A new home is filled with potential. There's potential for a bright and financially rewarding future, but there's also potential to find yourself stuck in a money pit. When you are househunting in Beavercreek, there are five red flags that our REALTORS® tell prospective homebuyers to keep their eyes open for when looking for a home.

1. A Glut of "For Sale" Signs in the Neighborhood
   If you see numerous homes for sale in the same neighborhood, it's often a sign that there are problems brewing. A new landfill could be under construction. Or, there could be any number of reasons that everyone is eager to move out of the neighborhood. A few homes for sale is a sign of a healthy community; too many homes is a sign that a community is dying, and it's best to stay away.
   
   
2. Standing Water
   Standing water can indicate significant drainage problems on the property or problems with a septic system. These can affect the stability of the foundation or lead to a flooded basement and one very smelly mess. When you see standing water, there is a good chance the problem isn't new and that there is unseen damage to the structure that may not be noted on a home inspection report because it hasn't fully manifested at the time of the inspection.
   
   
3. Shifting Shingles
   Shingle problems are easy to spot from the road. When you see problems with the shingles, you can expect to discover problems with the roofing structure as a whole. These can easily require tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Even when roof damage is listed on the home inspection report, it won't always indicate the full extent of the damage and required remediation. We tell our clients that missing shingles, shingles that are curled around the edges, and shingles with visible cracks are red flags that should warn you away before you pull into the driveway.
   
   
4. Lingering on the Market
   If Beavercreek homes for sale have lingered on the market for longer than it should, you should always ask yourself, why? It could be that the owner hasn't received the offer they want, or it could be because there are significant problems with the plumbing, septic system, foundation, roof, or other structural elements. While a home that has lingered on the market isn't always a bad thing, it is something that you'll want to investigate thoroughly before making an offer.
    
5. Too Many Air Fresheners (or Air Filters)
   It's one thing to smell fresh-baked cookies in the kitchen; it's something else to see a glut of air fresheners in every room. While some people like living in an aromatic home, it is usually a sign that the homeowner is trying to hide something right under your nose. Often, homeowners will use air fresheners to mask the smell of mold, sewage, pets, or odors from a nearby farm or manufacturing facility. If something smells off, trust your nose and look for a home that smells fresh without the assistance of air fresheners or air filters.   

Contact Wright-Patt Realty for more about the red flags you should look for when buying a home. Our team is always happy to help our clients spot problems before they sign the contract.