Buy A Fixer-Upper: 4 Red Flags To Watch Out For in Orange County

More and more people are looking to buy a fixer-upper in Orange County to flip or live in themselves. It can be an incredible investment, but as the buyer, you must always beware!

There are many things to watch out for when you buy a fixer-upper, but here are four of our biggest things to look out for!

Structural Issues

Look for cracks in the foundation and signs of settling. If you can sense a noticeable slant or see cracks in the walls around doorframes and windows, these are signs of a faulty foundation. With a bad foundation, your structure will deteriorate at a much faster rate. This will lead to an endless series of repairs will can end up costing a fortune. You could end up with cracked walls, roof damage, plumbing, electrical issues and more! You will want to make sure to have a professional inspect the foundation so you don’t end up with a mountain of unplanned expenses.

Water Stains

This is a surefire sign of a plumbing issue or leaky roof. Repairs to both of these can be expensive and can lead to further damage and repair costs. Water damage can cost a fortune not only in repairs but mold clean up, new carpets, etc. Look for discolorations in the ceiling or on the walls near plumbing fixtures. A shower can leak into the wall for years before it is detected. This can cause immense damage to the structure of the home.

A leak in a roof can be a sign of others. You don’t want to buy a  home, only to realize after the fact that it needs a whole new roof. Water damage and associated repairs can be one of the biggest costs when is comes to home damage. Have the property fully inspected and consult with the property owner about past problems. By law, they will need to disclose any issues with the home.

Look Out The Window

Or better yet, look at the windows. You’ll want to make sure the windows are double pane and not the old fashioned single pane windows often found on older homes. Even if the windows are insulated and double pane, hot and cold air can still make its way in. Look for window fogging or drafts coming through small cracks.

These cracks can also let pests and bugs walk right in. A poor foundation can lead to settling, causing doors and windows to shift. No matter what climate you live in, the windows play a huge role in your energy efficiency. Replacing a whole house full of windows can get expensive fast!

Signs of General Neglect

They say “how you do one thing, is how you do everything.” If the home you want to purchase has been poorly kept up cosmetically, there is a very good chance that structural elements of the home have not been tended to. Think about what could be hiding behind those walls. Faulty electrical work or a bug infestation which is often not detected at a home showing.

A seller will make sure the house shows no signs of bugs before you show up, even if there is a problem, it is likely to not be disclosed. There could be bad plumbing, or things fixed haphazardly to save money. Make sure you make sure any remodels, improvements or structural changes were done properly and are up to code.

Are you in the market to buy a fixer-upper? If so, H&M Realty Group has you covered with only the best, well-maintained properties! Let us help you find your perfect property! Send us a message now, or give our office a call today! 949-625-4533

Joe

Broker/Realtor/Investor/Mentor (41 years experience) Specialties: Buyer's Agent, Listing Agent, Foreclosure, Short-Sale, Property Management, Landlord I'm a Full Time Real Estate Professional, house flipper and mentor to many of my clients. I am here to help you get top dollar for your home or get you the best price for a home that you are going to live in. I have over 40 years of real estate experience for you to draw on and actively list and sell over 20 homes a year. I have sold over 600+ homes in the last ten years alone. I am a very skillful negotiator and will work diligently to help you realize the best possible price when buying or selling your home. With my Exclusive Home Acquisition & Sales System, I can find the Right Home for You! I have access to homes no other Realtor will show you. I can show you how to save an average of $10,000.00 on the purchase price. We will find a home that fits your needs, in a neighborhood that suits your style. If you are selling your home then I can bring all the professionals to you. I always include professional photos in ALL my listings. I have contractors standing by to assist with those upgrades if needed. I can also quickly get you ALL CASH offers for your home if you desire. My marketing surpasses all other agents. It begins with extensive internet advertising to hundreds of websites throughout the world. I do direct mail marketing for you home and also knock on doors in your neighborhood when I am holding an open house. I hold you home open to expose it to as many buyers as possible. My Exclusive program is designed to sell your home for Top Dollar in Any market. I am an experienced flipper here in Orange County and therefore can offer you my over 40 years of real estate experience. The information is available to you at no charge! If you like what you see, please call me and setup Your Free Consultation.

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