CHARLOTTE – A home purchase is likely the biggest investment you will ever make. To protect your investment and your personal health and safety, you want to be aware of red flags that could signal significant problems with the home that you wish to buy.

Structural red flags are the most serious because they threaten the integrity of the home. Look for large basement floor cracks and bumps. Doors and windows that are out of alignment, along with steps that have separated from the foundation, are all indications of settling of the home.

Mold-related issues are often detected in older homes with deferred maintenance and may not have easy fixes. Keep an eye out for patches of black mold in the house as well as any mold-related odor, unventilated bathrooms or bubbled paint.

Even an untrained eye can uncover red flags associated with destructive pests. Powdery residue around wood elements, grinding sounds, and hollow areas in floors and walls are indicators of wood-destroying pests. Droppings and bug body parts are also signs of insect infestation.

Defective roofing can present you with several threats to a home’s integrity. Beware of a roof that is over 20 years old and displays cracked and missing shingles or has evidence of previous repairs. Once inside the home, keep an eye on the ceiling, where there may be staining or patchy paint.

Our team will help point out red flags like these so your home-buying process will result in fewer risks to your health, safety and bank account.