You’ve found your dream home, only to move in and find that termites are taking it over!
These destructive pests have caused damage that’s going to cost you thousands of dollars to fix right away. Plus, now you have to find an exterminator to get rid of the pests.
One of the worst scenarios after moving into a new home is having to come up with extra money for costly issues. This is why an inspector is a great investment before buying a home.
If you’re about to close on a home, keep an eye out for these signs that you should walk away after a bad home inspection!
7 Signs You Should Walk Away From a Bad Home Inspection
A home inspection is an important step when buying a new home.
Without a home inspection, you may end up with a home that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Here’s when you should walk away after home inspection:
1. The Appraisal is Less Than the Offering Price
Before you buy the house, your mortgage lender will require an appraisal.
For an appraisal, a professional will examine your home to determine its worth. If the appraiser feels that the home is worth less than the amount that you’re offering, your mortgage lender will not pay for the asking price.
This will leave you paying a higher down payment for the home. Since the mortgage lender will let you borrow a percentage of what the home is worth, the lower the worth of the home, the higher your down payment will be.
In this case, you have a few options. You can try to offer a new amount that better reflects what the home is worth. If the seller agrees to the new offer, you’ll be in the clear.
If they refuse to budge on the cost and refuse to help with any closing costs, it would be wise to walk away from the home. You can find a home that’s worth the amount that you’re offering and you’ll end up paying a smaller down payment.
2. Severe Mold
If there is a mold problem throughout the entire house, it would be wise to walk away from the home.
Mold is not only harmful for you and your family to be inhaling, but it’s expensive to get rid of. It can often be in the carpet, walls, and flooring underneath of carpet. If it’s present in every room all over the house, you may end up paying thousands of dollars to get rid of the mold.
When you’ve just paid for closing costs and a down payment on the home, the last thing you want is to have to pay for costly repairs. Plus, the amount of time that your family has to wait to move in will be prolonged, as the house won’t be safe until the mold is gone.
If there is a little bit of mold in the basement or somewhere that is known to collect moisture, the mold might be a little more manageable. However, excessive amounts of mold may signal a foundational problem or another problem that is expensive to fix on top of removing the mold.
3. Pest Infestation
If you’ve ever found a mouse, spider, or another pest in your home, you’re probably familiar with the unsanitary and unsafe feeling they bring.
Your home should be your safe space and pests intrude on that feeling of comfort.
Not only are pests unsettling for many people, but they can pose health concerns. For example, if you have a wasp infestation in the siding of your home, they may start getting in the home. If there are hives all throughout the foundation of the home, walk away immediately.
A severe pest infestation isn’t going to be solved with one visit from an exterminator. If pests are deep within the foundation of the home, it may be a problem that takes months or even years to fix.
4. Foundation Cracks
If the inspector notices foundation cracks, these may signal a larger problem with the foundation of the home.
Foundation cracks can reveal that the foundation is beginning to buckle under the weight of the house. If the foundation is beginning to buckle, you’re going to be left with a hefty repair bill.
Also, water can leak in through these cracks, which could leave you with water damage.
While seeing cracks isn’t enough to determine an exact problem, it’s best to walk away and save yourself some money if your inspector notices them.
5. Electrical Issues
The wiring of your home is not only important for the efficiency of the home but the safety as well.
Your inspector should have the necessary tools to test your outlets. If they find that the wiring is bad, you’ll want to walk, as repairing the wiring for the entire house will add up quickly.
6. Sewer Issues
Sewage is something none of us want to deal with as homeowners.
If the pipes for your sewage have issues, the last thing you’re going to want to do is dig up your yard to try to repair them. Plus, many of these issues require professional assistance.
Issues with the sewer can leave you with messy and expensive repairs. If your inspector uncovers these, it’s best to walk away and avoid the headache.
7. Weak Roof
One of the first components of the house that an inspector will look at is the roof.
Since the roof is essential for the structure of your home, your inspector will want to make sure there aren’t weak spots or damaged areas. If your inspector finds that the roof will need to be replaced, this could end up costing you over $5,000.
Unless the seller will fix the roof before you buy the home, it’s best to steer clear of a home with a weak or damaged roof.
Are You Ready for a Home Inspection?
Knowing when to walk away after bad home inspection results will end up saving you time and money in the long run.
While a bad home inspection may be disappointing, you’ll be glad you had it done when you find a house in better condition. To schedule a home inspection in the Northeast Ohio area, reach out to us today!