House

Horizontal foundation cracks aren't always as problematic as they first appear, and you may not have to pass on purchasing a house with them as a result. The determining factor is whether the cracks are cosmetic, such as the ones from concrete shrinkage, or more severe. Requiring the seller to repair the cracks before the sale may also be an option. Another choice might be to have a professional diagnose the situation before the purchase to learn what repairs are necessary.

Termite damage isn’t always a deal breaker when buying a house, but don’t dismiss it. If that’s the case, you should hire a professional termite inspection to understand the extent of the damage, type of termite, state of repairs, and whether the infestation is gone.

If the termites are gone and the current owners repaired the damage, you might want to proceed. You may even be able to use the damage as a bargaining point. However, don’t forget that home insurance policies often don’t cover termite treatment or repairs and active infestations are tricky to shift.

Unless it’s written into the purchase agreement, there’s no legal obligation that a house you’ve bought has to be clean before you move in. The previous owner is generally required to sweep the house, but that doesn’t guarantee everything will be spotless upon your arrival. If possible, discuss the cleaning requirements with the real estate company before moving in.