What to Look For When Buying a House

It’s easy to get a bit carried away when buying a new home. Not only is it one of the most significant financial decisions you will make, but it’s also incredibly exciting. So exciting that sometimes you may overlook some potential red flags.

When buying a home, you will likely have a list of needs and wants. But beyond those characteristics, what are some other things to look for when buying a house?

In this post, we’ll cover some of the common and not-so-common things to look for before buying a house.

Does the House Have Good “Bones”?

Everyone wants a beautiful home they are proud to show off, but sometimes a beautiful interior and great curb appeal do not equal a high-quality structure. Look beyond the facade to understand the inner workings of the property. Some items to consider include:

Foundation – Not only should you look for cracks, gaps, and foundation damage in general, but you should also consider the type of foundation in the home. In Charlotte, many homes have a basement foundation made from poured concrete, but you may also find slab foundations and even permanent wood foundations in some cases.
Roofing – Live in a home long enough, and you might eventually need to replace the roof. In Charlotte, many homes feature asphalt shingles, which usually last up to 30 years before needing attention. Other types of roofing, like metal roofs, are more durable and last even longer. Replacing a roof is a big undertaking, so finding a home with a newer roof could be a big win.
Plumbing and HVAC – Similarly to roofing, the specific materials used in your home’s plumbing system could determine if and when it needs to be replaced. In Charlotte, we see homes with PEX, PVC, and copper pipes; each one has its own unique pros and cons. Several options for HVAC units, like geothermal, ductless, and hybrid systems, offer unique benefits and downsides you should also consider.
Electrical – Depending on the age of the home you are looking at, you might see different electrical systems. Many older homes in Charlotte still use knob and tube wiring, which doesn’t have a ground wire, putting them at higher risk for shock or fire. A home with knob and tube wiring might be more difficult to insure.

Note: When looking at a home, always be wary of DIY projects, particularly with the plumbing and electrical. You don’t need the stress of worrying about someone else’s workmanship. These systems should always be maintained and repaired by a professional.

There’s a lot to think about when buying a home in Charlotte. Read these posts next for a closer look:

Surface-Level Items to Look For when Buying a Home

Many of the items listed above will be covered in the home inspection. You’re not usually crawling through crawlspaces to inspect the pipes during a house showing. However, while touring a property, or at an open house, here’s what to look for when viewing a house:

Appliances – Does the home come with all the appliances? Are they in working order? Make note of any appliance not included with the home. You’ll need to purchase what isn’t included.
Strong Odors – Any listing agent worth their salt will ensure any unpleasant odors are dealt with before any potential buyer sets foot in the home, so if you are touring a home and smell something suspect, that could be a pretty significant red flag.
Water Damage – Although you might not be able to tell exactly what type of pipes are used in the home without an inspection, you will likely be able to see the aftermath of plumbing problems. Look for water stains on the ceilings, walls, and even inside cabinets and closets. Where there is water damage, there is usually mold.

Note: Also be on the lookout for shoddy or excessive painting. While we never want to think of someone trying to be deceitful, sometimes paint can be a quick fix to cover up damage.

Do you have more questions about buying your next home? Here are some more posts you might find helpful:

Things to Look For When Buying a House that You May Not Be Able to Change

Some things simply can’t be changed. A home’s location, proximity to schools and transit, lot size, neighbors; all of these things are mostly out of your control. However, just because you can’t change them doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them.

Do you want to be within walking distance of a great school? Perhaps a rural home with a 45-minute bus route is not the right home for you.

Do you want privacy, peace, and quiet? That rural home with no neighbors sounds a bit more appealing now.

Charlotte, NC is a beautiful, diverse city with incredible neighborhoods. No matter what you’re looking for in the Queen City, there’s something perfect for you. Here are a few community posts to help you get to know Charlotte:

Home Inspection Checklist: When to Walk Away

If you’re not like me, and you don’t spend your days poring over home inspections, they might seem a little intimidating at first. A home inspector’s job is to find everything. Even the smallest flaws can look like huge red flags on a home inspection report.

So what should you look for in a home inspection? What are some deal breakers that will result in you walking away from your dream home? Your agent can guide you on the specifics, but some of the main glaring red flags include:

Major health concerns like black mold or the presence of radon
Sagging floors, depressed roofs, and sticky windows and doors could all point to a foundation that has shifted or is cracked/crumbling
Significant pest problems like termites
Sketchy DIY renovations and repairs done without the proper permits or professional care

This is by no means a comprehensive list, and just like everything in life, there can be some gray areas. Is a squirrel in the attic as serious as termites eating away at the frame? Is a homeowner expected to call a plumber every time they have a leaky faucet? When it comes down to it, your agent can help you figure out the major issues vs. the minor problems.

Are you ready to get the buying process started? The first step is booking a buyer’s consultation with a top Charlotte real estate agent here.

Your Trusted Charlotte Real Estate Agent is Your Eyes on the Ground

As local Charlotte Realtors®, you can imagine that we visit a lot of homes each year, and we look at a lot of home inspections. Chances are, our eagle eyes will likely notice things that may not stick out to you.

Additionally, buying a house can be an extremely emotional decision. No one wants to fall in love with a home only to find out the foundation is crumbling. Our job is not to convince you whether or not to buy a home, but rather, we are an impartial party here to ensure you have all of the facts and can make your decision based on knowledge and understanding.

Thinking about buying a home in Charlotte, NC? Let’s start the house hunt together! I would love to show you what’s on the market and help you on this exciting journey.

Have questions that weren’t answered here? Want guidance tailored specifically to your buying goals? Reach out and send me your questions so I can focus directly on your needs:

Ashley Horton | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | 704.975.5418 | ashley.horton@charlotteluxehomes.com

I’ll help you navigate the Charlotte market, answer your questions in real time, and create a strategy that positions you to buy confidently and successfully.