{"id":113066,"date":"2026-09-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=113066"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:44:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:44:04","slug":"home-buying-red-flags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-buying-red-flags\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Home Buying Red Flags to Watch for Before Purchasing a House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/buy\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a major investment, so knowing the home buying red flags to watch for can help you make a more informed decision. While fresh paint, stylish staging, and updated finishes can make a property feel <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/what-to-do-when-you-move-into-a-new-home\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move-in ready<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they may also distract from costly issues hiding underneath the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this Redfin guide, we\u2019ll explore the most common warning signs to look for when touring a home and share expert advice on what they could mean for your purchase. Whether you\u2019re house hunting in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/5155\/CO\/Denver\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Denver, CO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/18142\/FL\/Tampa\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a home in Tampa, FL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these tips can help you look beyond the surface and approach your next home purchase with greater confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In this article: <br \/><\/strong><a href=\"#h-1-cracks-in-the-foundation-or-signs-of-movement-nbsp\">1. Cracks in the foundation or signs of movement\u00a0<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-2-signs-of-water-damage-or-poor-drainage-nbsp\">2. Signs of water damage or poor drainage\u00a0<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-3-a-roof-or-major-home-system-nearing-the-end-of-its-life-nbsp\">3. A roof or major home system nearing the end of its life\u00a0<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-4-fresh-paint-or-patchwork-in-suspicious-places-nbsp\">4. Fresh paint or patchwork in suspicious places\u00a0<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-5-strong-fragrances-or-too-many-air-fresheners-nbsp\">5. Strong fragrances or too many air fresheners\u00a0<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-6-the-home-was-previously-under-contract-and-returned-to-the-market\">6. The home was previously under contract and returned to the market<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-7-renovations-that-may-not-have-been-permitted\">7. Renovations that may not have been permitted<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-8-a-home-that-looks-like-a-rushed-flip\">8. A home that looks like a rushed flip<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-home-buying-red-flags-to-keep-in-mind-before-you-buy\">Home buying red flags to keep in mind before you buy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-cracks-in-the-foundation-or-signs-of-movement-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Cracks in the foundation or signs of movement&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-to-walk-away-from-foundation-issues\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foundation issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be expensive to repair, so buyers should pay attention to cracks and other signs of movement during a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-look-for-when-touring-homes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While some cracks are harmless, issues like sticking doors, uneven floors, or gaps around frames can warrant a closer look from a professional inspector.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOne major red flag is seeing signs of deferred maintenance, such as cracked foundations or neglected roofs, which can signal expensive underlying issues,\u201d states Liz Rossof at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.denvernook.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Denver Nook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cEnsure you work with a broker who will account for these items in the purchase price and secure seller credits or repairs before closing. Don&#8217;t worry if you cannot identify these issues yourself, these are what your inspector will be looking for and will bring up in their report.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>When touring a home, look for:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cracks that are widening, horizontal, diagonal, or stair-step shaped.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doors or windows that stick, rub, or no longer close properly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven, sloping, or sinking floors.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gaps between walls, ceilings, floors, or door frames.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of water intrusion near foundation cracks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-2-signs-of-water-damage-or-poor-drainage-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Signs of water damage or poor drainage&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water damage can be easy to overlook during a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/house-viewing-tips\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home showing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially when fresh paint and staging make a property look <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-does-move-in-ready-mean\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move-in ready<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you notice signs of water intrusion, ask questions about when and how the issue was addressed, and let your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspector<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> investigate further before moving forward.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen house hunting, look beyond fresh paint and staging and pay close attention to signs of water intrusion, foundation movement, poor drainage, or neglected roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems,\u201d recommends <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/frankalbertrealty.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frank Albert<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cA seller\u2019s refusal to share an inspection report they actually received can be a red flag, although buyers don\u2019t always provide their reports to the seller, so the absence of one alone isn\u2019t necessarily cause for alarm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Look for:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water stains or discoloration on ceilings, walls, or baseboards.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musty or damp odors, particularly in basements, closets, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/crawl-space-ultimate-guide\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crawl spaces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bubbling, peeling, or freshly painted areas that may conceal previous damage.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warped, buckled, or uneven flooring.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standing water or poor grading around the home&#8217;s foundation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gutters or downspouts that don&#8217;t appear to direct water away from the home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-3-a-roof-or-major-home-system-nearing-the-end-of-its-life-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. A roof or major home system nearing the end of its life&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home\u2019s roof, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/choosing-an-hvac-system\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, plumbing, and electrical systems can continue working even when they\u2019re nearing the end of their useful life. Before buying, ask about the age, maintenance history, and condition of these major systems so you can budget for potential repairs or replacements rather than being caught off guard.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Keep an eye out for:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An older <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/should-you-replace-your-roof-or-sell-as-is\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roof<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with missing, curling, or damaged shingles.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC equipment that is aging, poorly maintained, or struggling to heat and cool the home evenly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdated electrical panels, wiring, or other electrical components.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older plumbing or signs of leaks and corrosion.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing maintenance records or little documentation about past repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-fresh-paint-or-patchwork-in-suspicious-places-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Fresh paint or patchwork in suspicious places&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cosmetic updates can make a home feel fresh and move-in ready, but buyers shouldn&#8217;t let them distract from the property&#8217;s overall condition. During a showing, take a moment to compare finishes throughout each room and note anything that looks recently repaired or inconsistent with the surrounding surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cInside, buyers should look for a single wall with fresh paint or obvious patch work that is newer than everything around it,\u201d says Derek Earley at <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/stagingoc.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staging OC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThese may be attempts to cover damage or an unpleasant odor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Look around for:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/choosing-paint-color-for-your-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paint colors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or textures that don&#8217;t match.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven surfaces or visible patches.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peeling, bubbling, or warped areas.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repairs concentrated around windows, ceilings, or exterior walls.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice an area that seems unusual, ask about the repair and have your inspector investigate it during the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection-checklist\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-strong-fragrances-or-too-many-air-fresheners-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Strong fragrances or too many air fresheners&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home that smells overwhelmingly fresh can be worth a closer look. While scents may simply be part of the seller\u2019s cleaning routine, unusually strong fragrances throughout the property can sometimes indicate an attempt to cover up a lingering odor or another issue.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen house hunting, there are a few red flags I always tell my buyers to watch for. A home that smells overly fresh or has an unusual number of air fresheners running is one of them,\u201d states Corina Lessa, president of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamparealtors.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cSometimes it is innocent, but strong fragrances can also be masking pet odors, smoke, or moisture problems underneath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Pay attention to:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air fresheners or plug-ins in nearly every room.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong candles, sprays, or other fragrances.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noticeably different smells from room to room.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musty, smoky, pet, or damp odors underneath the fragrance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-the-home-was-previously-under-contract-and-returned-to-the-market\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. The home was previously under contract and returned to the market<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home returning to the market after going under contract isn&#8217;t necessarily a sign that something is wrong, but it is worth finding out why the previous deal fell through. Financing, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-appraisal-process\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appraisal issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, inspection findings, or disagreements over repairs can all cause a contract to end, so ask the listing agent for more details before making an offer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Ask questions such as:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why did the previous contract fall through?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did the buyer complete a home inspection?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Were any major repairs or issues identified?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did financing or the appraisal play a role?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has the seller made any repairs or changes since the previous listing?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-renovations-that-may-not-have-been-permitted\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Renovations that may not have been permitted<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A beautifully renovated home can be appealing, but buyers should find out whether <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-improvement-projects-that-add-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">major improvements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were completed with the proper permits. Unpermitted work can create safety, financing, insurance, and resale concerns, so it&#8217;s worth verifying the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-do-i-need-a-building-permit\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home&#8217;s permit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> history before closing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo not let a beautifully updated surface distract you from the basics,\u201d declares Corina Lessa at Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS. \u201cWater stains, cracks, an aging roof or HVAC system, or renovations that may have skipped permits are all things a licensed inspector should be checking during your due diligence period.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Some things to inquire about:&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finished <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-value-does-a-finished-basement-add\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">basements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, attics, or garages that appear to have been converted into living space.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additions or newly enclosed rooms that don&#8217;t appear in property records.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent electrical, plumbing, structural, or HVAC work with no permit documentation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renovations that look significantly newer than the rest of the home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-8-a-home-that-looks-like-a-rushed-flip\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. A home that looks like a rushed flip<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recently <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/renovating-a-house-checklist\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">renovated home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> isn&#8217;t automatically a bad investment, but buyers should look beyond the new finishes to determine whether the work was done thoughtfully. Rushed renovations can prioritize cosmetic updates while leaving older systems or underlying problems untouched, making a professional inspection especially important.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBe wary of homes that appear to have been quickly flipped with cosmetic updates,\u201d states Liz Rossof at Denver Nook. \u201cBe sure your agent and inspector know how to see the difference between a fix and flip, and a fix and flop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Don\u2019t overlook:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New finishes paired with an aging roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical system.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven flooring, sloppy grout, or misaligned cabinets.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doors, drawers, or fixtures that don&#8217;t sit or operate properly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing information about what was renovated, who completed the work, or whether permits were obtained.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-home-buying-red-flags-to-keep-in-mind-before-you-buy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home buying red flags to keep in mind before you buy<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spotting home buying <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/house-hunting-red-flags\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">red flags<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> early can help you avoid costly surprises and make a more confident purchase. With a thorough inspection, thoughtful questions, and guidance from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trusted professionals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can look beyond a home\u2019s surface and make an informed decision about whether it\u2019s the right fit for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying a home is a major investment, so knowing the home buying red flags to watch for can help you make a more informed decision. While fresh paint, stylish staging, and updated finishes can make a property feel move-in ready, they may also distract from costly issues hiding underneath the surface. In this Redfin guide, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":821,"featured_media":111116,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34529,34617],"coauthors":[36435],"class_list":["post-113066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-faq","tag-home-buying-process"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>8 Home Buying Red Flags to Watch For | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for a home? 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