BEFORE BUYING A PROPERTY!

Buying a home, especially for the first time, is as overwhelming as it is exciting.

You've viewed your dream home, but remember, you receive so much information during your viewing, that you could easily become overwhelmed and miss important details. Especially if you have fallen in love with your potential new home. It is important to remember that there are various "red flags" that you need to look out for before purchasing, as missing these "red flags" could have significant financial repercussions. Before signing, make sure to look out for the following:

Foundation and structural faults

What do you think is the most important part of a house? The double garage? The interior? How well-lit the rooms are? No. The most important part of the house, and arguably the costliest to repair, is the foundation of the house. Make sure to look out for large cracks in the walls, as this could be a sign of some serious structural problems with the foundation. Make sure to thoroughly investigate the door frames; if door frames don't appear to be square or if the doors have difficulty closing, it could be a sign of structural problems.

Poor drainage/grading

In most cases, water problems in a house are directly related to poor drainage or grading. However, it is often difficult to detect if a house has poor drainage or grading. An obvious sign of the above-mentioned faults is pools of water or a bouncy bathroom floor which could indicate that there is a leaking shower drain. Make sure to also look out for overflowing gutters, water stains and cracks in the foundation.

Patches of fresh paint

A coat of fresh paint is an excellent and quick way to spruce up your home, but if there are random patches of fresh paint around the house, it could be cause for concern. Why? Because it is possible that the seller is trying to hide something beneath the coat of paint.

Faulty electrical wiring

If you are looking to buy an older home, make sure that the electrical wiring is not faulty, as house fires caused by faulty wiring is not as uncommon as we would hope. This is especially the case in older homes, as these homes don't always have an ample supply of power and the number of electrical outlets like newer homes have. Also look out for any exposed wires, as this could cause significant harm to either the home or your family.

Neighbourhood condition

When looking for your perfect home, always remember that you are not only investing in the property itself, but also in the neighbourhood. Make sure to ask enough questions about the neighbourhood. For example, if you move into a neighbourhood that is deteriorating or crime-ridden, it could have a significant impact on your return on investment.

"This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein."