THINGS​ ​YOU​ ​SHOULD​ ​BE​ CAUTIOUS ​OF​ ​WHEN​ ​BUYING​ ​A​ ​HOUSE

Preparing to buy a home is a process that it often makes sense to start years before you’re actually ready to buy. Of course, most people won’t plan that far ahead, and no matter when you're looking to purchase a home, there are many things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Choosing a home is an emotional decision as well as a logical one, but there are a few red flags that you should not ignore even if you love everything else about the property. 

1. ​A​ ​dilapidated​ ​neighborhood:- While the homes in a less affluent neighborhood tend to sell for less than comparable properties in a better area, buying one of these homes is not always the best long term financial decision. Keep in mind that when you purchase a home, you are not just buying the house. You are also buying your way into the neighborhood. You are buying the community amenities, the neighbors, and even the neighbors’ homes.

It is often better to own the smallest home in a nice neighborhood than the nicest home in an up and coming neighborhood. It is difficult to predict how a specific housing market will change in years to come, but you can hedge your bets by choosing not to purchase a nice house in an otherwise poorly maintained neighborhood.

2. ​Foundation​ ​or​ ​structural​ ​damage:- If your home inspection uncovers cracks in the foundation or other structural issues, you might want to rethink your home choice. Be wary of any cracks around doors or windows or in the walls or floor of an unfinished basement. Warped walls or those with noticeable bulges can often require expensive repairs. Hire a professional to check out even small cracks. They could turn out to be nothing, but they could also be the precursor to a major problem.

Many homeowners are not diligent about checking their home for foundation or structural issues. Because of this, these issues can be overlooked for years, allowing them to slowly worsen over time until they become a major red flag for prospective buyers.

NB: Don't be dazzled by unnecessary features

3. A​ ​pest​ ​infestation:- When you visit prospective homes, check the corners, window sills, and cabinets for dead bugs or other signs of pests. Purchasing a home with a pre existing bug problem can result in major headaches down the road. If the furniture is still in the home, check carefully for bed bugs. This is an easily overlooked issue that prove to be a nasty surprise when you move your furniture into your new home.

4. ​Mold​ ​damage:- Particularly in areas with a wet climate, mold and mildew can be a major problem. It is possible to have colonies of mold growing inside your walls or crawlspace for years before you realize that you have an issue. By the time it reaches this point, you will have an expensive and time consuming problem on your hands. Be wary if your home inspection turns up mold or mildew.

An experienced real estate agent can help you avoid most of these pitfalls, so it is important that you work with a team of agents that you can trust. If you are looking for a home in Abuja, Lagos Nigeria  contact our team at Fow world properties and learn how we can help you find a property that will be a good long term decision.