Buying your first home can be a confusing whirlwind. Even with a trustworthy team like Schwab Realty, it’s easy to feel in over your head. Often, you’ll find a property that seems perfect – almost. When there’s just one little thing holding you back, how do you determine whether or not it’s truly little? Here’s a look at common issues you might find in your home search, and how to separate minor problems from major issues.

Aesthetic Concerns

These issues might not look pretty, but they’re easy to fix:

• A dead or dying lawn can be revived or you can transform it into an attractive lawn alternative.
• You can always paint over colors you don’t like.
• Not a fan of the backsplash? They’re simple to replace.
• Don’t let fence issues scare you off – repairs are usually straightforward and affordable.
• If the home doesn’t get quite as much light as you’d like, brighten it up with these tricks.

Health and Quality of Life Issues

Although you’ll want to address these concerns, they’re manageable:

• If you’re worried about the allergic effects of carpeting and drapes, a home air filtration system can make a big difference.
• Your inspection might notice problems with the insulation – replace it or ask the sellers to.
• You might learn that a home has tested positive for radon, but radon mitigation is affordable and extremely effective.

Major Problems

Here are a few issues that might be worth walking away from:

• Serious foundation problems are expensive – and sometimes, impossible – to fix.
• Mold is an issue homeowners can battle for years – plus, it can be a major health hazard.
• You don’t want to deal with a roof replacement right out of the gate.
• If a house has termites – or there are signs that it once did – there could be damage throughout.

We hope these resources help make your house hunt easier. When you can distinguish oddities from serious problems, you’re empowered to make the best choice. If you’re in love with a house, don’t let minor details hold you back!

Ray Flynn’s is the cofounder of DIYGuys.net. His very first DIY project came at age 10 when he built a treehouse, complete with an (ill-advised) homemade zipline exit, in the woods behind his best friend’s house. When he’s not working as a civil engineer, Ray Flynn spends his time dreaming up new DIY projects that promote green living.

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