The last thing a buyer wants to happen after signing a mortgage is to find the their new dream home has foundation issues or another costly repair that derails their move-in plans. These issues can be largely avoided if buyers are prepared to address potential property problems before they buy a home. Shoppers who are interested in a property can hire an inspector to pinpoint problems, and may be able to have the seller fix these issues before moving in or negotiate a better price for the home.

Whichever option a home buyer chooses, it’s important to be aware of repair needs before signing a contract. There are several areas adults should look for when shopping for their dream home.

The foundation of a home is one of the first areas home buyers should examine, primarily because this type of repair can be costly. My husband and I ended up walking away from a great home this year because it had so many vertical cracks in the foundation and our counsel advised us against making the purchase.

During the home staging, home buyers should examine the basement and exterior of the house carefully for cracks in the stone or drywall, especially around windows and doors. In addition to foundation problems, shoppers should also check the home carefully for water damage. Individuals may be able to spot this type of damage in basements, especially if there was a leak, as well as bathrooms and kitchen. A musty odor in a basement can also indicate water damage.

Adults should check under sinks and behind toilets. Buyers are looking for brown or white stains on the walls or near pipes that may suggest mold, which can be potentially toxic.

Older homes can be beautiful and grandiose, but the electric wiring inside the house may be old or out of date, which can cause safety and fire issues. Buyers should consider hiring an electrician to determine what type of wiring older homes have, according to MSN. For instance, some older properties built in the early 1900s may come with knob-and-tube wires, which can pose safety problems if they were tampered with by previous homeowners, the news source explains.

In addition, buyers should also inspect the property’s HVAC systems to determine if they look outdated or appear to be functioning at a poor pace. Buyers should examine vents as well to see if they are properly connected and hire a professional if needed.