5 Signs a House Is a Money Pit (2024)

The spring home-buying season is in full swing, and if forecasts are correct it’s going to be a busy one. Despite mortgage rates near 7 percent, existing home sales are projected to rise 13.5 percent this year, according to the National Association of Realtors. Once again demand is expected to outpace supply, which means potential bidding wars. It also means eager home buyers may make concessions, such as skipping a home inspection, to get a house.That could prove to be a regrettable decision if the home turns out to be a money pit.

“There is a significant percentage of deals without home inspections due to the housing inventory shortages and bidding wars,” says Mark Goodman, 2024 president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “In that case, the biggest thing is to do your due diligence.”

A home inspection typically isn’t required to get a mortgage, but giving the house an in-depth once-over is well-advised. The last thing you want is to shell out thousands of dollars to fix a cracked foundation or deteriorating roof soon after you receive the keys to your new home. Hiring a professional home inspector can be a good investment – an inspection may run anywhere from $300 to $415 – but even if you don’t have one, there are steps you can take yourself to lessen the risk of purchasing a money pit, and it all starts with being inquisitive.

“There are property disclosure laws in every state,” says Charles Furlough, president and CEO of Pillar To Post, a national home inspection company. “The law says sellers should tell you things they know they have issues with.” 

Some people will be more forthcoming than others, so ask lots of questions. Sellers and their agents are obligated to disclose any big issues. Your real estate agent should be able to provide insight into the neighborhood and the home’s history. And while asking questions and conducting your own visual inspection will in no way replace a professional home inspection, there are red flags that could alert you to potential problems including these five.

5 Signs a House Is a Money Pit (3)

5 Signs a House Is a Money Pit (4)

The Voorhes/Gallery Stock

1. Aging roof

​The average lifespan for a roof is 20 to 30 years, but even newer homes can have roof problems that may require replacement or repairs. Neither is cheap. On average, a new roof cost $9,357 in 2023, but depending on the size prices ranged from $5,852 to $13,038, according to HomeAdvisor, the digital marketplace that connects homeowners with local service professionals. Repairs can range from $150 to $7,500.

You may not be willing or able to get on a ladder and inspect the roof up close, but you can look out for missing shingles and clogged or broken gutters on the exterior. Binoculars can help. Inside, check for sagging ceilings and watermarks.

“For the parts of the roof that you can see, what does it look like?” asks Furlough. “Has it darkened? Do you see shingles curling up on the edges? What’s the overall condition?” If something doesn’t look right, it may be worth getting it checked out by a licensed roofing company. It may not kill the deal, but at least you’ll know what it will cost to repair or replace the roof.

2. Faulty foundation

​​Foundation issues left unchecked can be very expensive to repair, costing anywhere from $500 to fix minor cracks to $10,000 or more for major issues requiring heavy equipment, according to HomeAdvisor. The national average for foundation repairs stands at about $5,000. Without a professional home inspector you won’t know the full extent of the problem, but there are signs you can look for to spot potential foundation problems. They include:

  • Gaps between exterior windows and walls.
  • Cracked or leaning chimney.
  • Warped floors or ceilings.
  • Cracks in the walls or floor.
  • Counters or cabinets coming apart from the walls.
5 Signs a House Is a Money Pit (2024)

FAQs

5 Signs a House Is a Money Pit? ›

Following the 28/36 rule, look for a home and a mortgage that will ensure your monthly payments don't exceed 28 percent of your monthly income. (With a $100K annual salary, that will be about $2,333 per month.) Explore low-down payment mortgages and down payment assistance programs to expand your options.

How can you tell if a house is a money pit? ›

Look for things such as:
  1. Mold. Mold can lead to long-term health issues. ...
  2. Outdated Wiring. If you are thinking about buying an older house, you will want to check the wiring since it could be outdated. ...
  3. Bad Plumbing. ...
  4. Foundation Issues. ...
  5. Assess the Damage. ...
  6. Contact a Lawyer. ...
  7. Do One Repair at a Time.

How do you know if you have enough money for a house? ›

Following the 28/36 rule, look for a home and a mortgage that will ensure your monthly payments don't exceed 28 percent of your monthly income. (With a $100K annual salary, that will be about $2,333 per month.) Explore low-down payment mortgages and down payment assistance programs to expand your options.

At what point is a house a money pit? ›

If it's showing visible signs of damage, chances are it's going to cost you a lot to repair it. Powell said, “Visible signs of structural damage like foundation cracks, sagging floors, or leaning walls are clear and obvious red flags that should be sought out by Home Inspectors.

How to tell if a house is worth fixing up? ›

To ensure a fixer-upper house is well worth the money, look at comparable homes (known as real estate comps) in the neighborhood. Then add your estimated cost of renovations to the purchase price. If you're making money on the home, it's probably a good investment.

How to tell if a home is overpriced? ›

How To Tell If A House Is Overpriced
  1. The Home Is Priced Higher Than Comps In The Area. ...
  2. The Home Has Been On The Market Too Long. ...
  3. The Home Hasn't Received Any Offers. ...
  4. The Home Has Recently Been Under Contract. ...
  5. The Home Has Expensive, Customized Amenities.
Feb 23, 2024

How to avoid a money pit house? ›

6 Ways To Avoid Buying a Money Pit!
  1. The Roof: Leaks are the most likely problem you want to be careful of regarding the roof. ...
  2. Plumbing: ...
  3. Electrical: ...
  4. Heating and Cooling Systems (also known as HVAC): ...
  5. Signs of Rotting In The Paint: ...
  6. Cracks and other important signs:
Dec 7, 2020

What is the 28 36 rule? ›

According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance.

How much house for $3,500 a month? ›

A $3,500 per month mortgage in the United States, based on our calculations, will put you in an above-average price range in many cities, or let you at least get a foot in the door in high cost of living areas. That price point is $550,000.

How do you know if a house is worth saving? ›

Here are the top signs that your home will keep its value.
  1. Properties in the Neighborhood Are Selling Quickly. ...
  2. There's Decreasing Inventory In Your Area. ...
  3. Your House Feels Like a Home. ...
  4. You've Been Keeping Up With the Maintenance. ...
  5. Other Homes In the Area Are Maintaining Their Value. ...
  6. Your Home Has Trendy or Modern Features.
Sep 28, 2023

How to know if a house is good? ›

Here are some signs to watch for that will tell you it's 'The One':
  1. It Feels Right. No, really, this is actually a very powerful sign! ...
  2. It Fits Your Current Lifestyle. ...
  3. It Matches with Your "Must-Haves" List. ...
  4. It Meets Home Inspection Standards & Realtor Advice.

What is considered a money pit? ›

Meaning of money pit in English

something on which you keep having to spend a lot of money, especially when it may be a waste of money: We don't want the project to become a money pit. Old houses can become money pits for their owners.

Is buying a house in cash a red flag? ›

The IRS may scrutinize large cash transactions, as it raises concerns about potential tax evasion or money laundering. While using cash to buy a house in California is legal, be prepared to provide documentation and explanations to address any inquiries from the IRS.

How to tell if a house is a money pit? ›

The first (and most obvious) sign that you might be walking into a money pit is an “as is” clause. The house probably won't qualify for a conventional mortgage, and if you buy it, you're agreeing to buy all its problems. Before making an offer, have the house thoroughly inspected and gather repair estimates.

How do you know if a house is undervalued? ›

This is where looking at a property's cap rate — its yearly income potential divided by its current market value — is crucial. If you find a home with a higher cap rate than similar properties in the area, you've found an undervalued property worth investing in.

What brings up the value of a house? ›

Updates, Upgrades, and Maintenance

Maintaining a property and making home improvements help increase the resale value of your home. Minor remodeling to major renovations in the kitchen and bathroom are particularly beneficial.

How do you tell if a put is in the money? ›

Put options are “in the money” when the stock price is below the strike price at expiration. The put owner may exercise the option, selling the stock at the strike price. Or the owner can sell the put option to another buyer prior to expiration at fair market value.

Where is the money spot in your house? ›

As per the feng shui energy map, i.e, Bagua, the top left corner is dedicated to feng shui for wealth. When you stand at the door of youyr bedroom, the far left back corner is your wealth corner.

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