So you’re thinking of buying a new house? Congrats, that’s a big step!

But before you sign on the dotted line, you’ve gotta make sure you’re not getting ripped off. Because let me tell you, some real estate agents like to slip a fire damaged homes by you.  It’s not always obvious to the untrained eye, but it can cost you a fortune in repairs down the line.

So, let me share with you my top five secrets to identifying hidden fire damage in homes before you buy.

The smell test.

This one’s a no-brainer. If the house smells like smoke, it’s probably got fire damage. But don’t just take my word for it, use your own nose! If you smell something smokey, ask the seller about it. If they’re being shady or if they are trying to avoid thee questions, that’s a red flag right there and implies that there might be some previous fire damage that they’re trying to hide.

Check the attic and crawl space.

These are the areas that are often overlooked during detailed inspections, but they can give you valuable information about the home’s history.

Look for water damage, smoke, or soot. If you find anything suspicious, make sure to ask the seller about it.

Check the electrical systems.

A fire can do some serious damage to electrical wiring. Make sure everything is up to code and in good condition. Frayed wires, exposed wiring, and signs of overheating are all red flags.

Recent renovations or repairs.

If the house has recently undergone renovations or repairs, you need to ask the seller about the implict reason for them.  Sometimes, these renovations are a cover-up for fire damage (really!). It’s important to get to the bottom of it before you make an offer. It’s just like rehabbing a house in phoenix az.

Trust your gut.

At the end of the day, you know what feels right and what doesn’t. If something about the house just doesn’t sit well with you, don’t ignore it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.  Because buying a house is a huge investment and you deserve to get what you pay for.

So, use these 5 tips as a guide, but don’t be afraid to ask questions and trust your instincts. Because nothing beats a gut feeling, you know?