To help you in your house hunt, we’ve gathered some red flags to keep an eye out for while you shop for homes. Note that red flags aren’t always deal-breakers—but they could cause regrets down the road, so keep them in mind when you’re evaluating houses.



When looking at listings and photos

• Remember wide-angle shots can make rooms look bigger than they are.
• If the listed price is surprisingly low, dig deeper.
• Be wary of cropped photos that only show some of the room.
• Ask for more photos if a listing talks about parts of the home or yard that aren’t shown in photos.
• Keep an eye out for words that sugarcoat downsides (“charming” could be code for old, “cozy” for small; “up-and-coming neighborhood” might mean lots of construction, etc.).



When visiting in person

• If lots of homes are for sale nearby, find out why.
• Remember that homes with older plumbing or electric work could be very expensive down the road.
• Strange smells could mean mold or serious water damage.
• Random fresh paint could be hiding stains or other bigger problems.
• Check for foundation issues (and have an inspector check again if you’re serious about the home).
• Think twice about a home with an awkward layout—it might bother you much more long-term than it does on a quick house tour.



Good luck with your house hunt! You deserve a home you’ll enjoy for years. Keep these red flags in mind as you shop to avoid expensive and frustrating issues down the road.