Houses deteriorate with age and can develop a variety of defects, many of which are indiscernible at first glance. For homeowners, it's essential to identify these flaws prior to pricing your home, when you still have the opportunity to complete all needed repairs. Following are 5 common problems that can impact a home's selling price.  

Prior to selling a home, look closely for the following flaws.

1. Mold: Mold can pose a serious health hazard, particularly if left unchecked. While many homes develop minor mold problems, mold spores in large quantities can trigger respiratory problems in humans and pets, including asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Mold thrives in damp environments. If you notice wet patches on your ceiling, walls, carpet, or floorboards, the existence of mold is inevitable.

 2. Polybutylene Piping: Piping constructed with polybutylene is known to have an adverse reaction with oxidants in water. This reaction causes the piping to deteriorate, in turn creating leaks and water damage. As a result, this piping can compromise the integrity of the house, causing the value to decline considerably. Only houses built between the years of 1978 and 1995 utilize this piping, as it has since been banned in numerous states and municipalities due to a number of class action lawsuits against its manufacturers.

3. Illegal Property Alterations: With the do-it-yourself community growing in popularity, many homeowners independently tackle major home renovation projects. Unfortunately, a lot of people do these renovations without considering the legality of the alterations and fail to obtain the necessary permits. Houses that contain illegal renovations are less valuable, as it then becomes the new owner's responsibility to remedy these errors.  

4. Defective Foundations: Defective foundations can create hazardous living conditions for residents by compromising the structural integrity of the home. Additionally, cracked foundations allow water to enter the foundation, which makes the home more susceptible to water damage, mildew, and mold growth. If you suspect the foundation of your home is compromised, hire a professional to assess and repair the damage prior to selling.

A professional can evaluate the integrity of the foundation and document any needed repairs.

5. Zoning Issues: Many homeowners ignore zoning issues when building on their property, which can create complications when it's time to sell the house. One of the most common zoning issues pertains to perimeter fences partially extending into neighboring properties. Though it may seem trivial to both you and your neighbors, even minor zoning issues can pose significant problems.

Click here to learn about other factors that can affect the selling price of a home.