The Spooky Things to Watch for When House Hunting This October
House hunting can feel like a thrilling adventure, but sometimes it’s more trick than treat. As the leaves change and Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to talk about the eerie things you should be on the lookout for when hunting for your next home. These spooky signs could haunt you long after you’ve signed the contract, so let’s shine a light on the hidden dangers lurking behind those charming façades.
1. Creepy Foundation Cracks
A few minor cracks in the foundation may not seem like a big deal, but larger ones could signal a serious structural issue. These “haunting” cracks can grow over time, leading to an expensive and potentially dangerous situation. When touring homes, take a closer look at the foundation both inside and outside. Horizontal cracks or shifting in the foundation could spell trouble.
2. Chilly Drafts and Poor Insulation
As the weather turns colder, you’ll want to be sure your home is ready to keep the chills at bay. If you feel an unnatural chill in the air during your tour, check the insulation in the walls and attic. Poor insulation can lead to high heating bills and a home that always feels like it’s caught in an eternal winter. A professional energy audit with Mass Save can help you uncover these “cold spots” before the snow starts to fall.
3. Plumbing Nightmares
Leaky pipes or plumbing issues can be the stuff of nightmares. During your home tour, be sure to check for any water stains or the smell of mildew. That musty scent could be a sign of a hidden water leak, and if left untreated, it can cause serious damage and mold growth. Don’t let your dream home turn into a soggy horror show; make sure to ask about any recent plumbing repairs.
4. Electrical Woes
A home with outdated or faulty electrical wiring can be dangerous, and potentially set the stage for a shocking experience. Look for signs like flickering lights or knob and tube wiring during your tour. These could indicate issues with the electrical system that might require expensive upgrades or repairs. Don’t let a hidden electrical hazard come back to haunt you down the road.
5. Unsettling Odors
Strange smells can be the most disturbing thing to discover in a home. While it could be something as simple as a musty basement, it could also indicate more sinister issues like mold or pet damage. If you catch a whiff of something off, make sure to investigate further. Don’t let the scent of mildew or rotting wood linger in your mind long after the tour ends; be sure to ask the seller for more details or a mold inspection.
6. Unseen Pests
Nothing gives you the chills quite like finding out your new home is haunted by unwanted pests. While mice or termites aren’t exactly ghosts, their presence can be just as unsettling. Be on the lookout for droppings, chewed-up wood, or visible damage around door frames and window sills. If you suspect pests have made themselves at home, you may want to call in an exterminator for a more thorough investigation.
7. Poor Drainage and Water Damage
Water can be a silent invader. If the grading around the property doesn’t slope away from the home, you could face flooding or foundation damage. Walk around the exterior of the home and check for any signs of water pooling near the foundation. If the home has a basement, make sure there are no signs of water damage or leaks. Water can be a sneaky monster—one that’s better to avoid than confront after the fact.
8. Frighteningly High Maintenance
Before you get too excited about a property, consider how much time, money, and effort it will take to maintain. A home with a monstrous to-do list can quickly become a nightmare. From overgrown landscaping to peeling paint or outdated appliances, these “maintenance monsters” can sneak up on you after you’ve moved in. Be sure to ask how much work the home has recently had done, and take note of any repairs or improvements that will need to be made.
9. Spooky Legal Issues
Like a ghost lurking in the shadows, legal troubles can follow you long after the deal is done. Be sure to ask about any past disputes or issues, such as boundary problems, zoning violations, or unpermitted work done to the home. These haunting legal issues can resurface and cause significant stress down the road. A title search and a thorough inspection of permits can help you avoid these terrifying scenarios.
While house hunting can feel like a fun fall adventure, it’s important to be cautious of the things that might be lurking behind the scenes. If you keep your eyes open for these spooky red flags, you can make sure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Just remember, if something feels off, it’s always better to walk away than risk being haunted by costly problems in the future.
