Browsing for a new home can be fun, whether you’re searching online or you’re at the point of in-person visits. It’s easy to be taken in by the beautiful decor, particularly when it’s your first house or you’re dreaming about a luxurious upgrade.
If you’re a serious buyer, you likely have a list of must-have features all planned out. Enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Check! The house is in a convenient location? Check! The house has the latest upgrades and is filled to the brim with modern technology? Check again! And it’s in your price range? Check, check, and check!
However, before you contemplate putting in your offer, be sure you don’t forget about the most important question of all? Is this house safe? In this post, we’ll take a look at the (fortunately rare) worst-case scenarios to be on guard for.
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Foundation Issues
The first thing to look for when touring a house is any sign of foundation issues. Horizontal cracks are one of the primary indications of problems in the future. Not only could your house become unsafe, but these are also costly repairs that may be far more expensive than you anticipated.
Other subtle signs could be doors and windows that don’t latch properly, uneven floors, or gaps between the counters and the walls. Structural damage could arise from any number of external factors, including severe weather, erosion of the soil around the home, overgrown tree roots, or years of neglect.
Spotting a potential problem can be challenging for a layperson who doesn’t see homes every day and isn’t sure of what to look for. In addition, some signs may seem ominous, but could be relatively benign, and vice versa. The ability to find and secure a safe and suitable home is one of the top reasons to work with a real estate agent with your best interest in mind.
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Poor Ventilation
Bad odours can be another warning sign when you enter a home. Though often harmless, they can also indicate ventilation or HVAC problems. Moldy or musty smells are particularly concerning, especially if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma.
Air quality issues are also tough to identify. It’s normal for a homeowner to have all of the windows open when the weather is nice. Who doesn’t love the scent of a fresh breeze throughout the house? However, if you spot a lot of plug-in air fresheners or an abnormal amount of incense, it could be a sign the homeowner has something to hide.
A Bad Location
In our opinion, reports of “bad” neighbourhoods and unsafe streets are greatly exaggerated. Most residential areas in Toronto are very safe, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings. Since the location is one of the few things you can’t change about a house, you’ll want to take extra care to get it right. The best time to pay close attention is before making an offer on your new home.
Multiple schools and parks around are typically positive positive signs. Even if you don’t have children, you can almost bet that this neighbourhood is family friendly. You can also see how well the neighbours seem to care for their yards and homes. Before placing your offer, consider your daily routine. What will your commute to work be like, especially if you plan to take public transit? A local real estate agent can also give you an idea of the neighbourhood vibe.
Infestations
Imagine the horror; moving day finally arrives, and you’re excited to take possession of your new house. However, that exhilaration can turn to dismay if your new oasis is already home to some less-than-welcome pests.
Termites or rodents were not part of the plan, but fortunately there are clues when you know what to look for. When you tour a home watch, for any signs of gnaw marks, droppings, or crevices and cracks that could be a nest for non-human residents.
Once all of the safety features are checked off, you can focus on the fun part of buying a home – the decor! The posts below might inspire some creativity:
- Lighting Techniques That Give Your Home an Instant Facelift
- Redesign Your Home Decor With One Trip to Your Local Hardware Store
- Absolutely Fabulous! Secrets of Gorgeous Curb Appeal for Every Season
How to Protect Yourself
It’s one thing to be informed and to scrutinize a house carefully before making your offer. It may also be comforting to know that by law, a homeowner must disclose if there are any known defects in their house that could be a potential hazard. That said, just because there is a law doesn’t mean some people won’t try to circumvent it. This is why a home inspection is always a good idea whenever possible.
When the market allows it, you can make a home inspection a condition of your offer. If not, you can still arrange to have an inspector to examine the house before you decide to buy. In either case, a local real estate agent can help guide you through the buying process and help you know what to look for. With a little due diligence, the right home could soon be yours!
Do you want expert guidance to find the perfect Toronto house for you? Our real estate agents are here to help! Send us an email at ana@asantos.ca or call at 647.232.7317 with any questions.