{"id":26532,"date":"2026-04-19T00:42:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T00:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/didebta.com\/?p=26532"},"modified":"2026-04-19T00:42:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T00:42:38","slug":"what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/didebta.com\/?p=26532","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for When Buying a House"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p>You\u2019ve scrimped and saved like Uncle Scrooge, and now you\u2019re ready to put that pile of cash toward buying a house. Congrats! But dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home can feel about as high-stakes as putting all your chips on black and spinning the roulette wheel\u2014especially if you don\u2019t know how to spot a money pit.\n    <\/p>\n<p>But here\u2019s the good news: Knowing what to look for when buying a home doesn\u2019t have to be anxiety-inducing. I\u2019ll make it real simple for you.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve settled on things like price, size, school district and neighborhood, you\u2019ll need to know if a home has good bones\u2014is it built to last or does it have some serious problems? (Tip: A home with an outhouse is a hard pass for me.)\n    <\/p>\n<p>So, here\u2019s my list of seven important things you should look for when buying a house to help you feel confident you\u2019ve got a rock-solid home. I\u2019m talking Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson solid.\n    <\/p>\n<h2>7 Key Things to Look for When Buying a House<\/h2>\n<p>Before we launch into the details of what to look for when buying a home, make sure you\u2019re financially (and emotionally)\u00a0ready to buy a house.\u00a0Once you\u2019ve got the green light to start looking at houses, keep an eye out for these seven things.\n    <\/p>\n<h3>1. Roof Condition<\/h3>\n<p>Unless you\u2019re Inspector Gadget (go, go gadget legs!), you probably won\u2019t be able to see a home\u2019s roof up close during a showing. But that doesn\u2019t mean you can just ignore it\u2014after all, the average cost to replace a roof is about nine grand.<sup>1<\/sup><sup> <\/sup>Yeesh. That\u2019s steeper than an A-frame roof! (I\u2019m a dad now, and the dad jokes are flowing.)\n    <\/p>\n<div class=\"BlogInsert-copy\">\n<p>Avoid overpaying for your home with a RamseyTrusted<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> agent.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>So here\u2019s how to avoid surprise roof repairs by figuring out a roof\u2019s condition with these questions:\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How old is the roof?<\/strong>\u00a0If you want to know how long a roof is going to last, you need to know its age and what it\u2019s made of. You can find this info on the seller\u2019s disclosure\u2014or ask your real estate agent to find out. Asphalt shingle roofs last around 20 years, but other materials, like clay or metal could last a lot longer. Once you know a roof\u2019s age, compare that to the typical lifespan of the material it\u2019s made of to see how long it\u2019s got left.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Does the homeowner have a roof certification letter?<\/strong>\u00a0Some contractors give roof certification letters after an inspection that estimates the lifespan of the roof over the next 2\u20135 years.<sup>2<\/sup>\u00a0Not all sellers will have this, but it never hurts to ask.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Are there any signs of damage?<\/strong> Now, if you\u2019re like me, you have zero roofing skills. But sometimes you can eyeball a roof and see that it needs work if it has missing, cracked or curled shingles. Also, look inside at the ceilings for any signs of a leaky roof. See yellow or brown spots on the ceiling? That\u2019s not modern art (although it could cost you the same pretty pennies for repairs).\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Can a roof inspection clear things up?<\/strong>\u00a0If you\u2019re concerned about the roof\u2019s age and condition, you may want to get a roof inspection. Roof inspections are different from home inspections, since home inspectors don\u2019t always check out the roof. If you go by the home inspection report alone, you could miss some costly repairs. \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2.\u00a0Reliable HVAC<\/h3>\n<p>Unless you\u2019re okay with wearing a Snuggie around the house all winter (no judgment here), you need to make sure the HVAC system heats and cools properly. As you look at houses, you should ask about the type of heating and cooling system each one has and\u2014most importantly\u2014how old it is. You also may want to ask if there are any maintenance records you can look at.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a pro tip: If you\u2019re looking at houses in the summer, find a vent to see if the air blowing out of it is cold. Then find the thermostat and switch on the heat for a minute or two to see if the air warms up.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Furnaces and AC units typically<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>last anywhere from 10\u201325 years. If a unit is broken, repair costs vary based on the type of system and how big it is. You\u2019ll spend $7,500 on average<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>to replace an existing HVAC unit\u2014but\u00a0don\u2019t count on a home warranty\u00a0to automatically cover that.<sup>3<\/sup>\n    <\/p>\n<p>If a home\u2019s HVAC system is under a decade old and doesn\u2019t have rust, water damage, suspicious-looking cracks or weird sounds coming from it, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re in the clear. But if you\u2019re still worried, remember a home inspector should find any major issues. Then you can work with your real estate agent on any repairs you\u2019d like to request.\n    <\/p>\n<h3>3. Plumbing Issues<\/h3>\n<p>If your only familiarity with pipes and plumbing is from the hours you spent as a kid playing Super Mario, don\u2019t worry. Examining sewer lines, tubs, sinks, toilets and water heaters can help unclog (yep, I went there) some of the confusion around potential plumbing issues. You need to ask these three questions:\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How fresh are the sewer lines?<\/strong>\u00a0If a home is 20-plus years old and the seller hasn\u2019t provided any disclosures, get a sewer inspection. Pipe disintegration, obstructive tree root growth, or some pretty righteous clogs can all jack up the system. Keep in mind that sewer line replacement ranges anywhere from\u00a0$1,400\u20135,400<em>.<\/em><sup>4<\/sup><em> Yikes.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How do the toilets, sinks, tubs and showers look?<\/strong>\u00a0Check toilets for leaks, unstable bases and discoloration. Yes, you\u2019re allowed to flush the toilet during a home showing, so have at it! The same goes for making sure tubs, showers and sinks are in tip-top shape. Look under bathroom and kitchen sinks for signs of leaks. Turn on the hot water in the sink or tub and see if it gets hot. If it doesn\u2019t get hot, that could mean the hot water heater has problems\u2014and you could end up taking cold showers before work every morning. But here\u2019s a silver lining\u2014my friend Dr. John Delony says cold plunges are good for your mental health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What\u2019s the state of the water heater?<\/strong>\u00a0A water heater usually lasts 10\u201315 years, and if you look closely, you might find an installation date written on the unit. A new one can cost from\u00a0$900\u20131,800\u00a0depending on the type you need.<sup>5<\/sup>\u00a0If it\u2019s making unusual noises when it turns on or it\u2019s rusty, have a pro take a look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. Water Damage and Mold<\/h3>\n<p>Untreated water leaks or water damage can cause a tons of problems like structural issues, rot and mold\u2014especially in basements. Pay attention to any musty smells in the home as well as water stains on floors, walls or ceilings. If you do move forward on a home you suspect has water damage, your home inspector should be able to give you an idea of how bad it is.\n    <\/p>\n<p>The thought of mold lurking in the dark corners of a home is enough to make you want to take a shower in Lysol. The\u00a0cost of removal can be anywhere from\u00a0a few hundred to a <em>few thousand<\/em> dollars depending on the size of the area affected. To that I say, \u201cNo thank you.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p>Because mold is a health hazard, you\u2019ll definitely want to get it treated before moving in, but also be sure to find the source of the moisture to prevent future infestations.\n    <\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re worried about negotiating water damage or mold repairs, remember: Your real estate agent has likely been on both the buyers\u2019 and sellers\u2019 side of the deal before. Ask about their experience and advice for situations like these.\n    <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" data-cke-path=\"null\" alt=\"Buy or Sell Your Home With Confidence\" src=\"https:\/\/didebta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/agent-visual-cta-banner-v2.png\"\/>\n    <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>5. Noise Level<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most overlooked factors is a neighborhood\u2019s noise level. Just because things are quiet during an afternoon showing doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s like that 24\/7. Think about these questions:\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Is the home by a major road?<\/strong>\u00a0If you\u2019re really digging the place, make another visit during high traffic times to assess street noise. Even if the house is perfect in every other way, the constant drone of passing Tahoes and tractor trailers may not be worth it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Is it near an airport or railroad tracks?<\/strong>\u00a0Same thinking here. How patient will you feel when a train steamrolls through your newborn\u2019s nap time? <em>Never wake a sleeping baby<\/em> is basically a federal law in my house.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do the neighbors have dogs?<\/strong> Hey, I\u2019m a dog dad, but a neighbor\u2019s dog that barks constantly could be a doggone deal-breaker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Is the property a condo or townhome?<\/strong>\u00a0In a home where you\u2019d actually share walls with neighbors, you definitely want a sound barrier. Do a walkthrough when neighbors are home to see if you can hear them talking or watching reruns of <em>Jersey Shore<\/em>. Either way, huge red flags.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Neighborhood noise isn\u2019t just annoying, it can also affect the home\u2019s value. Ask your agent if homes in that neighborhood have a comparable value to the same homes in a quieter location.\n    <\/p>\n<h3>6. A Good Foundation and Home Exterior<\/h3>\n<p>Remember the parable about the wise man who built his house upon the rock? If there\u2019s one lesson we learned from that story, it\u2019s that your foundation matters.\u00a0Bulging or bowing foundation walls<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>are a sign of structural weakness that can be expensive to repair. The average cost to repair a foundation is over $5,000.<sup>6\u00a0<\/sup>\n    <\/p>\n<p>Other easy-to-spot foundation red flags include:\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cracks in the foundation, drywall or ceiling<\/li>\n<li>Gaps above doors and windows<\/li>\n<li>Sunken stairs or porches<\/li>\n<li>Sloping or uneven floors or tiling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep in mind that not\u00a0<em>every<\/em>\u00a0crack means the home is about to collapse. Every home experiences some degree of settling, so some cracks are expected. Let a qualified home inspector tell you whether a minor crack spells major trouble.\n    <\/p>\n<h3>7. Outlets and Appliances That Actually Work<\/h3>\n<p>That shiny refrigerator in the kitchen may look big and beautiful (and expensive), but does it actually make ice?\n    <\/p>\n<p>If the home you\u2019re interested in includes appliances as part of the deal, you\u2019ll want to make sure they work. This goes for dishwashers, washers and dryers, and even microwaves.\n    <\/p>\n<p>You also want to make sure that the house\u2019s electrical outlets work. Hey, I know it\u2019s crucial for the outlet right next to your bed to charge your phone every night\u2014otherwise, you\u2019d have a crisis on your hands with no doom scrolling Instagram after dark.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Your real estate agent may give you a funny look, but bring your phone charger with you when you look at a house to test outlets as you walk through. If your phone starts charging, you\u2019ll know the outlet is good to go! If it doesn\u2019t, that could be a sign of a bigger electrical problem.\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<h5>\u00a0<\/h5>\n<h2>Red Flags to Look Out For<\/h2>\n<p>Alright, I\u2019ve covered a bunch of stuff you should look for when buying a house. I\u2019ve also discussed several things you <em>don\u2019t <\/em>want in the home you buy for you and your family. (An active house fire or hostage situation are two more things to avoid.)\n    <\/p>\n<p>So let\u2019s recap the big points we talked about, focusing this time on red flags to beware of. You should be extra careful about buying a house with . . .\n    <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An HVAC system that\u2019s over 10 years old <em>or<\/em> one with cracks and water damage (watch out for weird sounds too)<\/li>\n<li>A roof that\u2019s old or damaged<\/li>\n<li>Toilets, showers or sinks that don\u2019t work<\/li>\n<li>Sewer lines with bad clogs<\/li>\n<li>Leaks leading to water damage<\/li>\n<li>Loud, noisy neighborhood (or neighbors)<\/li>\n<li>Bulging, bowing or cracked foundation<\/li>\n<li>Broken appliances<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div>\n<h4 class=\"u-typesetHeadingMedium u-spacingStack1\">Your Guide to Finding an Affordable Home You Love<\/h4>\n<p class=\"u-typesetBodyMediumShort u-spacingStack3\">Learn our simple, step-by-step\u202fprocess to make closing on the right home for you easier and less stressful.\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>One Major Mistake to Avoid<\/h2>\n<p>You may have found a home that checks all the boxes we\u2019ve talked about\u2014and it\u2019s clear of all those red flags. If so, that\u2019s great!\n    <\/p>\n<p>But there\u2019s still one major mistake you need to avoid as you\u2019re looking for a place to live: <em>buying too much house<\/em>.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Because even if you buy a house that\u2019s in tip-top shape with everything you want and more, you\u2019ll be miserable if you can\u2019t afford it. Trust me, that \u201cdream\u201d house you\u2019ve got your eye on will become a nightmare if those monthly payments wipe out a major chunk of your paycheck.\n    <\/p>\n<p>How do you know if you can afford the house you\u2019re looking at? You can afford it if your monthly payment on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is no more than 25% of your take-home pay. That payment includes homeowners association (HOA) fees, private mortgage insurance (PMI), property taxes and homeowners insurance.\n    <\/p>\n<p>If the house fits into your budget and checks all the other boxes I\u2019ve talked about, go ahead and sign on the dotted line!\n    <\/p>\n<p>If not, then you need to pass and find a house that\u2019s a better fit for your budget. Going back to the drawing board is no fun, especially if you\u2019ve found a place you really like. But saying <em>no<\/em> to a place you can\u2019t afford will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Struggling to find quality homes in your price range? Here\u2019s a guide full of house hunting tips to make searching for a home a lot easier and less painful.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Besides, you don\u2019t want your house to own you<em>. You<\/em> want to own <em>it<\/em>!<em> <\/em>The best\u2014and only\u2014way to make that happen is to choose a home that fits your current financial situation.\n    <\/p>\n<h2>Get an Expert in Your Corner<\/h2>\n<p>Most homes you\u2019ll look at, even brand-spanking-new ones, will have some flaws. But what gets tricky is knowing when to spend the money to fix an issue and when to negotiate a compromise with the seller. That\u2019s why you need an experienced agent who can guide you through these rough patches and help you come up with a solution.\n    <\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a real estate agent with expertise, check out our\u00a0RamseyTrusted<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> program. From searching for solid homes to negotiating repairs, our RamseyTrusted agents will be able to walk you through your questions and work with you to find a home you (and your budget) love.\n    <\/p>\n<p>Connect with the\u00a0top real estate pros in your local market\u00a0today!\n    <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Read the full article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/real-estate\/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve scrimped and saved like Uncle Scrooge, and now you\u2019re ready to put that pile of cash toward buying a house. Congrats! But dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home can feel about as high-stakes as putting all your chips on black and spinning the roulette wheel\u2014especially if you don\u2019t know how to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26533,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-26532","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What to Look for When Buying a House | Didebta<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You\u2019ve scrimped and saved like Uncle Scrooge, and now you\u2019re ready to put that pile of cash toward buying a house. Congrats! 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