6 Common Red Flags to Watch out for Before Buying Pittsburgh PA Homes

6 Common Red Flags to Watch out for Before Buying Pittsburgh PA Homes

No matter what type of home you’re looking for - a starter home, a second home or a vacation home - purchasing your very own waterfront home for sale in Pittsburgh PA is an investment. Home buyers should look beyond the beauty of the home during an open house. Remember that while real estate photos look good and a home has been perfectly staged for an open house, a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the home is particularly important. To avoid costly repairs when looking at your new home, here is a list of common red flags to carefully watch out for:

Rotted Wood

Check the exterior of the home for any rotted wood - deck, trim, and eaves. Wood that has been exposed to moisture rots over time making it important to protect it with a special paint or finish. Inspect the cabinets, shelves and wooden panels in the bathroom and kitchen. Any rotted wood might be a sign of poor maintenance and/or water penetration.

Amateur Repairs

While homeowners save time and money doing DIY home improvements, not all repairs are the same. Be on the lookout for amateur repairs especially in plumbing and electrical work. Improper repairs are costly and dangerous!

Poor Drainage

Basements and garages can suffer water damage if the home does not have proper drainage. This can also cause mold problems and eventually affect the foundation of the home. Who wants a home that floods often with every rainstorm?

Heating and Cooling Systems

Another red flag are old heating and coo

ling systems that either were not properly maintained or are passed their 12-15 year life expectancy. This can lead to costly maintenance that you definitely don’t want to add to your list of new homeowner costs, right? Plus, failing heating and cooling systems in homes for sale on the river in  Pittsburgh could emit harmful carbon monoxide fumes and, because they are not energy-efficient, could rack up your energy bills.

Safety Issues of Electric Works

Electrical issues such as knob and tube, poorly spliced, aluminum wiring, ungrounded outlets, faulty electrical panel wiring and more are a safety hazard causing millions of $$$s in property damage.

Foundation Problems

Structural problems are the ones that are very difficult and costly to repair. If you spot any large cracks in the basement, ceiling or any part of the home, be sure to get a home inspection before you sign on the purchase of a home for sale on the Allegheny River Pittsburgh PA.

Be completely thorough when you go to any open house and inspect the home properly like any good investor would. A home purchase should be treated as a financial investment and what better way to protect your investment than to work with a trusted local Realtor® to help you find your dream home? Visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net to schedule a viewing of any of the lovely homes for sale in the numerous friendly communities aound the nation’s most affordable, livable city in Pittsburgh PA.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.