Preparing Your Family for Your Big Move, without the Stress

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO

Moving is hard enough when you’re on your own, but things can rapidly spiral out of control as you factor in more and more variables. Children, pets, and spouse; all of them will have opinions, emotions, and stress associated with the move you have to address. When moving to a new area with your family, you will need to take the time to ensure that everyone is prepared and involved with the effort to ensure that stress remains low and feelings remain unhurt.

Moving with Children

Planning a move with a child can be the most complicated – and often, most stressful – item on your moving list. Emotions will always run high, and there’s no blanket all ages how-to. A toddler will handle a change differently than a baby, a grade-schooler differently than a toddler, and a teen differently than all of them. Moreover, it varies on a person-by-person level. Some children will handle the change better or worse than others: your teen may be singularly unaffected by the change, while your grade-schooler may feel like it’s the end of the world.

Your children’s feelings are valid, so treat them with the respect they deserve. Whether they react with anger, tears, or joy – you should accept these emotions as they are, even if you’re negative. Tell them about the move as early as possible (they should be among the first you tell about the move, and you should tell them as such) and give them details on a level they can understand. For example, you can say to them that you’ve been promoted and must move for the position, but don’t confuse or overwhelm them with the irrelevant office politics that came with the decision. Let them be involved in the moving process if they’re able, and keep them updated every step of the way. If possible, take a weekend trip to see your new home and help your children familiarize themselves with the house, their new schools, and local fun spots. If the move is too far away, have a local friend or family member, or even your real estate agent, take some photos. Don’t forget the tech age we live in: even a simple smartphone can help give your family a live tour from a thousand miles away.

Be firm, and explain that the move is happening for a reason – and no amount of yelling or begging will be able to change that. While you can and should make an effort to help your children keep a connection with their old home if they so desire, don’t make promises you can’t keep. Allowing them to contact friends, family, and beloved teachers through social media and Skype is safe and straightforward. Making promises that you’ll go back to visit regularly, or hinting that the move is only temporary – if these promises aren’t absolutely something you’re determined to fulfill, even breathing a word of them to your children is a recipe for disaster.

Moving Day with Pets

Pets pose their own problems when it comes time for a move. While they may not hurl dramatic screeds at you across the kitchen table as an upset tween might, they can’t be reassured with a heart-to-heart talk – that language barrier is something awful. Pets can have just as many emotional and psychological ties to your old home as any other member of your household, and as such, they must be taken into consideration when planning your move.

Cats and dogs are creatures of habit, and as such, you should expect behavioral hiccups when you’ve moved to your new home. Cats may hide under the bed all day, dogs may have accidents in the house – you have to expect this behavior, and not stress your pets further by getting angry or reprimanding them for it. Consider making arrangements to introduce your pets to the new home after all the dust has settled. Having them room with local friends or family members until the house is unpacked fully is not only an excellent way to help your pets settle at the sight and smell of familiar furniture, but will also keep them from being underfoot while you’re hauling and unpacking boxes.

Make the appropriate health and wellness arrangements for your pets before you touch down in your new home. Having a suitable vet already lined up is essential at a time when your pets may be encountering a great deal of stress that can potentially influence their health, so do your research and interview veterinary hospitals online and over the phone before you’re out of your old home.

Keeping Your Partner in the Loop

Homebuyers with partners or spouses often neglect the importance of considering their reactions to a move. Sure, you’re both adults, and at least nominally have a mature way to cope with change. Many moves happen due to one partner’s job opportunities or transfers, and while these often can’t be avoided, they force the other partner to give up their job, their friends, their families, and all the local amenities they’ve become accustomed to. So, while one partner enjoys their new position, the other is stuck job-hunting while alienated from their previous life. This situation can breed great resentment in a relationship if not handled properly, causing further stress and strife for children, pets, and all others involved.

If your partner expresses hesitations, trepidations, or resentment toward the move, listen to them and do all that is in your power to help them through the issues they bring up. They’re your equal in the household, are not to be treated like your children – they can, and absolutely should, be your partner in deciding all the aspects of the move and choosing your new home. Help them in their job hunts and accompany them in exploring your new town. Volunteer and hobby organizations can help you make some local friends, and the move itself presents a peerless opportunity for your spouse if they wish to further their education in a local university or community college. Remember: not considering your partner’s needs just as you would other household members will send the message that you don’t value them.

_____________________________________

KEVIN SHIRLEY is a real estate professional with almost twenty-five years of experience. He is an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Real Estate in Washington, DC. He is also an Accredited Staging Professional and a Graduate of the REALTOR Institute. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Civilization and Art History. Find his author page on Facebook; e-mail him at kevin@realastute.com; call/text him on 202.320.6634.

6 Tips for Investors Considering a Foreign Property

In today’s globalized economy, purchasing a foreign property has become an option for buyers who would never have even considered it in earlier times. As an investment, a vacation or retirement property, or as an accommodation for children studying abroad, there are many reasons why you might decide to look into purchasing a property outside of the market. Here are some general tips for how to go about making a real estate purchase overseas:

Research the Foreign Market. Research the local real estate market carefully. Its cycles and trends are likely to be markedly different from ours here. Don’t assume that because real estate prices are on the rise here, the same is true in any given foreign market. You should also step back to make a realistic appraisal of the country’s economy’s overall stability — it will affect your investment.
Check the Laws Regarding Foreign Ownership. Many countries place ownership restrictions on foreigners. It’s a favorite ploy of fraudsters to “sell” foreign property in markets were non-citizens are not legally allowed to own. And that’s only one good reason why you will be wise to …
Retain an Independent Local Lawyer. You will want to consult a lawyer when purchasing any foreign property. That lawyer should be representing you and you alone. Make sure you can communicate clearly and easily with your lawyer, and that your queries are answered promptly. If you find yourself having significant difficulty selecting the lawyer, that may indicate more serious issues to come.
Visit the Property. You or a trusted representative should visit the property before buying it. This may sound like a no-brainer, but persuasive pitches and affordable prices can be powerful inducements. Photos, videos, and other marketing materials are designed to present the property (or even a nearby property!) in the best possible light. At a minimum, have a friend or family member look over and photograph the actual site. You need to be firm in your insistence that the property lives up to your expectations.
Plan for Changes in the Exchange Rate. Unless you are purchasing the foreign property outright, you may be contracting to make payments over decades — years during which exchange rates might shift significantly — impacting the actual total purchase price. If you are paying for the property outright in cash, there can be a delay between when you agree to the purchase price and when the funds are transferred.
Translate All Documentation. Once you have signed the foreign property transfer documents, you will be legally obligated to abide by all its terms, so before signing any documents, make sure that they have been accurately translated. Even relatively small differences in wording can create problems.

Purchasing a foreign property can be a legitimate way to diversify your real estate holdings. Approach the foreign market carefully, do your research, and have the right local representation. But before you make a final decision, think about giving me a call to see how today’s comparable properties compare!

When friends or family are moving, I can help. Whether it’s Denver to Delafield or Deerfield Beach — or anywhere in between — give me a buzz!

What it’s (really) like to live in Denver

Denver is one of the most beautiful cities in America. The Mile High City’s panoramic views and blue skies make it a gorgeous place to live. Its natural beauty makes it an incredibly appealing lifestyle destination.

Over the years, the city has attracted and inspired authors, pop culture icons, and musicians. 1893’s patriotic “America the Beautiful” was inspired by Denver.

In the past seven years, Denver has been the fastest-growing U.S. city; more than 100,000 people have moved to the city within this period. The natural outdoor playground, easy access to the mountains, and more than 300 days of sun each year are great contributors to this migration. Living in Denver is a thrilling experience with more than 140 miles of panoramic mountain views — with around 200 visible peaks.

If you are about to relocate to Denver,
these are the top 5 unique aspects of life in Denver:

Denver Is Young, Vibrant, and Desirable

Unlike already developed cities, Denver is an upcoming city with a bright future. For already developed cities, opportunities are maximized, and it is a little hard to fit in. Developing cities pose a lot of options for investment and growth. The cost of living is relatively low at the moment as more infrastructure is being set in. If you are interested in business, this is the place to take your spot before it finally grows into a major city.

Denver Enjoys a Hearty Economy

Top companies are based here, and many others want to invest in the city. This means there are high paying jobs available and others are on the horizon. The wages are relatively at level with the cost of living in Denver. In the coming years, moving to Denver will likely become more costly compared to now. As the city grows, its population will begin to max out housing and other resources.

Denver Is a Major City in the Making

Denver is rapidly growing into a major city, and life in major cities is a unique experience. Truth be told, finding a place to live in Denver can be highly competitive. To avoid spending too much on rent and finding the best place, find a reliable real estate agent. Like any other major city in the making, competition is expected, but everything gets moving smoothly once you get into the system. When compared to major cities like New York, Denver is relatively affordable.

Denver Is a Beer and Food Destination (But Be Careful!)

Denver is known as the Napa Valley of Beer. It is home to many microbreweries, but you have to be careful as you enjoy your beer here. While in Denver, you may get boozed quicker than you can think.
This is not a myth. The city is located closer to the sea level with thin air in the atmosphere. To avoid getting boozed, drink more water to supplement the thin air. There are tons of beautiful restaurants to choose from in this area. Memorable meals are prepared by professionals. Once you relocate here permanently, you don’t have to worry about the restaurants; there are markets where you can buy fabulous, fresh ingredients.

Marijuana Is Legal in Denver

This comes as a shock to many, especially those coming from more conservative areas. It is, however, essential to note that public consumption is prohibited. This may not significantly impact your life, but it is necessary to be aware of it. You may get smells, but rarely will you see people consuming marijuana. The dispensaries in the area are easily identified by their distinctive green crosses. Before smoking marijuana in your apartment, make sure it is allowed in your lease agreement.

___________________________________

Delafield, Wisconsin

Delafield is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, along the Bark River. The population was 7,085 at the 2010 census. Delafield was established in 1837, named after Dr. Charles Delafield of Milwaukee.

It was the hometown of the Cushing brothers, who served the Union cause during the American Civil War: Alonzo (who was killed during Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg), William (who led the raid on CSS Albemarle), and Howard (who was an Indian fighter killed fighting the Apache in Arizona after the war). Cushing Memorial Park is named after them and is home to a war memorial in their honor. Since 1927, a culinary event known as the “Coon Feed” has taken place in Delafield.

Deerfield Beach, Florida

Deerfield Beach is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States, just south of the Palm Beach County line. The city is named for the numerous deer that once roamed the area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 75,018. It is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which is home to an estimated 6,158,824 inhabitants as of 2017.

Deerfield Beach’s history dates to 1890 when a small settlement named Hillsborough was developed along the Hillsboro River. By 1898, the settlement was served by a post office, and the town was named “Deerfield” for the deer that grazed along the river. By the early 20th century, as the town’s population continued to grow, the Florida East Coast Railroad constructed tracks en route to Miami bisecting Deerfield. Deerfield’s first settlers were mostly farmers who grew pineapples, tomatoes, green beans, squash, and fished along the Intracoastal Waterway. Deerfield remained a predominantly agricultural community, but in 1939 the town’s name was changed to Deerfield Beach to attract tourists.

The Cost of a Home Is Far More Important than the Price

Housing inventory is at an all-time low. There are 39% fewer homes for sale today than at this time last year, and buyer demand continues to set records. Zillow recently reported:

“Newly pending sales are up 25.5% compared to the same week last year, the highest year-over-year increase in the weekly Zillow database.”

Whenever there is a shortage in supply of an item in high demand, the price of that item increases. That’s exactly what’s happening in the real estate market right now. CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that values have increased by 5.5% over the last year.

This is excellent news if you’re planning to sell your house; on the other hand, as either a first-time or repeat buyer, this may instead seem like troubling news. However, purchasers should realize that the price of a house is not as important as the cost. Let’s break it down.

Several factors influence the cost of a home. The two major ones are the home price and the interest rate at which a buyer can borrow the funds necessary to purchase the home.

Last week, Freddie Mac announced that the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 2.87%. At this time last year, the rate was 3.73%. Let’s use an example to see how that difference impacts the actual cost of a home.

Assume you purchased a home last year and took out a $250,000 mortgage. As mentioned above, home values have increased by 5.5% over the previous year. To buy that same home this year, you would need to take out a mortgage of $263,750.

How will your monthly mortgage payment change based on today’s lower mortgage rate?
This table calculates the difference in your monthly payment:

That’s a savings of $61 monthly, which adds up to $732 annually and $21,960 over the life of the loan.

Bottom Line

Even though home values have appreciated, it’s a great time to buy a home because mortgage rates are at historic lows.

10 Home Inspection Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

10 Home Inspection Tips for First-Time Homebuyer

Hiring the right home inspection service will help you determine any significant defects with a property before deciding to buy.

As a first-time homeowner, you mustn’t buy a home without having it properly inspected first. A home inspector will help you determine if repairs need to be made on a home and what they might cost. In addition, a home inspection could sway your decision on whether to buy the property or not.
You have a big decision to make as a first-time buyer. If you want to make sure that the home you wish to purchase is structurally sound and is without any major defects, a home inspection is the first step.

Ask for Referrals

Finding the right home inspector can be a challenge because you don’t want the findings to be incomplete. Start by asking friends and family members for assistance. If you want to make sure that you hire someone that qualified, you can look for a home inspector that is affiliated with any of the following organizations:

National Association of Home Inspectors
National Institute of Building Inspectors
American Society of Home Inspectors
International Society of Certified Home Inspectors

Choose an Experienced Inspector

Too many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of choosing a home inspector based on the cost rather than the inspector’s experience. You must choose someone who has the expertise to look for the problems that other inspectors might miss. “The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability, and technical savvy,” says Aaron Flook, owner of Pittsburgh-based A.M. Inspection Services LLC. “If you want a referral from your real estate agent, ask for two or three different names, then interview each one to determine who you feel most comfortable with.”

Let the Inspector Know about Your Concerns

Home inspectors aren’t mind readers. Therefore, if you have specific concerns about potential problem areas in the home, let the inspector know to investigate these concerns first. A home inspector can then place more emphasis on these areas and diagnose the problem. If a problem isn’t obvious and you haven’t given your home inspector a clue, there is a risk that the issue could be overlooked.

Expect an Objective Report

If you are worried about whether a report will be accurate, the home inspector will not be paid to try to get you to buy the home. Therefore, there is a greater chance that the home inspector will be neutral and thorough in his assessment of your home’s condition. By choosing a qualified home inspector, you can ensure that your home inspection report will incorporate all of the defects in your home.

Watch Out for Common Problems

Take note of the most common home inspection defect: moisture problems. Moisture build-up resulting from faulty drainage systems is the top cause of major issues, such as mold, dry rot, and eventually structural damage. These problems can be very costly to fix.

To avoid dealing with these problems on your own, you must ensure that your home inspector thoroughly investigates the home’s moisture conditions. The inspector may even include an air quality test to determine if there are mold spores in the air in your home.

Inspect New Construction

Just because a property is new does not mean that there won’t be any problems. You should have a home inspector thoroughly inspect a home before you decide to buy. A home inspection on new construction may reveal structural issues, unfinished work, and faulty appliances. Don’t make the assumption that everything will be in place just because the property is new.

Understand the Limitations

Home inspectors are hired to look for problems that might affect the structural integrity of the home. They also look for defects in the interior and exterior of the home. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers a page on Standards of Practice that will outline exactly what you should expect from a home inspection.

Hire a Specialist

Home inspectors are not required to look into every potential problem with a home. If your concerns fall outside of the issues that home inspectors must look into, you may want to call a specialist instead. Some of these concerns include:

pest control problems
lead paint
asbestos
radon gas
mold

These are serious issues that could also render a home unlivable. A specialist will also be able to guide you in getting estimates on repairs for these issues.

Follow Up on Inspector Recommendations

Hiring a qualified home inspector that can discover the issues within a home is a good start. However, it is only the beginning. As a homeowner, you need to make sure that you follow up on the recommendations that have been made by the inspector. Inspectors make recommendations because they believe that the problems may grow to become significant issues if not addressed. The inspector is not merely making a recommendation so that you’ll have to spend money on repairs.

Get Accurate Estimates before Closing

By looking into the problem before the closing occurs, you can discover precisely how much it will cost to make repairs by getting several estimates. If you simply wait until after closing, you may not find out just how big of a problem the issue is until it’s too late.

As a first-time homeowner, working with a qualified home inspector can save you time and money. It will also ensure that you are going into a home purchase with a clear idea of what you are buying into.

Top 5 Things to Consider in a Home for Real Estate Investment

If you plan to buy a property as a real estate investor, you must choose carefully to improve your odds of success.

Choosing a home for real estate investment that will turn a profit requires a lot of research. All real estate is a high-risk investment. However, certain types of properties present greater risk factors than others. Here are some things to consider to improve your chances of success if you are trying to purchase a home for real estate investment.

If you are considering purchasing a home as a real estate investment, there are a lot of things that you will have to deal with to successfully invest in a property. In some cases, an investor may opt to simply buy and upgrade a property to resell. In other cases, the investor may be looking to rent the property out to tenants.

If you plan to purchase a home, you should be aware that many unexpected problems can arise that you need to make sure that you can budget for. If these unexpected events are not factored into your budget, you run a high risk of failing to realize your investment return.

Here are some things to consider if you are planning to purchase a home for real estate investment. In addition to evaluating the property itself, you should also figure out the property management costs involved if you plan to have tenants.

Will the Home Pass an Inspection?

Not all homes will pass a home inspection. This is especially true of foreclosed properties neglected either before or during the period the property was owned by the bank. If you are considering buying a home that appears to have significant issues, it is good to hire a home inspector to thoroughly investigate the property. If the home does not pass the inspection, you may find that the property has significant structural issues that might render it unlivable.

“The structure upon which your investment property is built is one of its most important elements. It’s also one of the hardest places to spot issues. Unless the foundation is buckling or significantly bowed, you may not notice some bulges and cracks. You may not have the tools to determine how level the floor is or how to identify if any shift is due to structural deficiencies or normal settling.” says Ken Horst, owner of MLS Maps.

Upgrades Required to Sell

If you are buying a home with the plan to update it and then sell again, you must consider the number of upgrades needed to make this possible. A thorough home inspection can help determine where there are issues so that you can obtain estimates on the repairs’ costs before you decide to buy.

Some homes may require simple upgrades, such as new flooring or a fresh paint job to sell. However, the changes that need to be made in older homes may be far more extensive. Homebuyers are looking for energy-efficient appliances, modern kitchens, and bathrooms. They may also want adjustments to be made to the electrical or plumbing system if it is outdated.

You may also find out from the home inspection that the upgrades’ costs are actually out of your budget. If there are too many repairs that will need to be made to realize a profit, you may want to skip out on making an offer on the property.

How Much Time Is Required?

It is also essential to consider how much time you have to dedicate to your real estate investments. If a home requires significant upgrades or you will be dealing with tenants, you will need to decide how much time you have to spend on this before you invest in the property.

When it comes to rental properties, some types of properties are more labor intensive than others. Dealing with tenants who occupy properties, such as vacation rental properties or college apartment rentals, can require more time because the turnover rates are higher in these kinds of properties. This means more time screening new tenants and a higher risk of vacancies depending on the area and the time of year.

Do the Numbers and the Research

Are you aware of all of the costs that are involved? Many first-time real estate investors make the mistake of underestimating the costs that are associated with buying a property. They realize that there will be repairs required to maintain the property. However, other costs may arise, such as legal fees, utilities, maintenance concerns, vacancies, and evictions.

“Development of real estate, land, Tenant-In-Common (TIC) investments, private real estate funds, fixer uppers, etc., all have much higher risk profiles than just simply buying a nice established cash flow investment property. In many of those investments, you will never see a dime of your money again because there are just so many things that can go wrong!” says Leonard Baron, a lecturer at San Diego State University.

Doing research and crunching the numbers before purchasing a property can help you determine if the property is the right opportunity for you as a real estate investor. By working with an agent specializing in buying and selling properties for investment, you have a better chance of finding a home that will be a winner.

_____________________________________

KEVIN SHIRLEY is a real estate professional with almost twenty-five years of experience. He is an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Real Estate in Washington, DC. He is also an Accredited Staging Professional and a Graduate of the REALTOR Institute. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Civilization and Art History. Find his author page on Facebook; e-mail him at kevin@realastute.com; call/text him on 202.320.6634.

5 Telltale Signs a Home Has Been Abused or Neglected

Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, ASP, GRI

Every house has a story to tell. What is the house you are considering have to say about its upkeep (or lack thereof)?

Before you purchase a home, you want to know that past owners have taken good care of it. That isn’t always easy to tell, especially if the current owners are working hard to put the property’s best foot forward. But, even when the owners have done their best to hide the ugly truth, there are ways to tell whether the home might be a ticking time bomb of repairs after the sale.

When you are shopping for your next home, you want to find one that has been well maintained over the years and isn’t hiding unseen problems. A good home inspection should be able to catch the significant issues, but at that point, you’ve already invested earnest money and become emotionally attached. How can you spot a potentially problematic house earlier?

All homes show signs of wear and tear — a dent in the baseboard or a broken paver in the backyard, for instance. But, when you can stand in one place and point to sign after sign, it is probably safe to assume that the current homeowners haven’t always treated the house with TLC, and if they haven’t taken care of what you can see, they most likely haven’t bothered with what you can’t.

Even if you’re looking for a fixer-upper, ignoring signs of neglect or abuse can be a mistake. It’s one thing to plan to replace the carpet or remodel the kitchen and another to realize that the fresh coat of paint on the ceiling masked a much larger problem once you’re emotionally invested.

Landscape

It goes without saying that if the owners can’t bother to pull the weeds, trim overgrown plants, rake the leaves, or pick up debris in the front or backyard when trying to market his home, they haven’t taken any better care of it over the years. Watch, too, for standing water in the yard or a landscape that slopes toward the house, signs of an unchecked drainage problem.

New landscaping seems like a perk, but it could be a quick fix to mask a much larger problem. At the very least, if the sellers have replaced dying plants and re-sodded the lawn, it indicates they didn’t spend much time caring for the yard. An extensive redesign, though, could be a sign that the home had drainage issues. Check the exterior walls for cracks and other signs of water damage.

Pay attention to the front porch and entrance, too. Is it neat, clean, and in good repair? Or, does it look like the sellers just set a pot of fresh flowers out, hoping you wouldn’t notice the unpainted railings or peeling front door.

Water stains

Water is a big, big deal. HomeAdvisor, an online contractor referral service, estimates that most homeowners will spend between $2,000 and $3,000 to repair water damage, but that depends on how much damage has actually been done and how long it has been left untreated. If mold has developed, you may not only be faced with expensive repairs, but you may also have to deal with health issues.

Chances are the owners may try to paint over the problem. Look for freshly painted ceilings and walls, especially if the rest of the house hasn’t received a new coat. Other telltale signs include discolored flooring, cracked floors, warped walls, a sagging ceiling, blistering or peeling wall surfaces, fuzzy growths, and a musty odor.

Don’t limit your search for water damage to the main areas of the house. Head to the basement; is it wet and damp? Does it smell musty? Are the walls cracked or fractured? Outside, look for wet areas in the yard and buckled cement and cracks in the foundation.

Dirt and debris

The general cleanliness of a property can say a lot about how much care it received before it went on the market. If the sink is overflowing with dirty dishes and the bed is unmade when the sellers are trying to sell the house, they probably haven’t made much effort in the past.

Most homeowners, though, will take the time to clean and pick up trash. They will likely even make some minor home repairs and upgrades, like painting or putting new mulch in the flowerbeds. Some will even go the extra mile and simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove.

That’s all well and good, but as the homebuyer, you need to look deeper. When you open the pantry door to see how much space there is, check to see whether it’s clean (a dirty pantry is an invitation to pests like ants). Pull back the shower curtain. Is the tub clean? Look in the corners. Is there dust, or do you see cobwebs near the ceiling? It could indicate that the house usually isn’t clean, which could be a sign of neglect.

Broken and missing fixtures

One of the easiest ways to spot a home that has been abused is to take a good look at its fixtures. Is a light bulb missing from the under-cabinets lighting fixture? Are switch plates missing throughout the house? What about door handles, ceiling fans, and other major items?

As you move through the house, check fixtures, too. The door handle may look fine, but is it loose? Does the lock work? What about the faucet? Is the handle wobbly when you try to turn it on? If the homeowner hasn’t attended to these relatively minor issues before putting the house on the market, chances are he hasn’t dealt with the major ones either.

Of course, it goes without saying that if the sellers haven’t replaced missing items, they haven’t devoted much time (or any) to the house’s upkeep. However, if you see many new but mismatched fixtures, that could be sending the same message. Either the homeowners are too cheap to try to match an item (which probably indicates he has taken the cheap route on other repairs) or recently replaced an item they damaged.

Patched holes

Damage is the surest sign of abuse. It’s one thing when homeowners haven’t bothered to fix a broken door handle but quite another when you see holes in the wall, punched doors, broken appliances, burnt carpet, excessive stains, and other signs of abuse. In these cases, someone took an active role in destroying the property.

While you can take most damage at face value — a broken interior door is just that, a broken interior door — it definitely should signal you to take a closer look at the house. Someone who punches a hole in the wall likely doesn’t care much about the house itself.

As you view the house, take note of attempts to cover up damage as well. If you notice excessive patches or plastering, it could be a sign that the house took its fair share of abuse.