7 Warning Signs to Look for When Buying a Home in Boise

Buying a home is a substantial financial investment, whether you’re an investor or a homebuyer, so you want to make sure you buy the right one! Here are some warning signs to look for when buying a home in Boise. 

If the home you’re looking at has a lot of homes for sale in the neighborhood, that’s something to investigate. Are people relocating due to the area, or is it just regular migration due to jobs, school, etc.? Are people selling for a specific reason, like a new construction project moving in or something else you’re unaware of? While it could mean you get a home at a lower cost, you could have future problems, which is why research is essential when looking to buy property! 

Foundation cracks can become a problem and structural hazard. Some cracks in the foundation are expected since some can occur naturally when the foundation sets over time. Warning signs include doors and windows that won’t open or close properly, cracks wider than half an inch, and vertical cracks going up to the windows.  

The roof is the second most expensive home repair after the foundation. When you view a house, keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles, mold on the exterior wall, rusted gutters, loose or missing flashing, and even sagging ceilings in extreme cases. Without a proper roof, water will enter the home, and it can cause water damage and mold.

Your HVAC is your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. If an HVAC is older than 15 years, it might need to be replaced soon and that can cost thousands of dollars. Have your REALTOR® ask the seller’s agent about the age of the HVAC and to see its warranty paperwork, if available. You can also purchase a separate home warranty that may cover some of the cost to replace the HVAC if it breaks after closing. 

If you spot uneven floors, it could be a sign of foundation problems. It could also mean water or pest damage. When touring the house, look for warning signs like any dips and squeaks. Check to see if the floorboards shrink away from the wall when you step on them. The easiest way to see if the floors are uneven (and most fun, in our opinion) is to place a marble or golf ball on the floor and see if it rolls anywhere, which will tell you where the floors are sagging. 

While most people love a successful DIY home project, it can lead to trouble later on, especially when it comes to plumbing or electrical work. You’ll also want to check that lights are working and there aren’t any unsafe wall outlets or switches that don’t do anything. Also, check the plumbing by filling the sink and seeing how long it takes to drain. Another warning sign of a troublesome DIY is a room or space that feels out of place, like a conservatory or sunroom in what used to be a garage. It can sometimes mean the work was done without a permit and might pose a risk. 

As a buyer, you can ALWAYS get an inspection, no matter what the seller says. So it’s an enormous red flag if the seller objects or negotiates out of doing an inspection. If the property is being sold in good faith, a seller shouldn’t worry about an inspection. While an inspection may cost a couple of hundreds of dollars, it will save you money in the long run, especially if it catches some of the more expensive problems we discussed, like foundation, roof problems, electrical, plumbing, etc. 

Contact us if you need help navigating this housing market as a homebuyer or investor! Call (208) 957-0870 or email Info@BoiseTurnkey.com. We’d be happy to start and guide you through your Boise homebuying journey.