Realtors are a Home Buyer’s first line of defense and should be knowledgeable enough to spot several warning signs that an inspection may not go well. They will usually see the house with their client before any home inspection is performed, and should be able to spot some of the major issues during your first walkthrough.
You shouldn't smell anything.
1. The Smell of Natural Gas
The gas company will tell you there is no such thing as a “Small” gas leak. It is either leaking or it’s not. Getting a whiff of gas standing next to the stove as it starts is one thing, but if you open the front door, or the basement door, and smell gas, there is a problem. DON’T GO IN! It isn’t worth the risk to you and your client. A spark from a light switch, a ringing phone or even your cell phone could cause an, uhm, incident, that could really ruin your day. I carry a gas sniffer but if it goes off at the front door, we are done until the Gas Company gives the all-clear.
Deck rails should be firmly attached.
2. Loose deck railings, missing flashing
If you grasp a deck railing and pull/push it should not move. If you can move it then it may not be strong enough to stop a tripping adult or several adults leaning on it. Additionally if the underside of the deck is visible, the board that is bolted to the house should have a bolt every 16” (at a minimum) and should have flashing –visible- at the top of it. Railing pickets fastened on the outside with nails are another no-no as they pull out too easily.
Too much clutter means I can't see issues.
3. Too much stuff in the house
I need to be able to get to things to inspect them. I need access to doors, walls, windows, outlets, switches, closets, the electrical panel, the water heater, the furnace and the attic, not to mention everything else. If the house is really cluttered things WILL be hidden and I am not supposed to be moving lots of stuff for risk of damaging stuff or injury to me.
Persistent moisture and shade can lead to algae on siding.
4. Green Algae or Moss on/near the foundation
These are indicators of a long term moisture presence. When I see these I will be looking not only for the source of the moisture, but indicators of possible moisture intrusion or damage inside the house as well. Rust stains or water marks on items in the basement are also indicators.
5. Toilets that wobble
Loose toilets are the #1 cause of townhouse ceiling damage. Loose toilets can also cause floor damage and other problems. To test a toilet’s stability, I don’t use my hands but straddle the toilet with my legs and GENTLY try to rock the toilet with my knees. It should not move. If it moves a little bit, it needs tightening. If it moves easily I recommend pulling, replacing the wax ring, and replacing the toilet.
These aren't meant to be seen.
6. Electrical wire nuts
You should never see wirenuts with the occasional exception of small wirenuts next to the furnace on the thermostat wires. Wire nuts on any other wires should be inside sealed electrical boxes and thus out of sight. Open electrical boxes, missing covers on switches and receptacles, and scorch marks on receptacles are all bad signs as well.
A dirty return means the furnace has to work harder.
7. Stains or ‘soot’ marks around registers
These can be an indicator of a cracked heat exchanger in Oil or Gas heated homes and are an imminent danger indicator (carbon Monoxide). In a heat-pump home they are an indicator that the filter has probably not been changed frequently enough and the system will be working too hard and using up too much energy coping with the dust.
8. Unwelcome Guests
Mud tubes/tracks on anything anywhere in the basement or on foundation walls, or “sawdust” mixed with black specks in damp places in the basement, can be indicators of wood destroying organisms at work.
A sure sign the gutters haven't been cleaned lately.
9. Stuff growing in gutters
Improperly maintained gutter systems are probably the top cause of basement dampness and foundation problems and can cause soffit and fascia damage as well.
Stairs to nowhere at the Winchester House in San Jose, California
10. Something that seems out of place
Many realtors have been in business far longer than I have. You know what is “normal” and what is out of place. You may not know exactly what is wrong, or what something is, but you know that it is not normal. Trust your instincts and point it out to your client or me. It may just be something you haven’t seen before, or it may be an issue.
Got a neat picture of something you would like to know what it is or a question about what is “Normal”? You can always call us or email us for a FREE response.
