You’ve finally found the perfect home for your family. It’s time to make an offer, sign the papers, and book a moving truck, right? Not so fast. Your dream home can turn into an actual nightmare if the seller ends up hiding significant problems, like a pest infestation or cracks in the foundation. Here are four things sellers often don’t disclose when you fall in love with their house.
1. Leaks
Sellers usually try to plug drips temporarily to attract offers. But honesty is always the best policy. Leaks are common, and they can easily be fixed. If the seller is transparent about a leak or two and promises to fix it before closing, you probably have nothing to worry about.
2. Pests
Unfortunately, even beautiful houses can be infested with termites. If you suspect that pests are taking up residence in your new home, don’t risk turning a blind eye. Schedule a pest inspection before you close to get the final verdict.
3. Roof/Foundation Issues
Roof and foundation issues are incredibly expensive to repair. If you uncover these problems in a home you haven’t yet purchased, it’s probably wise to walk away.
4. Age
If a seller says he doesn’t know how old the water heater and HVAC systems are, that’s a red flag. A home inspector can find this out very quickly, so if you don’t get any answers before the inspection stage, you can always ask him to look into it.