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When buying a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of it and overlook some important things. The key is to minimize costs. If a homeowner can sell a home without spending thousands of dollars on repairs, they probably will. After all, they want to make the most on their home investment as well.
When home hunting, keep an eye out for certain red flags. At best, you’ll avoid buying a place that needs a lot of pricey repairs. At the least, you’ll gain some leverage in negotiating costs or required fixes before you sign on the dotted line. Here are the top 5 red flags that buyers should be looking out for when home hunting in NYC.
1. Foundation Issues1. Foundation Issues
The foundation is perhaps the essential component of a home. A problem with the foundation can cost thousands to correct the problem. When looking at a home, be aware of the foundation. If it has a basement, it’s effortless to check for cracks in the foundation. You can find other tell-tale signs by checking the doorframes throughout the house or apartment. If they don’t seem quite square or have difficulty closing, it suggests problems with the structure.
2. Asbestos2. Asbestos
A widespread problem with older NYC properties is the use of asbestos in the building materials. It can be found in the floor and ceiling tiles, insulation for pipes, and plaster, paints, and cement. Long-term exposure can cause significant health problems, and the cost of removal by a licensed remediation company can run from $5,000 to $10,000. The worst thing is that you can’t tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. If you suspect it does, collect a small sample and send it in for testing.
3. Random Fresh Paint3. Random Fresh Paint
It’s not uncommon for a home seller to prep their home to look its best. It may include a fresh coat of paint on the walls. It’s inexpensive and one of the most significant recommendations realtors make to homeowners before listing. What they will never recommend, though, is only painting one wall or small area. If you notice that only one wall or a small portion of the ceiling; freshly painted, that suggests the seller is trying to hide something. It’s a red flag and should be a cause for concern.
4. Pest/Insect Problems4. Pest/Insect Problems
A pest problem is a major red flag in any home, and there are certain types of insects that buyers need to be on the lookout for. The most common pests in NYC apartments to look out for are termites, silverfish, and rats or mice. Wood destroying pests can pose a serious problem and cause damages that can run into the thousands to repair. It is where it pays to have a home inspection done before agreeing to anything with the seller.
5. A neighborhood in Poor Condition5. A neighborhood in Poor Condition
Buying a home means buying into a community as well. When home hunting, don’t just look at the house or apartment. Take a walk around the neighborhood and inspect how it looks. Are there a lot of boarded-up properties and vacant lots? Is there a lot of heavy industry or business parks? In other words, are there signs of stability and growth?