Buying with your eyes open

How Can I Tell if a House Has Expensive Problems Before I Buy It?

By Aubre J. Stacknick, Global Real Estate Advisor, Piatt Sotheby's International Realty. Originally published on aubrestacknick.com.

You can't identify every problem during a showing. However, buyers can look for warning signs involving water, foundation movement, roofs, drainage, mechanical systems, electrical systems and questionable renovations—and then bring in qualified inspectors or specialists when needed.

This is the essence of Builder Eyes™.

Not:

"Aubre diagnosed the house."

But:

"Aubre noticed something and knew we needed more information."

That's an important distinction.

Things That Make Me Look Twice

Water

Staining, odors, efflorescence, recently replaced materials in isolated areas, drainage concerns.

Cracking

Not every crack means structural failure.

But location, pattern and context can tell us whether we should ask more questions.

Roof

Age, visible condition and evidence of previous leakage.

Mechanical systems

Age and maintenance of HVAC, water heater and other equipment.

Electrical

Older systems, modifications or visible DIY work can warrant additional investigation.

Renovations

Beautiful doesn't necessarily mean correctly executed.

A Red Flag Isn't Always a Deal Breaker

That's another important lesson.

Sometimes the right answer is:

Walk away.

Sometimes:

Get an expert.

Sometimes:

Negotiate.

And sometimes:

It's completely manageable.

The CFPB specifically advises buyers to obtain a thorough independent inspection and notes that serious flaws or worn components can affect a buyer's decision or negotiation.

The goal isn't to scare buyers.

It's to replace surprise with information.