Trust Your Eyes (and Your Gut)
House hunting can be exciting—but it’s easy to get swept up in the new countertops, trendy light fixtures, and picture-perfect staging. Unfortunately, some of the most important things about a home aren’t on the highlight reel.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, knowing what not to overlook can save you thousands (and your sanity). Below are seven common red flags I’ve seen buyers miss—and what they could mean behind the scenes.
🚩 1. Sticky Doors or Windows
Sure, a stiff window or two could be age-related, but multiple sticking doors or misaligned frames can indicate foundation issues or structural shifting. In regions with expansive soils or recent droughts, this is even more common.
Look for:
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Doors that don’t latch or swing open by themselves
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Windows that are hard to lock or slide
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Cracks above door frames or windows
What to do: Ask the listing agent if a foundation inspection has been completed and request repair records if any work has been done.
🚩 2. Fresh Paint in Isolated Areas
A newly painted home isn’t a concern—unless the paint seems oddly selective. One patch of fresh paint on a ceiling or wall could be hiding past water damage, cracks, or even smoke damage.
Look for:
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Uneven paint tones between walls
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Bubbling, rippling, or texture differences underneath
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Musty smell near freshly painted areas
What to do: Ask the seller or agent why that area was painted and whether any repairs were involved.
🚩 3. Unusual or Persistent Odors
That “fresh linen” candle might be a nice touch—or it might be trying to cover something less pleasant. Odors from mold, pet damage, water leaks, or plumbing issues can be masked temporarily but are difficult to eliminate permanently.
Common red flag smells:
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Mustiness = possible moisture or mold
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Heavy floral scent = cover-up
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Sulfur or sewage = potential plumbing or sewer line issues
What to do: Step into less-used areas like basements, closets, or utility rooms where odors are harder to hide.
🚩 4. Downspouts Draining Toward the House
Improper water drainage is a leading cause of foundation problems, basement leaks, and mold growth. If gutters and downspouts are short or dump water directly at the base of the house, it’s a concern—especially if you see staining or puddling nearby.
Look for:
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Missing or short downspout extensions
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Pooled water near the foundation
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Mildew or moss growth along the bottom edge of siding
What to do: Make sure water is being directed at least 6–10 feet away from the foundation. It’s a simple fix but often neglected.
🚩 5. DIY Electrical or Plumbing Work
That charming vintage light fixture or makeshift bathroom vanity may look nice, but if it wasn’t professionally installed, it could be hiding code violations or future repair headaches.
Warning signs:
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Exposed wires or mismatched switches
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Loose or uneven outlets
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Odd plumbing connections or visible leaks
What to do: Ask whether the seller pulled permits for any recent renovations, and bring in a home inspector with a sharp eye for amateur work.
🚩 6. Converted Garages or Unusual Room Layouts
Garage conversions and DIY “bonus” rooms can be great if done right. But many aren’t properly insulated, ventilated, or permitted—which means they won’t count in appraisals or might need to be undone.
Look for:
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Floor transitions that seem inconsistent
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Rooms without proper windows or heating/cooling
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Lack of permit documentation
What to do: Ask whether the conversion is permitted and legally counted in the home’s square footage. If not, it could affect financing or future resale.
🚩 7. Seller Doesn’t Leave During Showings
It might seem harmless, but when a seller insists on being present—or follows you room to room—it can be a sign they’re nervous about disclosure, or trying to control the viewing experience. It also makes it harder for buyers to speak freely and truly assess the space.
Why it matters:
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Limits your ability to observe comfortably
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Can be used to redirect or distract you from flaws
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May hint at a “for sale by owner” situation with limited guidance
What to do: Ask your agent for a second showing without the seller present, especially if you felt rushed or distracted.
🎯 Conclusion: Look Beyond the Shine
Every home will have its quirks—and no house is perfect. But spotting red flags early can help you make informed, confident decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, look closely, and listen to your instincts. And remember: a professional inspection is always your safety net before closing.
💬 Let’s Talk
Have you ever walked into a home and something just felt… off?
Or did you learn a lesson the hard way during your last purchase?
Drop your story in the comments below—I’d love to hear it!
And if you’re shopping for a home and want a second opinion (with a trained eye), I’m just a message away.
Partners Realty Group
(865) 789 – 6677
“Not Just Finding Homes—Finding the Right One.”
