.jpg)
You have done it! After planning, dreaming, and saving for what feels like forever, you’re all set to buy your first home. And by God’s Grace, you have found the perfect MLS listing Ajax - a property that ticks every box from your list. But before you sign on the dotted line and seal the deal for the home, let’s talk about something important.
Are you sure the seller has told you everything you need to know about the house?
We hope so but there’s a chance the home seller hasn’t. Home sellers usually want to get the best price for their home quickly and that might mean hiding some problems that could cost you a lot of money down the road.
This is why we have put together this guide - to help you avoid costly repairs after you have moved in. Here, we’ll reveal the secrets (issues) home sellers often hide so you can protect your investment and avoid surprises.
10 Issues Home Sellers Often Conceal
-
Foundation Cracks
The foundation is the backbone of the MLS listing in Ajax, supporting the property’s entire structure. Cracks in it can mean issues such as shifting soil, water damage, or structural damage.
If you buy a house with hidden foundation cracks, you could end up facing expensive repairs like underpinning or even having to demolish parts of your home. In the worst-case scenario, the cracks might worsen over time, leading to safety hazards.
-
Roof Problems
The roof of the house could be leaking, allowing water to seep into the home, damaging walls, and ceilings, and even causing mould growth. If this happens, not only will the aesthetics of your new home be ruined but also serious health risks could loom for your family.
Beyond leaks, the roof of the Ajax MLS listing might have underlying problems like improper installation, wear and tear, or damage from storms. These issues can lead to premature ageing of the home, reduced energy efficiency, and heavy-on-the-wallet repairs or replacements down the line.
-
Water Damage
This type of damage happens when water seeps into the home from sources like a leaky roof, broken pipes, or flooding. Over time, this moisture can cause significant damage to walls, floors, and even the home’s structure.
The worst part is that water damage in an MLS listing in Ajax is not easily visible at first glance. This damage can hide between walls and under floors, only revealing itself after you have moved in.
-
Outdated Wiring
Older homes often have wiring that’s simply not designed to handle the electrical demands of today’s appliances and electronics. This can lead to frequent power outages, overheating, and worst-case scenario, electrical fires. This issue is often called a “hidden danger” because you can’t see the wiring and many homeowners are unaware of the issue until it’s too late.
-
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare and unfortunately, sellers might not always disclose these issues. These leaks can be hidden behind walls, under floors, or within the complex plumbing system. Even a small, seemingly insignificant plumbing leak can cause big damage over time.
-
Septic System Problems
Septic problems in the Ajax MLS listing can turn into a costly nightmare for you in no time. The septic system can become clogged, overflow or fail entirely leading to health hazards, property damage, and hefty repair bills.
-
Mould
Mould is a type of fungus that often grows in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens of the property. If you buy a house with hidden mould, you could face significant health risks and costly repairs. Mould can cause allergies, asthma, and worse, damage the structure of your home.
-
Pests
The owner of the MLS listing in Ajax may not tell you about the creepy crawlies that call your new home sweet home. These pests could be anything from tiny ants to destructive termites. Not only are these pests gross and annoying but they can also cause serious damage to your house.
-
Unpermitted Renovations
Imagine buying a house with a beautiful kitchen only to find out later that it was built without permits. You might have to tear it out right after moving into the home and start over to meet local building codes. Or you could face fines or legal issues if the authorities discover the unpermitted work after you own the home.
-
Property Line Issues
Property lines are the invisible boundaries that separate the Ajax MLS listing from its neighbours. Sometimes, homeowners might not be entirely sure where these lines are or they might intentionally hide the problems regarding property lines.
Not knowing about the property line issues can lead to big issues after you buy the house. For example, you could discover that your neighbour’s fence is actually on your property or that a small part of your yard belongs to someone else. And resolving these property line issues can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful, especially after you have moved into the new home.
What Should a Homebuyer Do to Get Complete Information on a Property?
To know everything about an MLS listing in Ajax before buying, follow these steps -
-
Hire a Qualified Home Inspector
A professional home inspector will check the structural integrity, systems (plumbing, electrical and HVAC) and potential defects in the home. Their report will give you a clear picture of the true condition of the property you’re buying.
-
Obtain Property Records
You must take a look at the property documents covering the ownership history, tax assessments, building permits, and any legal issues.
-
Review Seller Disclosure
The home seller usually provides a disclosure form outlining any known issues with their property. You must carefully assess this document to spot any problems that might need addressing.
Apart from taking these steps, do not hesitate to ask the seller any questions you might have about the Ajax MLS listing. Ask detailed questions about the home’s condition, past repairs, and any other concerns you might have.
If you have doubts about the seller’s answers, double-check with your Realtor or the listing agent. Remember, buying a home is a significant investment, so it’s essential to know everything possible about the property before making a final decision.