How a Realtor is Trained to Notice Warning Signs Before You Do

Realtors are carefully trained in picking up on potential warning signs on behalf of potential buyers. With a keen eye, a realtor can identify possible issues within a home for sale before the average person. Purchasing a home is often one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. An experienced real estate professional can help you understand any particular issues that a property presents to protect your investment. Bringing your realtor along when touring homes that you may be interested in buying can be an invaluable opportunity to get an expert opinion on the house. A local realtor is knowledgeable about the common warning signs seen in homes such as Campbell real estate. Realtors are ready to catch any red flags so that their clients can have all the information to make the best decision for themselves and their loved ones.

Realtors are experienced in noticing cracks in the walls of a home and know that they can indicate a more significant issue with a property. A crack in the wall can range in severity. It may be a sign of a serious structural issue, such as damage to the building’s foundation, or could be as simple as a new home settling into its foundation. Structural issues can be a major red flag for buyers as they can be costly and take a long time to resolve. Prospective buyers may be horrified to hear that there are cracks in the walls of the house, but in some instances, cracks are not a major concern. Realtors are trained to catch cracks, even small or strategically hidden ones, and offer their clients some insight into whether the crack is a symptom of a more severe problem with the home.

Using their expansive local network, a realtor can connect their client with an appraiser, structural engineer, or other professional to better understand the repercussions of the crack. It is important that buyers know what they are in for when buying a home. A buyer never wants the surprise of finding out there is a serious issue with the home’s foundation that will be costly and time-consuming to address.

Similar to cracks in the walls, water damage can be caused by numerous things but can be an indicator of a more serious problem. A realtor is prepared to pick up on indications of water damage and knows what questions to ask homeowners to provide a potential buyer with all the important information. During a showing, your realtor will have an eye out for signs of water damage which may include peeling paint, discoloration on walls or ceilings, cracking drywall, or warped wood. An inspection can help a prospective buyer understand the extent of any water damage and know an estimation of the cost to fix it. A professional can assess if the water damage has impacted the home’s plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and electrical wiring, as this can lead to more severe problems. Water damage can also suggest that there is mold in the home, which can impact the new owner’s health and quality of life. Water damage can typically be fixed, but it is important that buyers are aware of the potential issues.

A realtor’s ability to notice any possible problems in a home during a viewing does not stop at their sense of sight, as some professionals may notice a problem due to the smell of a property. Realtors are experienced in touring properties and are familiar with what smells indicate a possible issue for buyers. For example, a musty or damp smell can suggest water damage or mold. Some realtors find that strong chemical smells associated with heavy-duty cleaning products like bleach or chlorine can be a reason to ask some questions. The strong chemical odor could be covering up something worse, like pet urine or other stinks.

A realtor has a trained eye to notice poor maintenance at a home, even if it might not be notable to the average buyer. For example, landscaping that has been poorly maintained may be an indicator that the homeowner has fallen behind on keeping up with the property’s basic maintenance needs. Poor maintenance may not be a deal breaker for interested buyers, but it may be cause to ask some additional questions and carefully examine systems during the inspection.

While interested buyers may be disappointed to hear that their realtor spotted a few warning signs in their dream home, this does not mean that it is time to abandon ship. Oftentimes, these issues can be remedied, but it may be costly and time-consuming to do so. It can be invaluable for buyers to have a complete understanding of the problems that accompany the house they are set to purchase. Knowledge of issues can be used to negotiate a sales agreement that better represents the property and necessary repairs. Having your realtor ready to pick up on any warning signs can be a lifesaver when touring your potential new home.

Martin Quintan is an experienced realtor dedicated to helping his clients achieve their real estate goals. He is an expert in the local market in Campbell and the surrounding area. With a deep understanding of real estate in the area, Martin uses his knowledge to help his clients find the right property at the right price. Martin is not only a realtor, but also a real estate investor. With his experience as a realtor and his more than 30 years of real estate investing, Martin understands the intricacies of the real estate market from different perspectives. He helps his clients through every step of the real estate process, from the home search to negotiations to the final sale. Reach out to Martin Quintana, an experienced local real estate agent, to get started today!