· What To Look For:

· Stains on basement walls

· Moss, mildew, or stain on lower siding

· Stains or mildew on underside of roof

· Soggy areas in yard

· Eroded areas in walkway or driveway

· Roof that sags in the middle

· Walls that curve in and out

· Windows or doors that look crooked

· Porches that lean or sag

· Diagonal cracks above doors and windows

· Slipping or shifted foundation

· Floors that feel spongy or uneven

· Inside doors or windows that don’t fit

· Houses that are built on wood posts or sill beams on ground

· Very high heating or air conditioning bills (ask the owner if you can look at the bills)
leaking plumbing, especially the main water line (turn on the water and look at the pipes)

· Main electrical service that is too small (turn on lots of lights and appliances at the same time to see if they blow a fuse or circuit breaker)

· Extension cords running a long way

· Odd smells, such as sewer gas

· Lack of insulation in attic (there should be thick insulation on the floor or ceiling)

· Signs of termites or ants

· Old flaky paint on sills or trim

· Flaky paint on the outside

· Floor covering that is worn in large areas

· Siding that is wavy or spongy underneath

· Roof cover that is seriously worn or has many layers

It is important that you take the time to do a thorough job of evaluating each property before making a decision to buy.