When buying a home, it’s very important to know about its true condition. That’s where a professional home inspection comes into play but when you first see a property, there are some health and safety issues you can spot or learn about on your own. While you may fall in love with a house initially, it’s best to stay pragmatic so you aren’t stuck with buyer’s remorse and a huge financial burden.

Look for these Home Buying Health and Safety Issues

A home purchase is a significant financial investment and it should be a blessing, not a curse. Unfortunately, too many homebuyers rationalize away their concerns. And, that causes them to make poor decisions. Sure, if a home has some problems, like needing a fresh coat of paint and small repairs, it’s not a big deal. But, when it comes your and your family’s health and safety, there’s simply no reason to overlook those problems.

Putting an offer on a new home is exciting. There’s so much promise, and so many plans to make. But before you dream too big you need to do some basic research on the safety of your coveted cottage. Is your prospective new home safe, inside and out? To be sure you’ll need a home inspection. But how do you find a qualified home inspector? And which dangers — like radon, mold, improper wiring, carbon monoxide — should you have tested? —WebMD

The fact of the matter is, no house is perfect. Even new construction can have an issue here and there. And, said issues are more common with older homes and historic properties. The point being, houses usually have at least a few problems. Not being aware of these won’t turn out well; so, you’ve got to be in-the-know before moving forward. Here are some of the most common home buying health and safety issues to look for:

• Mold and mildew. Here in central Florida and throughout the peninsula, mold is a very big and very common issue. That’s because mold thrives in moist, airy climates. And, both are in high supply for most of the year. Now, you might not actually see mold but you might smell it. If you don’t detect it, ask the seller whether it is or isn’t a problem.
• Electrical problems. A huge safety issue can sometimes be found in the electrical system. It could be an outdated electrical system, not able to handle the load. Or, it might be bad installation and/or unreliable materials. Whatever the case, be sure to look at each wall outlet, every light and ask about any past electrical issues.
• Allergen sources. Carpet, grass, trees, plants, pollen and so much more can all act as allergy triggers. Be aware of what’s in and around the house. Look for allergy triggers both inside and outside the house. If you do see something that’s cause for concern, think about how it can be dealt with and what’s entailed.
• Smoke detectors. While home inspectors routinely check smoke alarms, you should do so when you’re touring a house. If one or more doesn’t work, that’s a red flag other problems exist but aren’t being addressed.
• Building materials. Asbestos, Chinese drywall and other notorious building materials will likely be spotted by a home inspector. But, you can save yourself some time by simply asking the seller if there are any bad build materials in the home.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Orlando, contact us for the latest market information. We’ll also provide you with the right advice about the local real estate market so you make the best decisions.