Spotting Red Flags When Buying a House in Gig Harbor

In Summary:

• Before you fall in love with a well-crafted finish or a beautiful view, do your due diligence to check for red flags when buying a house.
• Make gathering the home’s records a priority, and ensure you have all the details on HOA rules, flood zones, permits, and other factors that could limit your ability to grow your investment.
• After a full appraisal and with knowledge of all these red flags, weigh up how the findings will shape your negotiations moving forward.

If you are buying in Gig Harbor, there are several essential key elements you need to watch for. In addition to the common issues one might encounter during inspections, Gig Harbor’s waterfront rules add further complexity. As such, you must have a strong understanding of the worst of these to avoid additional stress.

Below, we list some of the most egregious home inspection red flags so you can spot them before you put down earnest money.

Then, if you still aren’t sure what to do with that information, we offer our expertise, advice, and the help you need to make a final decision.

Key Red Flags When Buying a House

Some of the most obvious issues are easy to spot on a personal tour, including:

• Moisture staining

• Musty odors

• Efflorescence (White mineral crust from moisture)

• Sticking doors

• Uneven floors

Each of these could signal recent or regular water entry, suggesting it is likely to occur again in the near future. In the worst case, it may indicate that the home has settled or developed foundation issues, which is a disaster for the long-term value of an investment.

Home insurance doesn’t typically cover gradual leaks or earth movement. As such, these situations could significantly increase the ongoing costs of owning the property, as flooding insurance may cost extra or even be mandatory in some cases.

Non-Water Considerations

When looking for other potential issues, knowing what to check when buying a house can mean avoiding extremely costly safety renovations. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure you know what might be required in the property:

• Sample material you suspect may contain asbestos

• Search for decommissioned oil tanks

• Test the soil for potentially harmful chemicals

• Confirm whether lead-safe work practices were followed during the building process

• Identify any legacy or outdated construction methods that may require renovation

While some of these are more common in older homes, others, such as Asbestos use, still occasionally turn up during inspections. As such, it pays to remain vigilant and arrange a lab test rather than doing it yourself to avoid personal exposure.

Availability of Utilities

Contact any utility providers to confirm whether they service that address, as some areas are limited to specific providers (or, in some cases, lack service entirely). You may need to run a whole new line, which could be extremely costly.

If you plan to use a private system, then ensure that you perform testing. For example, if you plan to use a well on the property, check the well's flow rate and water quality. You want to do everything you can to guarantee your own enjoyment of the property.

Waterfront and HOA Rules

When on the waterfront, verify where and how one can build on the property, and whether a previous owner has breached these rules. One of the more serious red flags in this area would be if someone has previously:

• Built in an area they shouldn’t

• Built higher than any height limits

• Failed to follow dock rules

• Created a danger to local wildlife

Each of these could force a teardown or other expensive changes to the home post-purchase. Ensuring that the original builders had all the necessary permits is thus much cheaper if everything is in order.

Documents to Request Before You Make an Offer

Before sending in your offer, check the property’s:

• Permit history

• Records of prior inspections

• Title report with easements and encroachments

• HOA covenant conditions and restrictions

Many of these have self-evident red flags, such as a lack of permit for a new build or failed inspections.

In Washington, you can find much of this information in the Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 17), which sellers generally must provide during the transaction. In fact, it is often so essential that, upon its arrival, the buyer has three days to reconsider rescinding an offer, even if that overlaps the original cut-off date.

Green Flags When Buying a House

It’s not only red flags you want to watch out for. There are many clear signs someone has gone out of their way to ensure that they are offering a good deal or an investment you can trust.

One of the strongest examples of this is their providing you with a clean maintenance record and a complete, consistent permit history. Documents from professionals, such as licensed, third-party contractors, may be among the most useful you can receive in this case.

Also look for:

• New roofs, electrical systems, or plumbing

• Recently-upgraded HVAC systems

• Transferable warranties with home installations

• Clean septic reports and pump logs

• Modern for supply and drainage lines

Strong documentation also allows you to approach your insurance providers, as the reduced risk they demonstrate can help you secure a better-value insurance rate.

Keep Your Purchase On Track Moving Forward

With this information, you should be able to prioritize the systems and paperwork you focus on to avoid red flags when buying a house. If you want to know more or to learn how the above can lead to a buying plan tailored just for you, speak with Schulte & Co.

We can help you decide up front what you are prepared to fix after a purchase, what is required before closing, and when to talk away from the sale.

With our hyper-local expertise in Gig Harbor, we can provide you with all the information you need to secure the deal you deserve in the region. So, contact us to learn what you need to do next to reduce the risk in each home purchase.

FAQs: Home Inspection Red Flags

What are the biggest red flags in a home inspection?

Major red flags include moisture damage, foundation cracks, mold, electrical or plumbing issues, and roof deterioration. In Gig Harbor, pay particular attention to signs of water intrusion, such as efflorescence or musty odors, which can indicate long-term moisture problems common in waterfront properties.

What should I not ignore on a home inspection report?

Never overlook structural issues, water damage, or safety hazards like asbestos or faulty wiring. These can be expensive to repair and may affect insurability or resale value. If you see these concerns, speak with a qualified inspector or Realtor before making an offer.

Are foundation issues a dealbreaker?

Foundation problems don’t always end a sale, but they require professional assessment. Small cracks may be normal, while large or widening cracks could signal structural movement. Repair costs can be significant, so it’s best to get a structural engineer’s opinion before finalizing an offer.

What are the red flags for waterfront homes?

For Gig Harbor’s waterfront properties, be cautious of unpermitted dock builds, erosion, and any construction too close to the shoreline. Verify all structures comply with local and environmental regulations to avoid post-purchase fines or rebuild orders.

Is it worth buying a house with inspection issues?

It depends on the severity of the issues and your comfort level. Minor repairs are common and negotiable, but extensive damage—like foundation or water intrusion—may reduce a home’s long-term value. Schulte & Co. can help you weigh risks and identify when to renegotiate or walk away.