We're considering buying our first home – it's an estate sale in an ideal neighborhood, listed for $535,000 with $9,000 in taxes and 2,000 sq ft of space. But it has some concerning repairs needed.
We found this property after a previous offer on another home fell through. The house across the street sold for $575k, and we even offered $50k over the asking price here.
The inspection report revealed a few significant issues:
1. **Active termite infestation**: Remedied in April 2025, but we're worried about undetected structural damage. The house is packed with furniture, so we won't be able to see potential damage until after purchasing.
2. **Damp basement and mildew**: Previous experience with similar issues makes us wary, especially if it leads to costly water damage and mold.
3. **Electrical faults**: Some outlets are improperly grounded, and there's old wiring in the attic that we might need to fix.
4. **Inaccessible sewer line**: I'm hesitant to proceed without that being investigated – do we need a plumber?
Plus, the heavily wallpapered rooms worry us, likely indicating lead paint issues, which our realtor suggests the seller might not accept a contingency for.
With so many potential red flags, we're considering a lower offer and more inspections. Are we risking a huge regret if we move forward, or should we walk away from this project entirely?
4 Answers
It sounds like you need to prioritize a sewer inspection before anything. Those issues can get pricey really fast, maybe around $10-20k. Don't stress too much about lead paint, though; it's common in older homes and can usually be handled by just painting over it.
Honestly, if I were you, I'd think twice about this house. With a toddler and all the repairs you’ve listed, managing contractors could get overwhelming. Can you handle living in a construction zone while trying to juggle everything? If there's significant work needed, it could be financially and emotionally draining. If you think the work might cost more than you can manage, you might want to bow out.
We’re lucky to have family to stay with during renovations, but your points about potential delays are definitely something I've got to keep in mind.
Before you get too deep into the buying process, check for any signs of mold in addition to the moisture issues you already found. And definitely consider a dehumidifier for that damp basement! It's good short-term solution until you can tackle drainage problems. Those repairs can add up quickly, though, so be prepared for that.
The inspection report does recommend a dehumidifier, but I’m a bit inexperienced in this area.
I'd walk away from this one. It sounds like a fixer-upper is not your style if you're not handy; you could get into more trouble than you bargained for. I've seen homes like this become money pits very quickly. Seriously consider spending a bit more on a thorough inspection because knowing the true condition before purchase could save you a ton of hassle later.
Do I have to specify a sewer line inspection in the contract, or can a plumber just check it out for me?