Homebuyers

5 Red Flags You're Ignoring When Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make. But it’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding the perfect place with all the features you always wanted. And skipping over those more mundane details may lead to big regrets later.

Surprisingly, 82% of home buyers wished they had done things differently after buying their home, according to a survey from Clever Real Estate.

The most common regret? The house needed much more maintenance than they expected. Others purchased a home that didn’t meet all of their needs or felt like they spent too much on the property. (The survey was conducted in April of 2024 and asked nearly 1,000 people about their homebuying experiences.)

"Some red flags seem to be hidden in plain sight when buying a house," said Brett Johnson, a Denver-based real estate agent and owner of New Era Home Buyers.

From structural problems to seller behavior, being alert to potential issues can save you from future headaches. Here are five red flags you might be overlooking and why they matter.

Red flag #1: No seller's property disclosure

One of the first things you should ask for when considering a home is the seller's property disclosure. This document provides insights into the history of the property, including a history of flooding, roof problems, and repairs.

Most states require sellers to provide them, although the information they contain will vary by state. If the seller refuses to provide this disclosure, it could be a red flag that they may be hiding something.

"This might signal avoidance of questions regarding past flooding, structural issues, or other problems that are expensive,” said Johnson.

Bottom line: Always insist on full transparency. If a seller hesitates to disclose details, consider it a warning to dig deeper—or walk away.

Red flag #2: Unpleasant smells in the home

A home's smell can tell you a lot about its condition. While some odors may be easy to identify—like pet smells or cooking—others can point to serious issues such as mold, water damage, or even dead animals rotting within the walls. Gross.

Other issues like mold can cause health problems and be costly to remediate.

"One house we looked at had a dead raccoon in the drywall. It's a red flag worth checking out," said real estate broker Jeff Lichtenstein of Echo Fine Properties in Jupiter, Fla.

Even benign things, like a fresh coat of paint, could be masking more significant problems like stains from past water leaks.

“Beware of fresh paint in oddly specific areas,” said Johnson.

Bottom line: Don't overlook what your nose is telling you. Investigate strange smells and consider hiring a professional inspector to uncover the source.

Red flag #3: Neglected home maintenance

First impressions matter, even when it comes to a doormat. An old or dirty one could indicate a broader lack of care for the property.

"If the owner didn't care enough to buy a fresh $20 door mat, it [could] mean they just haven't taken care of the house or gotten it pre-inspected to be cleaned up for market," said Lichtenstein.

Also, pay attention to signs of deferred maintenance, such as peeling paint, overgrown landscaping, or outdated HVAC systems.

"An old HVAC system, as I learned the hard way, is expensive to replace, so check its condition before buying a house," said Ryan Chaw, a seasoned real estate investor with Newbie Real Estate.

Bottom line: Small signs of neglect can signal larger, costlier issues. If the basics aren't being maintained, dig deeper into the home's overall condition.

Red flag #4: Difficult sellers

The behavior of the seller can be telling..

"My grandfather had a saying, 'You can't do a good deal with a bad guy,'" said Lichtenstein. "Jerks aren't looking for win-wins. If they can take advantage of you, they will."

Additionally, a seller's unwillingness to negotiate or address reasonable concerns during the inspection process could signal trouble down the line.

This attitude might also reflect a lack of motivation to resolve issues fairly.

Bottom line: A contentious seller can make the homebuying process stressful. Proceed carefully.

Red flag #5: Extended time on the market

A home that lingers on the market during the prime selling season often raises questions. Is it overpriced? Are there hidden defects?

"A house that has been on the market during the off season isn't much of a red flag, but if it's sitting during season, it's a sign something is off," said Lichtenstein.

While a long market time doesn't automatically mean something is wrong, it's a signal to proceed with caution. Investigate why other buyers have passed on the property or if any previous deals have fallen through. Then make sure to get the home appraised and have a home inspection.

Bottom line: Don't dismiss a home that's been on the market for a while, but look into why it hasn’t sold before moving forward.