Most Common House Problems Sellers Attempt to Conceal

There’s no arguing the fact some sellers will attempt to conceal certain problems. It’s just a reality. Fortunately, this bad behavior isn’t widespread. But, it does happen and buyers should be well-aware that it’s a possibility. Now, it’s not always nefarious. However, there are certain things to look out for when touring a home and especially during the inspections.

Signs Home Sellers are Trying to Hide Something

Putting yourself in a seller’s shoes will greatly help you to understand why it’s all-too-tempting to hide one or more issues. But, there are often telltale signs. For instance, if you hear music through most of the house, it’s not just to set the mood. It’s likely playing to distract from strange “house noises” or drown out street noise. Room fresheners or diffusers are another concealer — usually to cover-up pet odors, cigarette smoke, or even septic and sewer issues.

“While laws vary from state to state, generally speaking, sellers are responsible for disclosing only information within their personal knowledge that could affect the property value, such as structural defects, mold, and lead paint. Some issues, however, fall into a gray area that a home seller may try to conceal in order to get a top-dollar offer. To protect your investment, hire a certified home inspector before making an offer, and be on the lookout for the signs that a seller has something to hide.” —Bob Vila.com

Some warning signs are more subtle. For instance, since most open houses and showings are during midday, pay attention to the lights. Should practically every interior light be lit, that indicates a lack of natural light. Also, take notice of the living room. If there’s just a loveseat (and perhaps a chair) but no sofa, it means a couch will cramp the space. Meanwhile, the presence of fresh paint isn’t necessarily there to spruce up the space. It could be concealing things like mildew or mold issues.