House Hunting? Watch Out for These Real Estate Red Flags

Trying to find a new home? It can be hard to tell what is and what isn’t an important real estate red flag. A real estate red flag is something that doesn’t seem quite right about a house that you’re buying. As with any significant purchase, even if the place seems great, it’s vital to check for any warning signs.

When a seller seems excited to get house sales going, it’s vital to figure out what’s behind that before moving forward. In this blog, we will explore some of the top real estate red flags that should not be missed.

Red Flag #1: There Aren’t a Lot of Photos in the Listing

Do the photos included with the home listing show only a few rooms? Is there a room or area of the home that is not pictured? This could be a problem because the sellers may draw people in with interesting areas while deliberately hiding other places on the property. 

It’s best to ask your realtor for photos from previous listings of the house that show these areas. If any rooms were left out, ask why and take a closer look.

Red Flag #2: The Price Seems Far Too Good to Be True

If you’re considering buying a home, but the price seems too good to be true, there might be a reason. Usually, sellers who are extra-motivated will tag a house with a low asking price. Keep in mind that this might not be due to financial, personal, or job relocation reasons. It could be that the home is not in a very good condition; in worst-case scenarios, it’s even been staged to look like the exact opposite.

Red Flag #3: The Realtor and the Listing Agent Are the Same

Is the realtor also the listing agent for the home you’re looking to buy? At that point, it’s important to find a new buyer’s agent so that your interests can be ideally represented as the real estate transaction moves forward. A listing agent’s job, after all, is to get top dollar for the home of the seller. It’s not in a buyer’s best interest at all.

The listing agent might zero in on closing the deal, even at the expense of what will be best for buyers.

Red Flag #4: The Sellers Haven’t Lived There for a Long Time before Putting It on the Market

Many real estate marketplaces now offer information about the history of a house or apartment. If the homeowner has only lived on the property for two years or less, questioning the short timespan is perfectly valid. Why are they looking to move again so soon after settling into the home? Make sure to ask the listing agent why the sellers are moving.

Also, if the home has had quite a number of owners already, chances are there might really be something wrong with the house.

Conclusion

House hunting is an exciting time, but it’s important to stay grounded as well. It can be easy to get lost in all the options. Keep an eye out for red flags like the ones listed above to avoid investing in the wrong place.

Searching for realtors in Cameron Park? Check out Folsom Realty today! We’ve got agents that put buyers and sellers first, offering the right advice, whether it’s a home buying or selling situation.