26 Red Flags When Buying a House
When buying a new home or housing, there are some red flags that buyers should look out for that might indicate issues or problems.
To identify potential issues when buying real estate, every buyer must look for these red flags to safeguard their money:
- Listing price not matching market value
- Legal concerns like liens or title disputes
- False claims or lack of real estate disclaimer
- Misleading TLC disclaimer
- Strange real estate photos
- Unusual buying process
- Seller rejecting escalation clause
- Seller backing out of previous contract
- Not disclosing the listing is as-is
- Rejected offer without explanation
- Uneven tiles over a wooden floorboards are sign of rotten joists
- Abandoned neighbouring property
- Cracked window panes and self closing doors are signs of subsidence
- House leaning on a side indicating foundation problems, check for out-of-plumb walls
- Major structural damage
- Outdated mechanical systems
- Signs of interior water leaks or excess moisture is signal for plumbing issue
- Infestations of termites, rodent droppings, or other pests
- Hairline crack, cracked or muddy foundation or damaged roof tiles
- History of major crimes on the property
- Excessive noise from nearby roads or railroads
- Leaky roof
- Fresh coat of paint
- Bad smells that could signal mold or sewage issues
- Unpermitted renovations or room conversions
- Demonstration of sellers demand
George is a seasoned interior designer and property marketing strategist with over 13 years of experience. He specializes in transforming properties into visually stunning spaces, helping clients recognize the potential and beauty in each property. With an impressive international client base of exciting projects throughout Europe and America.
Looking to buy a good deal but feeling overwhelmed that sellers may trick you with the purchase price? With so many moving parts and the main one being sale price, it’s not uncommon to miss out on warning signs or ‘red flags’.
This informative guide will arm you with knowledge about potential pitfalls, helping shield you from making a less-than-ideal purchase.
HOW TO IDENTIFY RED FLAGS WHEN BUYING A House?
Here are some tips on how to identify red flags when buying a house:
Inspect the Property Thoroughly
- Hire a professional home inspector to identify issues with the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Look for signs of faults like leaks, cracks, faulty wiring, water damage, etc.
- Examine the house yourself as well, looking for red flags like stains, sloping floors, mold, and signs of pests.
Review the Disclosure Forms
- Scrutinize the seller’s disclosure for any revealed defects, renovations, flipping, or major problems.
- Make sure the seller fully discloses all known material facts about the property’s condition. Missing info is a red flag.
Research the Background
- Search property records for any history of lawsuits, contractor liens, deed violations, or crime incidents associated with the address.
- Drive around the neighborhood at varied times checking for noise, traffic, crime, odors, or other nuisance issues.
Validate Listing Details
- Independently confirm property facts like square footage, age, tax assessment value, rental income, etc. Don’t rely only on listing claims.
- Look for unusual discrepancies between list price and projected value that could signal flaws.
Examine Comparable Sales
- Research prices for recent sales of similar homes nearby to gauge if the list price aligns with local market value or seems inflated/deflated.
Watch for Misaligned Incentives
- Be wary of sellers who seem unwilling to negotiate on price, refuse access for inspections, or rush the closing timeline, potentially concealing issues.
Trust Your Intuition
- Don’t ignore any bad gut feelings that something seems off about the property or the sale process. Red flags warrant caution.
3 Major Red Flags When Buying a House
The most concerning red flags when buying a dwelling are an odd listing price, poor quality photos, and embellished details.
An unusually high or low price compared to comps indicates an unwilling seller or a likely hidden issue.
Listing Price
- Compare similar deals and their price per square foot and overall asking price. Good indicator are similar good looking homes recently sold in the same area.
- Ask your real estate agent to provide comps and check home sales pricing against fair market value.
- Beware of prices excessively higher or lower than comparable properties – very low or overpriced listings signal anomalies likely indicating further issues.
Lack of professional photos showing defects, this suggest a problem being downplayed.
Bad Property Photos
- Look for images that seem distorted, cropped, or staged listings without before/after, this is a major sign of bad real estate agent or a problem with the dwelling.
- Take time to review photos for any visible defects like cracks, stains, damage, deteriorated materials, clutter, etc.
- Pay attention to missing photos of certain rooms or areas that might be a deliberate omission.
- Missing disclaimers
Grandiose descriptions on old properties that seem exaggerated could hide disappointments.
False Claims
- Fact check any claims about renovations, upgrades, recent repairs and maintenance that sound too good to be true.
- Verify unique features and attributes touted in the listing by asking the agent or checking public records.
- Be wary of exaggerated descriptions proclaiming the home is perfect, flawless, or move-in ready unless recent construction.
Enter negotiation with caution rather than assumptions. Scrutinize pricing against nearby sales and agent guidance. Take embellished claims of renovations, features, or conditions with skepticism until verified.
If something seems off in the listing details, price, or photos, dig deeper and keep your eyes open when viewing the property in-person. Enlist your agent’s help validating any questionable elements.
Can home inspection uncover red flags?
Having a professional home inspection performed helps uncover issues and red flags before finalizing a real estate purchase. The inspector will thoroughly examine the property’s systems, structure, and components to identify any problems.
A home inspection can reveal underlying conditions like outdated electrical wiring, cracked foundations, roof damage, plumbing leaks, HVAC problems, pest infestations, and more. Through manual inspection, instrument testing, and review of permits and records, these red flags are identified.
- The average cost of a standard home inspection ranges from $300 to $500, depending on the size and location of the home. Additional specialized inspections can cost $25 to $500 extra.
- Factors that influence cost include square footage, age of home, location, and type of inspection. Larger, older homes generally cost more to inspect.
- Specialty inspections look for issues like mold, termites, radon, asbestos, etc. A 4-point inspection examines roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Home buyers typically pay for the inspection but sellers may cover the cost in some cases. The inspection fee is usually paid upfront rather than included in closing costs.
- Home inspections are highly recommended even in competitive markets. They uncover issues that could cost tens of thousands to fix later. Skipping an inspection is risky.
- Look for licensed inspectors with good reviews and experience. Avoid choosing an inspector based on lowest cost alone.
- Key things to look out for in the inspection report include roof issues, foundation cracks, water damage, electrical issues, HVAC/appliance age, and pest/mold problems.
- If issues are found, buyers can renegotiate price, ask sellers to make repairs, or walk away thanks to the inspection contingency.
Scheduling a professional home inspection is vital due diligence when evaluating real estate. Inspectors have extensive technical expertise across all home systems to thoroughly identify any red flags. The knowledge helps buyers make wise purchasing decisions and prevent major headaches.
Low or too high listing price as a potential red flag
During the home buying process, a low listing price that seems too good to be true can also be a warning sign clues for homes for sale. An experienced real estate agent will research comparable sales and area market trends to determine if a price is unrealistically low given the property details and location.
This could signal undisclosed issues the seller is looking to offload quickly before a problem is discovered.
On the opposite high listing prices substantially higher than the going rate for similar homes may indicate an unwilling seller testing the waters rather than a motivated sale. Price anomalies relative to norms warrant deeper scrutiny during showings and inspection.
Along with conducting professional home inspections to uncover structural, mechanical and pest issues, buyers must consider listing price extremes among the bad signs to watch for when evaluating homes for sale. Comparing to average recent sales and an agent’s expertise provides necessary perspective. Being an informed buyer is key for a smooth real estate buying process.
Recognizing Red Flags in Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents who lack communication skills, display unprofessional behavior, have inadequate knowledge about the neighborhood or price range, show indifference to marketing efforts, or demonstrate fear of negotiating can all be considered red flags.
Lack of real estate disclaimer
Real estate listings that omit standard disclaimer language regarding accuracy of details present a warning sign. Real estate agent who uses such practices is best to be avoided.
Typical real estate disclaimers state information comes from third parties, measurements are approximate, schools may change, etc. Lack of these disclaimers suggests the agent hasn’t properly qualified the limitations of the data.
This raises risks of mismatched expectations and even legal liability for the agent. Ensure listings properly disclose assumptions and uncertainties around information presented through standard disclaimer language. Don’t assume accuracy of all facts without qualification.
Key points are:
- Standard real estate listings include disclaimer language
- Lack of typical disclaimers is a red flag
- Omitting disclaimers suggests agent hasn’t properly qualified data limitations
- Can risk mismatched expectations and even legal liability
- As a buyer, ensure proper disclaimers are present
MISLEADING TLC DISCLAIMER
Some real estate listings use TLC disclaimers misleadingly to downplay significant issues needing repair. Descriptions like “minor TLC needed” or “easy cosmetic refresh” can massively understate problems revealed in inspections.
Don’t rely on discounted pricing as the tradeoff. Verify any claimed minor repairs independently to avoid expensive surprises.
TLC means more than paint and carpet. Look beyond claims of move-in ready conditions if repairs are required. Scrutinize any disclaimer minimizing required work – major issues may lurk beneath the surface.
The key points are:
- Some sellers misuse TLC disclaimers to downplay major issues
- Don’t rely on claims of “minor” repairs or “easy” refresh at face value
- Independently verify any claimed required work, don’t assume it’s trivial
- TLC implies more significant repairs than just cosmetics
- As a buyer, look beyond claims of move-in readiness if repairs listed
Lack of communication
Lack of communication from a real estate agent poses a serious warning sign. In the realm of property transactions, clear and regular interactions play an essential role in ensuring successful outcomes.
Clients might find difficulty trusting or relying on professionals who do not consistently communicate with them. This gap can prevent clients from understanding their agent’s skills and abilities, making it challenging to make informed decisions about which person best suits their needs in navigating the real estate market journey.
Moreover, when prospective agents fail to engage effectively, gathering crucial information about their experience, listings and transactional style becomes unnecessarily complicated.
Poor communication may lead to unfavorable deals and missed opportunities for both new and experienced home buyers alike.
Unprofessional behavior
Unprofessional behavior in real estate can manifest in several forms. A well-respected real estate agent always maintains a high level of professionalism and decorum, regardless of the situation.
On the other hand, agents showing disrespect to others or making derogatory remarks stain their reputation as reliable professionals.
An agent displaying unprofessional behaviors such as frequent tardiness, unkempt appearance or using inappropriate language shows lack of respect for their clients’ time and needs.
Such conduct raises red flags regarding the agent’s abilities to handle important transaction details professionally and could adversely impact your real estate ambitions. Conducting business with an agent who exhibits poor judgment due to unprofessionalism could potentially lead to a bad real estate deal.
Read also: Good vs Bad Real Estate agents
Inadequate knowledge about the neighborhood or price range
An alarming red flag in real estate transactions is an agent’s inadequate knowledge about the neighborhood or price range. Given that housing values greatly depend on their location and market trends, understanding these factors is critical for any real estate professional.
If a listing agent suggests an unrealistic property value without proper justification based on comparable neighborhood sales, it could indicate insufficient familiarity with the area or current market conditions.
This lack of information can result in inaccurate pricing, affecting both home sellers and buyers negatively by leading to prolonged time on the market and financial loss. It’s essential to work with agents who are well-versed in local amenities, property types, and have a good grasp of your buyer’s price range to ensure a successful transaction.
Indifference to real estate marketing
A real estate agent who shows indifference to marketing can be a major red flag. In today’s digital age, it is pivotal for agents to leverage online platforms and forums to promote property sales effectively.
Agents who neglect these channels or fail to market listings creatively might not have the necessary drive or skills in reaching the widest audience. This could end up limiting your prospects of getting the best deals, whether you’re buying or selling a home.
Hence, always look for an agent who understands how crucial robust marketing strategies are in facilitating smooth property transactions.
Red Flags When Buying a Home
Potential red flags when buying a home include properties that are significantly overpriced or underpriced, quick cosmetic fixes to hide larger issues, suspicious behavior from the seller or agent, and properties with a questionable history.
Rejected Offer Without Explanation
When sellers reject an offer without providing any context or feedback, it raises concerns. Rejections are part of the home buying, but they must be based on something. Rejecting with no reasoning suggests unwilling negotiators aware of hidden flaws.
Sellers open to bids state objections to driving factors like price, contingencies etc. Opaque rejections transfer risk onto buyers. Require explanations before accepting rejections to inform strategy adjustments.
The key points are:
- Sellers should explain rejections rather than opaque refusals
- Rejecting with no reasoning is a red flag
- May suggest aware of hidden flaws and unwilling to negotiate
- Opaque rejections transfer risk onto buyers
- Ask for clarification to identify issues and improve future offers
Property significantly overpriced or underpriced
Property significantly overpriced or underpriced can be a major red flag in real estate. When a property is priced significantly higher than its market value, it may indicate unrealistic expectations from the seller or potential hidden issues that could end up costing buyers more in the long run.
On the other hand, if a property is priced well below market value, it’s important to proceed with caution as there may be underlying problems or hidden costs that could be revealed later.
Quick cosmetic fixes, like fresh paint or new carpeting, might also be used to mask these issues in both overpriced and underpriced homes. Therefore, it is essential for buyers to conduct thorough research and work closely with their real estate agent to ensure they are paying a fair price for a property that meets their needs.
Seller or agent displaying suspicious behavior
A seller or agent displaying suspicious behavior is a major red flag when buying a home in real estate. It is essential to be cautious and watch out for warning signs that indicate something may not be right.
Some examples of suspicious behavior include being evasive or untruthful about building’s history, pressuring you into making quick decisions, or refusing to provide client references.
By paying attention to these red flags, you can protect yourself from potential scams or fraudulent transactions.
Property with a suspicious history
A residence with a suspicious history can be a major red flag when buying a home. It’s important to be cautious and investigate any unusual circumstances surrounding the housing. This could include finding out if there have been numerous previous owners or unexplained gaps in ownership history.
Quick cosmetic fixes, such as fresh paint or new carpeting, may also be used to hide underlying problems.
If you come across a property with a suspicious history, it’s crucial to conduct additional inspections and investigations to ensure transparency and protect yourself from potential issues down the line.
Abandoned neighbouring property
Vacant, neglected, or abandoned properties in close proximity should raise concerns. Nearby foreclosures, longtime empty homes, and visibly unmaintained yards suggest struggling areas. Abandoned homes can attract criminal activity, rodents, and lowered community oversight. Check county records for ownership status of surrounding lots during due diligence. While the actual listing may be high quality, declining blocks hurt resale value and neighborhood safety long-term. Drive the area thoroughly before assuming adjacent properties are occupied and regularly maintained.
The key points are:
- Nearby abandoned homes or yards are a warning sign
- Can indicate struggling areas with increased crime or pests
- Hurts the long-term resale value and desirability of the neighborhood
- Check ownership status of nearby properties and inspect closely
- Don’t assume adjacent homes are well-maintained and occupied
Sellers not accepting escalation clauses
Sellers unwilling to accept escalation clauses allowing buyers to automatically raise offer price up to a specified limit indicate difficult negotiation odds.
Rejecting built-in price bumps discourages bidding wars and caps sales prices. Prefer fixed offers without contingencies favoring sellers at the buyer’s expense. Push for escalation or move on.
Seller Backing Out of Previous Contract
If sellers previously had a pending contract that fell through, scrutinize why.
Cold feet, unexpected costs, or disputes causing them to withdraw likely still linger. Any party defecting from a prior purchase agreement raises caution. Ensure resolved matters won’t resurface before submitting a new offer.
Not Disclosing “As-Is” Sale
Attempts to conceal an “as-is” sale by omitting details creates liability for buyers inheriting problems left undisclosed. “As-is” sales require transparency that the property comes with defects.
Ensure listings prominently declare inspection waivers, disclaimers and risk transfers associated with as-is sales before bidding.
Red Flags in the Property Itself
Doors that won’t close, foundation cracks, moldy smell, active insect infestations, water stains, saggy ceilings – these are all red flags you should look out for when considering a property.
Quick cosmetic fixes to hide larger issues
Home sellers sometimes resort to quick cosmetic fixes, like applying fresh paint or adding new carpeting, in an attempt to conceal larger issues with the property. While these fixes may make a home look more attractive on the surface, they do not address underlying problems such as structural issues, plumbing or electrical problems, or even mold infestations.
It’s important for buyers to be aware of this tactic and thoroughly inspect the building before making a purchase. A professional home inspection can help identify any hidden issues that may have been disguised by these cosmetic improvements.
Outdated Mechanical Systems
Homes with antiquated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other mechanical systems pose major headaches for buyers. Replacing outdated components like fuse boxes and galvanized pipes often requires extensive renovations. Lack of modern efficiency features in older systems also leads to higher utility bills and breakdown risks. Thoroughly inspect the condition and age of all mechanicals.
Uneven Tiles Over Wooden Floorboards
Noticeably uneven tiles with inconsistent grout lines or large lippage between tiles suggest issues with the subsurface flooring.
Rotting wooden floorboards often compress and warp due to moisture damage, creating an uneven subfloor that prevents tiles from laying flat.
Check for spongy flooring or moisture access below tiles that have shifted. Address underlying causes like leaks to prevent continued deterioration before problems spread.
Signs of Interior Water Leaks
Evidence of past or recurring leaks inside the home reveal plumbing issues needing attention. Stains on walls or ceilings, moisture damage to surfaces, musty odors, and visible pipe corrosion serve as red flags. Left unaddressed, leaks lead to mold, rot, and deterioration. Thoroughly inspect under sinks, near water heaters, and around showers for any red flags suggesting leaks.
Major Structural Damage
Major defects in the home’s foundation, framing, and load-bearing elements raise safety concerns. Significant settling, cracking, weathering, or improper structural modifications can undermine the overall integrity. Inspections help uncover flaws, but also look for signs like sticking doors, sloping floors, and exterior brick cracks indicating movement. Severe structural damage presents a costly repair job.
House Leaning to One Side
Significant visible lean or tilt to one side of the home warrants caution. While minor home settling can occur, pronounced leaning suggests substantial foundation failure. Causes include sinking footings, compromised reinforcement, and underlying soil erosion. Inspect the exterior brick line and interior door jambs for plumbness.
Out-of-plumb walls that do not run vertically indicate excessive shift. Out-of-plumb defects are common in new construction houses too. This structural defect threatens collapse without urgent foundation repairs and helical piers to stabilize the home’s load-bearing capacity.
The key points are:
- Visible leaning of home to one side is a major red flag
- Indicates substantial foundation failure and structural issues
- Inspect exterior brick line and door jambs for out-of-plumb orientation
- Requires immediate foundation repair work to stabilize the home
- Left unaddressed, further leaning can lead to collapse
Out-of-plumb refers to structural elements that visibly lean or sag and are no longer vertically aligned due to foundation or construction issues. It serves as a red flag when evaluating homes.
In the context of a dwelling out-of-plumb refers to an element of the building that is not vertically aligned or plum. Specifically in real estate, it means:
- Walls, ceilings, door frames, or other structural elements that are noticeably leaning, tilting, or sagging off of the vertical axis.
- When a wall, ceiling, etc. is out-of-plumb, it indicates a structural problem caused by foundation failure, settling, or other issues.
- Normal construction standards require walls and surfaces to be installed plumb, forming 90 degree angles to the floor.
- A plumb line or level can be used to assess alignment and identify deviation from vertical caused by structural deficiencies.
- Doors or windows that fail to operate smoothly due to out-of-plumb framing can also indicate problems.
- Brick facades or cladding that appear sloped or tilted off the home’s main vertical axis are out-of-plumb.
- Severely out-of-plumb elements like walls or foundations usually require major repairs to correct underlying issues and restore proper load-bearing alignment.
Cracked Window Panes and Self-Closing Doors
Cracked glass window panes and doors that swing closed on their own signal potential foundation settling and subsidence problems.
Normal home shifts shouldn’t cause glass or doors to crack or malfunction. Inspect the foundation carefully for horizontal cracking that continues worsening.
Severe structural movement beneath the home can fracture windows and throw door frames out of plumb over time. Don’t ignore these signs of underlying instability.
Infestations of Pests
Buyers should beware of homes with live termite swarms or other visible pest infestations. Even inactive infestations can leave behind extensive damage. Look for chewed wood, frass, and mud tunnels signaling termites. Droppings, nests, odors, and nibbled food indicate rodents. Ensure full pest inspection and treatment before purchase.
Leaky Roofing
Evidence of darkened patches, drip stains, missing shingles, or damp attic spaces reveal roof leaks not visibly noticeable from the ground. Inspect the roofing material closely for aging, wind damage, and improper installation that could lead to moisture intrusion and costly repairs.
Fresh Paint Covering Flaws
A recently painted interior with the sellers still in residence raises suspicions of covering up defects prior to listing. Fresh paint can conceal cracks, water stains, damaged drywall and more. Inspect these areas closely during showings and consider re-painting after move-in for full visibility.
Bad Smells Signaling Mold
Lingering musty, earthy odors likely indicate a hidden moisture issue feeding mold growth out of sight in walls or HVAC systems. Don’t overlook dismissible smells – track down the origin and inspect for water damage or leaks. Address all mold professionally prior to occupying a home.
Unpermitted Renovations
Bedroom, bathroom and garage conversions finished without proper permits elude safety inspections and code compliance. Review permit history carefully to avoid assuming changes were legally approved. Otherwise, liability and risks fall onto buyers unaware of cut corners.
Saggy ceilings
Saggy ceilings in a dwelling can be an alarming red flag. They often indicate underlying issues such as roof leaks, structural movement, or insect infestations. These problems can lead to costly repairs and even compromise the safety of the home.
A saggy ceiling may suggest neglect and poor maintenance of the house, which could mean there are other hidden issues that need attention. Keep an eye out for water stains on the ceiling as well, as they may indicate plumbing problems or leaks that could lead to further structural damage.
If you notice fresh paint, especially when it’s been spot-painted, this might be an attempt to cover up defects like water stains. And don’t overlook strong air fresheners or essential oil diffusers either; these could be used to mask odors from pet urine or mold lurking within the property.
Hairline Foundation Cracking
While some minor foundation cracking is normal, extensive networks of wide or deep cracks signal potential settlement issues. Horizontal cracks near corners or diagonals radiating in multiple directions especially raise alarms. They can expand over time, leading to further sinking, sticky doors and windows, and sheetrock cracks throughout the home.
History of Major Crimes
News stories about major crimes committed on a property negatively impact its value and saleability. Violent events like homicide leave lasting stigma even long after the fact. Ensure the agent discloses any criminal history and have the home blessed if spiritual concerns exist.
Nearby Noise Sources
Homes bordering highways, railroads, airports, nightclubs and other noise generators annoy buyers with excessive loudness issues. Audit the decibel levels on site during showings at varied times and ask about any soundproofing in place. Be realistic about your noise tolerance before purchasing.
Sellers Unwilling to Negotiate
Refusal to address deficiencies found during inspection or to negotiate price concessions based on issues often stem from difficult sellers aware of lurking problems. Their inflexibility transfers liability onto buyers once sale closes. Push hard for repairs or credit.
Fear of negotiating with the sellers
Many individuals experience a fear of negotiating when it comes to real estate transactions. This fear can arise when working with real estate agents during the buying or selling process.
It is natural to feel anxious about negotiating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process or concerned about getting a fair deal. However, it’s important to remember that negotiation is a standard part of real estate and having open communication with your agent can help alleviate these fears.
By discussing your concerns and goals upfront, you can work together towards finding a solution that meets your needs while ensuring a successful transaction.
Conclusion
It is crucial to be aware of red flags in real estate to avoid potential pitfalls. Whether it’s an agent who lacks communication or a property with suspicious history, being informed can help protect your investment.
Remember to work with experienced professionals and conduct thorough inspections to ensure transparency throughout the transaction.
Factors That Affect House Resale Value
Of the 26 red flags listed, here are the ones that would likely have the biggest impact on resale value:
- Abandoned neighbouring property – Nearby foreclosures, longtime empty homes, and visibly unmaintained yards suggest struggling areas, are also a common factor that affects the resale value of condos.
- Major structural damage – Severe structural issues like cracked foundations require very costly repairs and make it harder to resell.
- History of major crimes – The stigma associated with violent crimes occurring on a property can significantly hurt resale potential.
- Excessive noise issues – Ongoing nuisance noise from nearby roads, railroads, etc. is a persistent problem that limits the buyer pool.
- Infestations – Past infestations of termites, rodents or pests, even if treated, scare away many buyers due to perceived risks.
- Leaky roof – Unresolved roof leaks suggest ongoing maintenance issues and potential for more costly water damage.
- Bad smells signaling mold – Mold has major health implications and requires professional remediation, negatively affecting value.
- Unpermitted renovations – Undisclosed, off-the-books construction signals legal violations that create liability.
- Plumbing leaks – Evidence of plumbing issues or water damage hurts resale as they raise questions about system integrity.
- Cracked foundation – Foundation damage is extremely concerning for stability and requires expensive foundation repair.
The common theme is that problems involving excessive repairs, legal/safety issues, concealed conditions, or stigma will significantly diminish resale value, as most buyers will not want to inherit those risks. Structural, mold and infestation issues in particular are ones buyers are highly likely to avoid.
