NOT FOUND: 09_07 July NSN_Page_16_Image_0003.jpgHave you looked at home prices recently? I’m not a realtor, but as an "average Joe" it can seem that some of the homes for sale these days area really great deals. What you may not know is that a lot of the short sales, bank owned and foreclosed homes are being sold "as-is". The scariest thing about an "as-is" home is the lack of a home inspection and/or full disclosure regarding the things that may be wrong with the home. If you’re willing to roll the dice you could get a great home at a great price. However, there is another side to this as well; a side that could lead to major home repairs and could cost you big time.

Here are 4 common things that may be waiting for you:

1. Rot hidden under floors from water damage and/or leaks could be waiting for you to discover it. Common areas for such rot are around plumbing piping and bathrooms. Unless you know what you’re looking for it can be difficult to determine what is the result of water damage and what is normal weathering. Replacing a bathroom floor can cost you three times as much if you find extensive rot in the floor when you go to replace it. Not to mention that it may necessitate the removal of the sink, toilet or bathtub.

2. Mold can be hidden in attics and around doors and windows. Many times mold goes undetected for years and years allowing growth to exacerbate over time. Mold repairs can be costly and at times deadly. Specialized contractors can verify mold and the findings are generally sent to labs for testing to determine the severity of the organic growth. Worse case scenarios for mold can be life altering and devastating, where families are forced out of there homes and forgo their belongings. Found early, moisture incursion, leaks and sweating of pipes can be remedied fairly easy, and help you avoid mold altogether.

3. Foundation cracks and shifting of the foundation could pose a problem for obvious reasons. These cracks and shifts happen because they can expand and contract in size as they absorb water while materials in contact with them do not budge. The soil can move as well no matter how compacted it was when the foundation was poured. Severe cracking and/or shifting can cause doors and windows to not open and close properly and could lead to the breaking of water, gas or electrical lines.

4. Tree removal may never cross you mind when you see that great shade tree next to you house. The same tree that is providing excellent shade could be causing havoc underground with its roots. Trees can have a rot system three times the size of the tree. Having a tree removed and the stump grinded isn’t free and depending on the size of the tree, removal can prove to be quite expensive. Just as with the foundation cracks (which the tree could contribute to) the roots could lead to the breaking of water, gas or electrical lines.

Be informed of the cost of repairs and keep a watchful eye when you are looking at that potential new home. You never know what could be waiting for you.