Should a big tree near the foundation worry me?

Surface roots reaching toward the house don’t by themselves prove the foundation is being damaged. Roots often take advantage of existing moisture or openings, so leaking plumbing or an existing crack can matter more than the mere presence of roots.

I’d ask for a tree-specific assessment from a qualified arborist, and have the home inspector look closely for signs of movement or damage. If they find concerning foundation changes, get a structural professional to assess them. That gives you something more useful than guessing from the tree’s distance.

The tree’s condition and structure would be high on my checklist too. Look for a pronounced lean toward the house, damaged or dead limbs, decay, or a weak-looking split where the trunk forks. Those are reasons to get an arborist’s opinion on risk and maintenance, not proof on their own that the tree has to come down.

Also check the nearby walkway and paving for lifting, and ask whether there are signs of plumbing trouble. I wouldn’t treat roots alone as a deal-breaker, but I’d make room in the inspection process to get the tree evaluated.

I’d keep the decision practical: don’t assume the tree is harmless, but don’t remove it just because it’s large and close. Ask the seller about known repairs or recurring plumbing issues, then have the relevant inspections done before your decision is locked in. A normal-looking showing doesn’t answer every question about what’s underground.

If the tree is healthy and the inspections don’t turn up damage, keeping it may be reasonable. If there are signs of movement, active leaks, or structural concerns, get those assessed separately and factor the findings into your offer decision.