HouseMaster Stresses Buyer Education as Home Sales Rise

HouseMaster Stresses Buyer Education as Home Sales Rise

HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, stresses the need for buyer education as U.S. home sales rise by the largest amount in ten years. Low prices coupled with the first-time home buyers $8,000 credit has encouraged many aspiring home owners to enter the market, providing a welcomed surge in the marketplace. With homes sales on the rise for the fourth month in a row, HouseMaster is pleased to offer first-time buyers some guidance on identifying “red flag” issues that might be signs of significant problems with a home.

“We know that purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that most people will make in their lifetime. We also know how increasingly stressful the process is becoming with looming deadlines and uncertainty with home values,” said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. “For over 30 years we have been providing buyers with the tools and knowledge they need to ensure that they make the best decision and investment possible. We know it’s not realistic to take a home inspector with you to help narrow the search. For that reason we’ve compiled a list of red flags that might be a sign of something more serious allowing buyers to expedite the home selection process without increasing their risk of buying a home with costly defects.”

HouseMaster offers buyers its list of red flags to help navigate today’s housing market. Below are six things at that should serve as warning signs that a larger problem could be lurking.

1. Numerous extension cords: This could be a sign of an outdated electrical system. Today’s electrical needs have grown significantly and as a result the home could require an entire electrical upgrade to meet these new demands. A professional home inspector would be able to assess whether a new panel and wiring was needed or additional receptacles will be needed to be installed.

2. Low water pressure or gurgling: If you turn on the faucet and the pressure is low, it could be evidence of a problem with older galvanized piping or inadequate piping. A professional home inspector will indicate the type of piping and estimated age and determine whether or not an entire new plumbing system is required. In many instances, sections of piping can be replaced on an as needed basis to correct the problem.

3. Horizontal foundation cracking: Vertical cracks are, for the most part, within normal settlement tolerances. Horizontal cracks are not. A horizontal crack generally results from hydrostatic pressure against the home’s foundation. Correction will often involve excavation, drainage provisions as well as repairs to the wall itself. If horizontal cracking is evident, several structural engineers should be consulted to ascertain the extent of movement as well as corrective measures. Opinions do vary and with a structural element issue, it is best practice to get several opinions.

4. Musty smell in basement: Storage in basement that is raised off the floor (such as books and boxes), stains, or efflorescence on walls. Any of the conditions found could indicate water in the basement. A professional home inspector can assess potential causes. Simply improving the property grading or draining downspouts further away from the foundation could be a solution.

5. Wall or ceiling stains: Any stain seen should be further evaluated to determine the cause and extent of any possible hidden damage. A professional home inspector will look for causes of the stain as well as test the stain using a moisture meter to determine whether or not the stain is active.

6. Vacancy: Often a home that is in foreclosure is vacant which increases the potential for the home to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance, and ventilation. Mold and other moisture problems are very common in vacant foreclosed home as are plumbing problems due to drying gaskets and valves or freezing pipes.

When purchasing a home, a buyer should never forgo a professional home inspection. The tips above are provided as guidelines so that potential buyers can effectively and efficiently narrow down their options. Once a choice has been made, a professional home inspection by a qualified inspector will provide the potential buyer with an education regarding the condition of the major elements in the home enabling them to make an educated real estate decision and potentially negotiate repair needs.

More red flags as well as tips for buyers and sellers can be found at Lightcap.HouseMaster.com.

About HouseMaster: Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With more than 365 franchised areas throughout the U.S. and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.