Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/870128
Another on the block looks shabby. A neighbor's negligence can detract from your own home's curb appeal and sink its resale value. Ideally, everyone on the block should have the same standards for maintaining the yard, keeping the exterior paint fresh and tidying the front of the house. If there's a black sheep on the block ask about it. Hopefully the condition is just temporary, but better to know up front. The house practically shares a yard with a school. People with kids love being near a school, but there is such as thing as too near—e.g., right next door, or across the street. Even if you don't mind daily bells and playground noise there is likely to be traffic at the drop off and pick up times. Plus a school-adjacent setting could limit prospective buyers (those without children) if you want to sell later. The basement smells musky. A dank odor isn't always a problem, but if the basement smells, ask the owners if they have had a mold issue and if a reputable company has been involved with handling the issue. If so, you'll want to see the certificate as proof. If they haven't had the basement tested, have a mold specialist check whether there is any growth and if so, whether it's toxic. It can cost thousands of dollars to rid just one part of a house of mold, so know what you are getting into. House Hunting Red Flags Eight warn ing signs that could spell trouble no matter where you live 1 2 3