It’s no secret that buying a home is one of the biggest investments a person can make in their lifetime. So, when things go wrong with that home, it can be devastating. One of the most common issues that turn buyers off is when they find out there are defects in the home they’re planning to buy. In this guide, you’ll discover some of the most common property defects that turn off buyers, and what you can do to mitigate them.
1: A History of Mold
Mold can be one of the most insidious and toxic home defects, often triggering allergies and other health problems. It’s also notoriously difficult to remediate, so buyers want to know what steps you took to deal with it before they buy your home. If there are still signs of mold after you’ve taken care of it, or if you haven’t addressed the problem at all, buyers may shy away.
2: Structural Issues
Structural issues can range from major repairs to minor cracks in your walls that buyers fear will lead to more expensive issues down the road. These are especially important to buyers because they can put your home at risk for future disasters, like floods. If the problem is big enough, you may need to reduce the price of your home to compensate.
3: Sewer Problems
Any kind of sewer problem is a red flag for potential buyers, especially if there’s not an action plan in place to take care of them. If the sewer lines are clogged or broken, buyers will want to know how long it’s been since you’ve taken care of the problem and what steps you took to fix them.
4: Poor Water Quality
Water issues are one of the more common problems for homes, especially in parts of the country that frequently experience floods. This can include water that smells, has a strange color, contains sediment, or contains chemicals in addition to minerals and metals. Buyers may shy away from homes with not-so-great water quality because they don’t want to spend money on expensive filtration systems.
5: Issues with the Roof
A roof is one of the biggest investments in your home, but if there are problems with it, buyers may want to negotiate a lower price for your house. Problems like missing shingles, water damage, and poor ventilation can lead to expensive repair costs down the road.
6: Termite Infestations
There are few things that can kill a sale faster than finding out your home is infested with termites. If you’re selling, you need to disclose any evidence of termite damage to potential buyers, even if it’s small. What’s more, you may need to get your home treated to ensure the problem won’t come back.
7: Electrical Issues
Electrical issues can range from minor annoyances like flickering lights to major problems like overloaded circuits and faulty wiring. These defects should be addressed before buyers see your home, as it’s a major investment that shouldn’t end up costing you or them more money down the line.
8: Cosmetic Problems
Cosmetic problems like peeling paint, outdated countertops, and other minor issues may not make a buyer run for the hills, but they can affect your home’s resale value. These defects are best addressed before you put your house on the market because it will save you from having to deal with potential complaints when buyers see them.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you can make in your lifetime. So if there are any problems with it, buyers will want to know what steps have been taken and how long ago they were addressed before agreeing on a purchase price. And if you want to learn how to sell my house fast in Los Angeles, you’ll certainly want to fix these issues quickly.
