Homebuyers, Watch Out For These Red Flags When House Hunting This Spring

When you're house hunting, it's easy to get swept up in charm and curb appeal—but don’t let a pretty front porch distract you from potential problems. The exterior of a home can reveal important clues about its overall condition, especially if you’re house hunting during Midwestern Spring. Here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for:

1. Cracks in the Foundation or Exterior Walls
Hairline cracks can be normal, but large or widening cracks might signal structural issues. Pay special attention to cracks near windows, doors, or along the foundation.

2. Stained or Sagging Roof
Dark streaks, missing shingles, or sagging areas could mean the roof is aging or damaged. A roof replacement is costly—know what you're getting into before you make an offer.

3. Poor Drainage or Grading
Standing water near the foundation or sloped landscaping toward the house can lead to basement leaks or foundation damage. Water should flow away from the home, not toward it.

4. Rotting Wood or Peeling Paint
Soft spots, peeling paint, or warped siding often indicate moisture damage, neglect, or pest problems. Look closely at trim, decks, and window frames.

5. Old or Broken Windows
Windows that are hard to open, cracked, or fogged between panes could be inefficient and expensive to replace. They can also hint at deeper issues like moisture intrusion or settling.

Don’t get us wrong, if your dream house has one or more of these red flags please do not panic! Just be aware of them and be sure to ask the people on your home buying team (your realtor, your mortgage lender, your home inspector) how these potential problems could manifest during the home buying process.