5 Glaring Signs That You May Be Buying The Wrong Home

Much earlier, when we explained the entire home buying process, we categorically stated that house hunting is not a bed of roses. Inspections could be conflicting, and moving from house to house could be time-sucking and strength-draining, via Movoto. But if you'll be getting value for your money and a place you could live in and love for many years, then every broken sweat is worth it. But beyond handling the bidding war like a boss, there are other factors to consider.

Most people tend to say, "I knew this house was for me the moment I walked into it." While that may be true, the emotional attachment to a piece of property could blind you from seeing the hitches or deceive you into thinking you can handle it. It's just another proverbial case of "love is blind," but this time, it's with property and not with a high school sweetheart. In a bid to lighten the house hunt burden, we have compiled glaring signs that show you're about to make a huge mistake purchasing that property. Hopefully, this piece helps you make a better and more informed choice.

Since we're talking red flags, the brightest of them all is when the outright purchase or the mortgage payment of a house would put a strain on your finances. We understand the fact that a home can seem like everything and more, and of course, you love luxury. But stick within the confines of your budget, and your future self will thank you. If payments for the chosen home are above your initial budget, you should never waive it off by attempting to manage the costs. A 2021 report in the China Finance and Economic Review details that interests and tax levies go up over time, but they do not decrease, which typically implies a problem. You'll never be able to keep your head from going under.

To determine if mortgage repayment is going to be seamless, there are several factors you need to consider. These factors include gross income, front-end ratio, and back-end ratio, via Investopedia. This is how investors decide. However, if none of those make much sense to you, the experts at Chase simplify everything by stating that the basic math is 28% or less of your gross monthly income. If the mortgage payment seems higher, do not take the plunge!

The sweet stories you hear at housewarming parties that typically sound like a Disney script are not without merit. According to Realtor, some homebuyers actually feel butterflies when they step onto a piece of property. Though it's said that the perfect house does not exist, something, if not everything, will excite you about the home. Be it the spacious yard, a mini garden, the structure, and layout; a strong pull will make you look forward to living there.

According to Investopedia, if you're not feeling it yet, you should consider the visible elements that make the house a good fit for you. Generally, this might include the neighborhood, nearby restaurants and entertainment, and proximity to important places. Who knows, the selling point might be its nearness to places you frequent or distance from specific sites. Permit yourself to feel excited; if you'd rather not, keep searching until you find your best match.

If you're in the market for a new home, you have to consider your preferences, comfort, and welfare, as well as that of everyone who would live with you. Unless, of course, you are purchasing a space just for you. Here are three critical factors to put in place. Firstly, consider your spouse. Since you both will be house hunting, discuss your goals and expectations for a new home. What kind of rooms would you like to set up? What updates would you make? And in the rare instance where just one of the couple goes house hunting, always consider the other person, writes Rocket Mortgage.

Secondly, think about your kids. Consider their comfort and safety if you are expecting, have one child or a few, or intend to bring forth. This includes the house's proximity to their current or new school. According to Opendoor, other considerations are the safeness of the flooring type, the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and a secure yard to play in, though this could sometimes be a luxury. Ultimately, their security must be at the top of your list. Finally, consider if the structure of your house works well for the elderly, in case you have to bring a relative over for a period.

Another huge red flag you don't want to ignore is if the house has a high ownership rate, but no one stays past a year or two. Such situations should blast your internal alarms and make you question the property. We could bet an arm and leg that, perhaps, the owners discover something about the house or neighborhood only after they have settled in. Do your research and figure out why. If the real estate agent or seller seems sketchy, you could always check public tax records and reach out to the property's previous owners, says PropertyRadar.

According to experts at The Balance, it could be anything from significant construction projects like a major highway or sewage plant to common but avoidable issues like noisy or contentious neighbors, leaks during the rainy season, et cetera. In most cases, you would not encounter these problems until you start living in the home. 

Finally, the last glaring sign we would like to discuss regards inspection. Nolo says that inspecting a piece of property is one integral element you do not want to skip. And not just a quick look over the house; a proper inspection isn't something you should take lightly. If you suspect, for any reason, that the seller or real estate agent is trying to get you to skip the inspection process, you should withdraw immediately or insist on your buyer's right to have the building assessed. 

To do this, Inspect-All Pest Services recommends that apart from your judgment, getting the services of an expert independent inspector and surveyor is critical. They can tell the things you cannot, be it a faulty foundation, the potential for leaks, drafty rooms, roof issues, and more. They pick out the problems the seller should fix before you or anyone else purchases the property. Furthermore, no matter how attached you are to a house, do not dismiss the inspection reports. Trust us when we say that you cannot handle these fixes on your own. Without mincing words: It's a waste of resources and money. If anything, the seller should make the changes, and if they refuse, extend your search for another house!