What are the Red Flags to Spot When Buying a Flipped House?

When looking to buy a flipped house, there are several red flags to keep in mind to make sure you don’t end up with a costly and stressful situation. Here are some key things to look out for:
  • Obvious Flaws: First and foremost, keep an eye out for any obvious flaws during the remodeling process. Look out for things like uneven flooring or crooked walls, which could indicate shoddy workmanship beneath the surface.
  • Loose Outlets: A small thing like a loose outlet might not seem like a big deal, but it could be a warning sign of subpar electrical work. Make a note of these during your viewing.
  • Drafty Gaps: Take a careful look between windows and doors, and around fixtures like bathtubs and sinks. If you can feel a strong breeze or see daylight coming through, it could indicate poor insulation or sealing, which could cost you a lot in heating and energy bills after you buy.
  • Odd Fixture Placement: If you notice light switches or other fixtures in unusual locations, it might be a sign of rushed work or an inexperienced flipper who doesn’t understand how to properly wire and install things.
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  • Functionality Test: Finally, it’s essential to test all major appliances and systems in the house to ensure they’re functioning correctly before you commit to purchasing. This includes switching on the furnace or air conditioning unit, running the dishwasher and washing machine, and flushing the toilets. If anything seems off or not functioning as intended, it’s better to know before you make an offer on the property.

    What are the red flags when buying a flipped house?

    When you’re in the market for a new home, it’s always important to keep your eyes open for potential red flags that could spell trouble down the road. This is especially true when it comes to buying a flipped house, which is a home that has been purchased, renovated, and then put back on the market in a relatively short period of time. While there are certainly some great flipped houses out there, there are also some that have been hastily renovated and could lead to expensive repairs in the future. Here are some red flags to look out for when buying a flipped house:

    Obvious flaws during remodeling

    One of the most obvious red flags when buying a flipped house is if there are any obvious flaws in the remodeling job. This can include things like crooked walls or floors, poor paint jobs, or shoddy workmanship in general. While it’s understandable that not every renovation will be perfect, if you notice any significant flaws during your walkthrough, it may be a sign that the renovation was rushed or poorly done.

    Loose outlets and drafty gaps

    Another thing to look out for when viewing a flipped house is any loose outlets or drafty gaps between windows and doors. These small issues may seem insignificant, but they can actually be indicative of larger problems. If a flipper has made these kinds of mistakes, it could be a sign that they cut corners elsewhere during the renovation.
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    Tip: Bring a small flashlight with you to check for any hidden gaps or problems.

    Fixtures in odd locations

    Have you ever walked into a room and noticed that the light switch was in an odd location, or that there is a random fixture placed in an awkward spot? These kinds of design choices can be a red flag when buying a flipped house. If a flipper has made questionable design choices, it could be a sign that they didn’t take the time to fully think through the renovation process. Tip: Take pictures of any odd fixtures or design choices so you can reference them later.

    Testing major appliances and systems

    Before you make an offer on a flipped house, it’s important to test all of the major appliances and systems to make sure they’re functioning correctly. This includes things like the HVAC system, hot water heater, and any other major appliances or systems. If there are any issues with these items, it could be a sign that the flipper didn’t take the time or money to fully address any underlying problems. Tip: Make a list of all the major systems and appliances in the home so you don’t forget to check anything.

    Signs of rushed renovation

    Another red flag when it comes to buying a flipped house is if there are any signs of a rushed renovation. This can include things like sloppy paint jobs, poorly installed fixtures, or unfinished trim work. If the flipper rushed through the renovation process, it could be a sign that they missed important details or cut corners to save time and money.
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    Tip: Take note of any areas that look unfinished or rushed so you can ask the flipper about them during negotiations.

    Lack of necessary permits or inspections

    Finally, it’s important to make sure that the flipper obtained all of the necessary permits and inspections during the renovation process. If there are any major renovations or additions to the home, it’s likely that the flipper was required to get permits from the city or county. If they didn’t, it could be a sign that they were trying to save money or avoid inspections. Tip: Look up permit records for the home to make sure everything was done legally. In conclusion, when it comes to buying a flipped house, there are certainly some red flags to look out for. By paying attention to the quality of the renovation, testing major systems and appliances, and making sure everything was done legally, you can ensure that you’re making a wise investment in your new home.

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