8 Red Flags To Look for When Buying a Home in 2026
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Brendan McGinley
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Buying a home at any time comes with some risks. Aging housing stock, climate-driven insurance changes and deferred maintenance mean buyers need to look far beyond fresh paint and good staging.
Real estate and restoration experts say these red flags can help you spot costly problems before you commit. Here are the small, but important, warning signs to look out for as you tour a house.
1. Water Damage You Can See — or Smell
Water damage is one of the most expensive and common hidden issues, and early clues often show up as odors or small visual changes. According to Jessica Rinfret, chief operations officer at All Pro Restoration, “A musty smell is usually the first sign that there is water damage.” She recommended looking for discoloration such as yellow or brown stains in ceilings and walls, bubbling paint, warped floorboards or any odor that may suggest mold.
John Gluch, owner of the Gluch Group, advised checking “under every sink, around the base of tubs and showers for staining, swollen trim, mismatched paint patches.” A rippling or bubbling texture is an early clue for moisture, he added.
2. Foundation Problems That Signal Bigger Costs
“Foundation is one of those things that you want thoroughly checked before purchasing.” said Justin Chau, a California realtor. Foundation trouble is becoming more common as many American homes hit their century mark.
Dominic Leto, a real estate investor and founder of Sell My Home PA, said to watch for cracks “bigger than a coin” that run vertically or horizontally along walls. “[The] foundation is probably moving or the water is finding its way inside,” he said.
As for subtler signs?
“Sloping floors, paint bubbles and obvious slack in the previously supported roof … are indicators you’ll probably want a structural engineer or specialist to inspect,” said Kristen Herhold, director of public relations at Clever Real Estate.
3. Roof Issues and Missing Documentation
Roof problems can lead to leaks, structural damage and high upfront repair costs. Rinfret said buyers should watch for “missing shingles, uneven rooflines or sagging roofs.”
Lack of documentation is also a growing issue as homes turn over after pandemic-era sales. And roof condition now affects insurance more than ever. Chau said to ensure that “the roof is not collapsing or extremely worn,” as that can impact your ability to get both insurance and financing.
4. Quick Fixes That Hide Bigger Defects
Cosmetic improvements aren’t always innocent, either. Gluch warned, “If certain rooms, garages, or side yards are ‘off limits’ or oddly dark with bulbs removed, I get suspicious.” Heavy air fresheners, multiple scented candles or all windows open on a hot day instead of air-conditioning “can be a sign they’re masking odors, mildew or sewer issues,” he said.
Chau added that new paint or a small renovation may reveal that the job was rushed due in hopes of a quick sale or that they were trying to hide defects.
5. Insurance Red Flags and Climate-Risk Exposure
Insurance availability is tightening, especially in areas facing wildfire, flood or hurricane risk. Herhold said that “More properties are getting expensive, even impossible, to insure as risks from floods, wildfires and hurricanes grow.”
Gluch pointed out that homes near high-risk zones may still be affected. A property “might be included in it, even though it looks like you might be outside of it,” which can raise insurance costs or limit coverage.
6. Aging Homes With Deferred Maintenance
With many U.S. homes now over 40 years old, outdated systems are becoming more common. Herhold said buyers should watch for old electrical systems, foundation cracks and evidence of prior water damage.
Leto added that obsolete wiring, such as old switches or very few outlets, can signal expensive electrical upgrades ahead.
7. Neighborhood and HOA Red Flags
Problems at the community level can be just as expensive as issues inside the home. Herhold said to pay attention to “high HOA fees, pending special assessments or even zoning changes,” and suggested requesting the past 12 months of meeting minutes and local development plans.
Gluch also recommended assessing what’s planned nearby: “Don’t ignore any vacant land … It might be a quiet, vacant street today, but what will it be like in five years?”
8. Sellers Who Avoid Questions or Withhold Info
If a seller is vague, evasive or can’t provide basic details, take note. Herhold said they should be able to tell you whether they’ve made any insurance claims in the past five years.
And if disclosures or utility bills “aren’t available yet,” Gluch said that’s a potential sign the seller is rushing to offload the home — possibly before costly issues are discovered.
By spotting these red flags early, you can protect yourself from expensive surprises and make a far more confident decision about the home you choose in 2026.
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