Don’t Trust Listing Photos! What to Check Before Buying a Home

Scrolling through listings, you find the one—gorgeous kitchen, massive backyard, and a "brand-new" bathroom. But before you start picking out furniture, slow down! Listing photos are designed to sell a dream, but I’m here to make sure you don’t end up in a money pit.

Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what to check beyond the photos.

1. Cabinets & Drawers: Are They Just for Show?

🔎 What to do: Open every cabinet and drawer. Do they feel solid or flimsy? Cheap flips often use low-quality materials, which means they probably cut corners elsewhere too.

2. Water Pressure & Plumbing: Old Pipes = Big Problems

🔎 What to do: Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet. Low water pressure, rusty water, or slow drainage? You might be looking at expensive plumbing repairs.

3. Windows & Insulation: Hidden Energy Costs

🔎 What to do: Run your hand along the windows and doors. Feel a draft? That’s money flying out in heating and cooling bills. Check if the windows are single or double-pane—it makes a huge difference.

4. Basement & Attic: Where the Real Secrets Hide

🔎 What to do: Check for water stains, mold, or musty smells. These are signs of leaks, poor ventilation, or past flooding—problems that can cost thousands to fix.

5. Electrical & Outlets: Don’t Assume They Work

🔎 What to do: Plug your phone charger into a few outlets. Flickering lights or dead outlets could mean outdated wiring, which is a costly fix.

6. The Neighborhood: Check at Different Times

🔎 What to do: Visit at night, on weekends, and during rush hour. A quiet street at noon might be a traffic nightmare at 5 PM. Also, check the parking situation and general upkeep of the area.

Don’t Get Fooled by Pretty Pictures!

📢 Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make. Don’t let edited listing photos trick you into a bad deal. If you want someone who spots red flags before you commit, I got you!

📞 Looking for a home in Passaic, Bergen, or Hudson County? Let’s find you the right home—no surprises, no stress. Call or DM me today! 📩🏡

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