No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:

* Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.
* Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home’s foundation.
* Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home or in the yard.
* Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
* Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.
* Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
* Plumbing problems: Very low water pressure, banging in pipes