(Red Flags) How To Spot a BAD HOUSE in 60 Seconds!

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Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/fobp5NyIL48

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Thinking about buying in Huntington Beach or Orange County? Start your journey here: www.jebsmith.net/start

The Ultimate 60-Second Home Inspection Checklist for Orange County Buyers

When you’re buying a home in Huntington Beach or anywhere in Orange County, you’re not just buying square footage. You’re buying into a lifestyle, a community, and most importantly, a long-term investment. One bad decision can cost you thousands in repairs and months of stress.

That’s why you need to know how to spot red flags fast. As a real estate agent who's walked through thousands of homes across Southern California, I’ve developed a system that helps my clients see what matters most in the first 60 seconds of a showing.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to identifying the warning signs of a bad property before you fall in love with the quartz countertops or open-concept layout.

1. Street Parking = Neighborhood Health Check

• Is there street parking available?
• What day/time are you visiting?

If it's a weekday afternoon and street parking is nonexistent, that’s a red flag. It could signal:

• Multigenerational households crammed into single-family homes
• Overcrowding or illegal garage conversions
• Limited guest parking for future gatherings

2. Roof: The Most Expensive Wild Card

• Shiny patches (deterioration)
• Multiple layers of shingles?
• Cracked or worn ridge caps

Pro Tip: Ask if the roof was replaced before solar panels were installed.

3. Exterior Wood & Stucco: Deferred Maintenance Red Flags

• Trim/fascia board rot
• Peeling paint or water stains
• Jagged, deep cracks in stucco = potential foundation issue

4. Foundation, Fencing & Flatwork

• Leaning/broken fences (shared = shared cost)
• Cracked or sloping walkways or patios

5. Trees, Roots & Sewer Risk

• Roots near the foundation?
• Visible sewer cleanout damage?
• Lawn slopes toward the home?

6. Air Conditioner & Water Heater Check

• AC condenser rusted or dirty?
• Water heater age (check sticker)

7. Swimming Pool? Look Closer.

• Cracks in pool coping/decking
• Worn plaster or outdated equipment

8. The Vibe Test: Gut Check at the Front Door

Walk in and ask: "Am I trying to convince myself this is the one?"

• Sloped floors?
• Soft spots?
• Golf ball rolls? May indicate a foundation issue

9. Windows, Cabinets & Plumbing

• Foggy windows = failed seals
• Mold or water damage under sinks
• Original or replaced furnace?

10. Flips & Remodels: Pretty ≠ Quality

• Misaligned cabinetry
• Sloppy caulking or trim gaps
• Poor craftsmanship

11. Ask Questions. Then Ask More.

• Ask about permits and disclosures
• Ask your agent, seller, and even the city

12. Scout the Neighborhood Like a Detective

• Visit morning, noon, and night
• Compare weekdays vs. weekends
• Check for noise, parking, general upkeep

Avoiding Money Pits in Orange County

Your goal isn’t to find a perfect house—it’s to avoid an expensive mistake.

• Older homes with aging systems
• Competitive markets where skipping inspections is tempting
• OC weather that wears down exteriors fast

Need a local expert? Start your journey here:
👉 www.jebsmith.net/start

And don’t miss the full video breakdown:
👉 https://youtu.be/fobp5NyIL48

Red Flags You’ve Spotted?
Drop your stories in the comments to help future buyers.