Buying your first home is exciting—right up until the house starts talking back. Whether it’s a mysterious drip, a breaker that trips for no reason, or a window that rattles like a haunted maraca, many first-time buyers miss problems that a trained inspector finds immediately. Here are 10 commonly overlooked issues and how YOU can spot them before they become expensive headaches.

1. Minor Foundation Cracks That Aren’t So Minor

Most buyers see a hairline crack and think, “Eh, old house. "Not always. Vertical cracks? Usually minor. Diagonal or stair-step cracks? Those deserve a closer look.

How to spot it: Walk the foundation interior and exterior. Look for:

• Cracks wider than 1/8"

• Bulging walls

• Fresh patches/repairs

2. Hidden Moisture Behind Walls & Ceilings

Moisture is sneaky, silent, and loves to destroy drywall when no one's looking.

Signs to watch for:

• Brown or yellow staining

• Soft drywall or bubbling paint

• Musty smell (your nose is a moisture detector)

3. Outdated Electrical Panels

Federal Pacific, Zinsco, knob-and-tube… these are the “Do Not Pass Go” of electrical systems.

Look for:

• Panel brand labels

• Burn marks

• Double-tapped breakers

• Outdated 60-amp service in older homes

4. DIY Plumbing “Repairs”

If the drain line looks like a Dr. Seuss drawing, run.

Warning signs:

• Flex drain lines

• Mixed materials without proper adapters

• Slow drains

• Fresh silicone smears (aka: the DIY band-aid)

5. Roof Wear You Can’t See From the Ground

From the yard, the shingles look great. From above? A different story.

Check for:

• Granule loss

• Exposed nails

• Curled or missing shingles

• Previous patch jobs

6. Ventilation Problems

Poor attic ventilation leads to moisture, mold, and a short roof lifespan.

Signs to spot:

• Frost in the attic during winter

• Rusted nail tips

• Musty attic smell

• Insulation covering soffit vents

7. Old HVAC Systems on Their Last Lap

A system may “run fine,” but if it’s 20+ years old—budget for replacement.

Clues:

• Rusty furnace cabinet

• Unusual noises

• No maintenance stickers

• Unit older than your first flip phone

8. Improper Grading Around the Home

Water should run away from the foundation, not toward it like it’s trying to move in.

Look for:

• Soil sloping toward the house

• Standing water after rain

• Downspouts dumping at the base of the foundation

9. Aging Windows and Missing Flashing

Drafty windows = higher energy bills AND potential water intrusion.

Signs you can spot:

• Foggy double-pane glass

• Rotted sills

• Loose or missing exterior flashing

• Windows that don’t operate smoothly

10. Unseen Sewer Line Problems

Tree roots, sagging pipes, debris buildup—none of it shows inside the home until it's too late.

Best solution: Get a sewer scope inspection before you buy.(Yes, it can save you thousands.)

Final Thoughts

First-time buyers have enough on their plate without unexpected repairs. A professional home inspection can uncover these hidden issues before they hit your wallet. At One Vision Inspections LLC, we help you “See Your Investment Clearly” so you can buy with confidence—not regrets.