Houses are things most people only buy once or thrice in their entire lives. So they’re entirely clueless or innocent of the tactics some real estate agent practices. Though it’s easy to forget that real estate agents make their living by selling properties to you, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re not being sold a bad deal in an effort to make sales. Here are five things dodgy real estate agents try to hide from buyers because they want to “close the deal”.
#1. Poor Foundation
This is about the worst thing a real estate agent can hide because it will affect the integrity of a building. Cracked or slanted foundations always require extra work, and if the seller isn’t willing to make corrections before the sale, they may offer higher commissions to real estate agents who can sell them.
#2. Leaking Roofs
Unless you go house shopping while it’s raining, there’s almost no way to tell if the roof is structurally sound, or if you have to put out bowls in strategic locations while it’s raining. Real estate agents know this, and those with integrity will try to find out everything they can so they can provide all relevant information to you.
#3. Insects and Pests
Termites and rats are some of the most dreaded house companions because they’ll bring down the value of your home while eating your food. Roaches and bees aren’t any better, so dodgy real estate agents will try hiding their presence from you. And as if these pests coordinate with agents, their presence is not easily detected during visits.
#4. Haunted Homes
Most people don’t like the thought of “paranormal activities” going on in their home, so telling them beforehand that murder’s taken place will send them away. Some states say real estate agents can hide this information, but some dodgy real estate agents will hide this fact, even if they are allowed to say it.
#5. Ancient Facilities and Systems
If a house was last updated 3 decades ago, any new owner will need to seriously upgrade the facilities. Make sure you’re not being deceived by “show” homes, ask how “how old”.
