cost you several thousands of dollars to fix.
5. The Property is Being Sold At a Bargain Price
Every individual loves a bargain, but a home selling price may be a potential red flag. When hunting for a home in Atlanta, you should be wary of home listing prices that sound too good to be true. It is usually a clear indication of a number of problems with the property. There could be an existing problem with the location or house or an underlying expensive repair issue.
Make sure to ask your chosen realtor about the price of the home before you make an offer and end up purchasing a potential money pit.
Final Thoughts
When house hunting for a home in Atlanta, you should endeavor to hire a local real estate company to help you with the house-hunting process. Working with a local real estate agent will help you save money, time and get you the best property deal.
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