If you are in the market to buy a house for you and your family, you are bound to be excited about the prospect in looking over different potential houses. The house-buying process can be a bit overwhelming if you spot problems that have been covered up by the previous homeowners. Here are some tips you can use when you look at homes to purchase to help divulge hidden damage or information, allowing you to ask for a price reduction. 

Make An Impromptu Visit To The Neighborhood

It is likely you will be scheduled to look at a home during a time of the day when it is known the least number of neighbors are in the vicinity. This will aid in making the home desirable to prospective buyers. Ask the real estate agent if they are aware of any problems in the neighborhood. If there is crime information listed through local police departments or courthouses, this should be divulged to you during your visit. If you do not ask, the real estate agent is not likely to spill the beans about others in the area. Consider driving past the home at a time when others in the neighborhood are home. This will help in giving you an indication of whether there is a problem in the area you should stay away from.

Be Aware Of Pleasing Scents Inside Of The Home

Most sellers will go out of their way to do a cleaning session within the home to help make it attractive to those taking a look inside. Along with cleaning, scented candles, fragrant oils, or plug-in air fresheners may be used. While the use of scented items are sure to please those who smell them, they may be hiding a problem. Search the areas where scented products are used to see if you notice any areas of mold lurking on walls or underneath carpeting. A plumbing problem may be hidden with a throw rug and a scented product to make it less likely buyers will notice damage.

Question New Carpeting Or Wall Coverings

Some sellers will try to hide damaged areas in a home with the installation of new carpeting, paint, or wallpaper. A tell-tale sign that a home has a large problem is if an entire structure has the same type of carpeting or wall covering throughout. This is a quick fix that a buyer uses to make a home feel fresh and new when there is underlying damage afoot. 

By doing these things, you can make sure you are purchasing a home that is safe and sanitary for your family.