Buying a home always comes with inherent risks. You really never know what you’re truly inheriting without a thorough inspection. That’s exactly why buyers are encouraged to hire a home inspector to scope out the property that they have put an offer on. This will allow you to make sure there’s nothing seriously wrong with it that could pose a danger or force you to incur extra expenses.

When you’re on the prowl for a new home, be sure to pay attention to specific hazards that could compromise the health and safety of you and your family.

1. Asbestos

Not necessarily a material that you should be concerned about when buying a newer home, asbestos is still a hazard that continues to exist in older homes.

Asbestos was widely used in home construction decades ago because it is a very effective and affordable fire-retardant material. It’s also known to be a thermal and acoustic insulator. But as convenient as asbestos may have been years ago, it has been found to be linked to a number of health conditions, including mesothelioma.

Many household components may contain asbestos, including siding, roofing, insulation, floor tiles, wall plaster, textured paint, popcorn ceilings, and patching compounds. Although the use of asbestos was banned in 1977, it might still be present in older homes.

Sellers are required to disclose the known presence of asbestos in a home they’re selling, but it’s still possible that they may not be aware of its presence. It’s helpful to have a trained professional scope out the home in great detail and even have certain components tested for the presence of asbestos.

2. Lead

Another environmental hazard that can be found in homes is lead. Most often, this poisonous metal is present in paint, but it can also be found in soil or dust as well. While newer homes will not likely have any lead in it, older homes are more cause for concern.

Long-term exposure to lead paint can lead to nervous system conditions. Young children and pets – who are more likely to put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t – may be in particular danger from lead paint. That said, lead can also be ingested through inhalation, though fumes are more likely during construction.

3. Radon

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas, making it impossible to detect without being tested. This gas has been shown to potentially cause cancer, which is why it’s important to rule out the presence of radon in any home.

This naturally-occurring gas is usually found in soil and can make its way into a home without homeowners even knowing that they’re exposed. It can enter a home through cracks and crevices very easily and seep into the interior air for all to breathe in. Areas that are near water sources and wells are often more susceptible to being exposed to radon, so these areas should also be checked out.

4. Unfenced Pools

Swimming pools are common amenities in residential homes across California. But pools that are not equipped with the proper safety protocols – including a safety fence – can prove to be a safety hazard.

Small children and pets are particularly at risk for accidental falls into swimming pools, which is why fences are typically required to protect them.

Not only are fences around swimming pools a great idea, but they’re also required by law. There are rules governing how close the fence must be to the pool, as well as how high it should be to prevent unwarranted access to the pool.

There are also regulations that dictate the gate of entry, including which direction it should open and how far from the ground the locking or latching device should be. It’s important that you check with your specific jurisdiction to see what the laws are to make sure you’re in compliance should you buy a home with a pool. 

5. Faulty Stairs

Older homes may have stairs that not as safe as they should be and may not adhere to current building codes and standards. For starters, stairways should be properly lit to provide enough light for people to see where they’re going.

Further, the spacing between the railings should not have gaps that are too wide that a small child could fit through. In addition, the handrails should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the weight of a person who is holding onto to them.

Slips and falls on staircases are a common occurrence that often warrants trips to the ER, so it’s important that the stairs in the home you’re checking out are in sturdy shape. If not, repairs will be required.

6. Old Electrical Wiring

Old homes that have never had their electrical wiring and panels updated could be a hazard. In fact, you might find that your insurance company may not provide you with homeowner’s insurance – which is needed to get a mortgage – if the electrical wiring is out of date.

Outdated wiring can pose a fire hazard, which is why any old wiring should be dealt with. Signs of a faulty electrical system include frequent power outages, sparks at outlets, sizzling sounds, burning smells, flickering lights, damaged insulation, and warm switches.

Further, if the electrical panel has fuses or circuit breakers that are rated higher than the currents allow, this could also pose a danger. In this case, the panel will need to be upgraded.

7. Pests

Termites are a huge problem in a home, as they can compromise the integrity of the home’s structure. Not only do termites cause structural damage to a home, but they also pose a potential danger to the home’s occupants. Other pests, such as rodents, can create an unsanitary environment.

Look out for obvious signs of pest infestation, such as chew marks in wood, droppings, and damaged wiring. If there is a potential pest infestation, an exterminator should be called in to scope out the home in great detail and deal with the issue accordingly.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home is a huge financial commitment, so you want to make sure that what you’re buying is a sound investment. Not only do you want to avoid spending more money fixing issues in the home, but you’ll also want to keep your family safe from any potential hazards. Be on the lookout for issues like these and have a home inspector and other professionals check out the home in greater detail before signing on the dotted line.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: It’s time to make your New Year’s Eve plans! Join TUKO Cantina for a rockin’ NYE party! There will be a hosted bar from 8 to 9 pm, DJs spinning tunes, complimentary party favors, and delicious tacos by Executive Chef Chris de la Cueva! Early bird tickets are just $20 and general admission tickets are $25. Get yours here before they sell out!

Lakeview: Celebrate the holiday season at Gallagher Way, just steps away from Wrigley Field! There are so many holiday activities to enjoy. Try ice skating on the outdoor rink! This family-friendly rink is the perfect way to celebrate the season and is free for anyone under 12 years old. Skate with Santa on Thursdays through December 20 from 4:30 to 6:40 pm. Have you always wanted to learn how to curl? Learn to Curl classes are available from January 8-10 and 22-24. Each date has three evening sessions with room for 16 curlers per session. Classes cost $50 and include a beverage of your choice from Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville. To learn about all the holiday programming available at Gallagher Way, click here.

Lincoln Park: Tapster wants to celebrate their first Christmas in the neighborhood while spreading some holiday cheer! On Sunday, December 16 from 1-4 pm, Tapster will be getting a visit from the big guy himself… Santa! Santa will be around for free pictures with your kiddos, while you kick back and relax with a holiday beverage. Find out more here.

Edgewater: Want to get a little crafty this holiday season? Check out the Mandalas on Vinyl Records Class at Steep Theatre on Sunday, December 30. Learn easy techniques to mandala drawing or create your own style as you design your own vintage vinyl record. All record making supplies will be provided and there is no need for prior drawing experience. Find more information here.

Chicago Loop: Celebrate NYE in style at the trendy W Chicago- City Center! Hop from room to room with multiple party areas, enjoy an all-inclusive package featuring top shelf drinks, buffets, champagne, party favors, midnight celebrations, and more! If you’re feeling really fancy, take an elevator home with discounted rooms starting at just $169 per night. General admission tickets are $125 for a 4.5 hour all inclusive premium package. VIP tickets are $145 for a 5.5 hour all inclusive top shelf package. Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss out, buy yours here now.

Evanston: Join The Celtic Knot Public House for a very special holiday storytelling event. On Saturday, December 15 at 2 pm, join Greg Weiss for a one man reading of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Moira’s Afternoon Tea will be served during intermission! Tickets are $25 per person and advance reservations are strongly recommended. One half of the ticket price will be donated to the Forrest E. Powell Foundation, an Evanston based organization with a mission to help people work to achieve their dreams. Click here for more information.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

This week took me to my first ever Jewish deli! Steingold’s of Chicago is located at 1840 W. Irving Park Rd., just steps away from the Irving Park brown line. The space is gorgeous, with white subway tile, colored chalkboard menus, and ample seating. We came in on a Saturday around 11:30 am and it was hopping! The restaurant is counter service, so as we ordered, the manager told us it would be about 20 minutes before our food came out. The menu is divided into sections: Bagels, Breakfast Sandwiches, Cold Sandwiches, Hot Sandwiches, Nosh, Soups & Salads, Sides, and Sweets. After much deliberation, I finally decided on the Grandma Rachel under the Hot Sandwiches: roasted turkey, pickled coleslaw, havarti cheese, and Russian dressing on challah bread. This was absolutely delicious. I love anything pickled and the coleslaw was wonderful. All the flavors perfectly complemented each other. The sandwich had great texture too- rich, thick bread, hearty turkey, melty cheese, and creamy dressing. We knew we had to try an order of the Latkes, served with labneh (strained yogurt that has the consistency of soft cheese) and apple sauce. These were fantastic! The latkes were seasoned so well and fried to perfection. I loved both sauces- I couldn’t tell you which was my favorite, they each complemented the crispy potato pancakes so well! My dad ordered a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese breakfast sandwich on a house-made Everything bagel. This is not your traditional breakfast sausage. The sausage almost has the texture of a hot dog, but it is flat, thick, salty, and delicious. The cheese was perfectly melted and the house-made bagel was delightful. My mom ordered Nanna’s Matzo Ball Soup. I had never had matzo ball soup and it was marvelous! The broth was so rich and delicious and the matzo ball was out of this world. I can’t wait to come back and try other things here!

Steingold’s is available for delivery, pickup, and catering. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 8 am to 8 pm; Fridays through Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm. Find more about this delicious spot here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

During the holidays, it’s hard for homeowners to resist adorning their homes in festive decor. The garland, wreaths, lights, and holly can bring out the cheer in just about anyone, and many homeowners take full advantage of this season to bring out the best in their homes.

While some homeowners may be subtle in their Christmas decor, others might go way overboard and channel National Lampoon in their choice of holiday decor. But when your home is on the market, choosing your holiday decor wisely is important. Although you want your home to be festive, you also don’t want to turn prospective buyers off.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your holiday decorating while still appealing to the tastes of buyers this season.

1. Be Careful With Curb Appeal

You might have your favorite blow-up Santa lawn ornament or have a tendency to overdo it with Christmas lights, but this holiday season, resist the urge to be too eclectic with your choice in outdoor decor. You want to be festive, but you also don’t want to turn buyers off. What may be aesthetically pleasing to some may be tacky to others.

When it comes to your holiday decor, err on the side of caution. Rather than go crazy with the exterior lights and lawn ornaments, focus on a select few items that will still make your home look festive but in a much more tasteful way. For instance, a few shrubs and trees strung with lights and a lovely wreath hanging on your front door are usually all that’s needed.

2. Go Easy on the Indoors

Just like your exterior, your interior should be just as tasteful when it comes to holiday decorating. The traditional home staging philosophy of “less is more” staging should still ring true during the holiday season, so make sure not to go too overboard with your decorations.

A Christmas tree, garland along the handrail, bowls of holly and pinecones, and vases of silver and gold ornaments aren’t overly invasive, but still bring out the holiday cheer in a home that just about any buyer would appreciate.

3. Go Easy on the Colors

Traditional holiday colors like green, red, silver, and gold are staples during this time of year, but other colors have made their way into holiday decor over the years. These days, it’s not uncommon to see hues of pink, blue, and purple make their way into holiday decor.

While these colors might suit some homes, they don’t necessarily go with the color palette of others. If the color theme of your chosen holiday decor significantly clashes with your home’s year-round decor, you might be doing your home’s esthetics a disservice. Instead, consider every room’s color palette and stick with elements that go with it.

4. Accentuate Your Home’s Positive Features

No matter what time of the year it may be, it’s always important to highlight the positive things about your home. That’s one of the cardinal rules of professional home staging, and it applies even with holiday decor. Whenever possible, use your opportunity to accentuate specific components of your home that buyers would find appealing.

Whether it’s your home’s magnificent fireplace, ornate wainscoting, or a prize hutch in your dining room, you can use your holiday decorations to accent these features. Just be sure not to go so far with your decor that you actually camouflage them and take the attention away from them.

5. Make Good Use of Lighting

Lights are part and parcel of holiday decorating, so you definitely don’t want to leave this element behind this season. And when it comes to home staging, lighting plays a crucial role. Illuminating your entire home is an absolute must.

In fact, it’s generally recommended to leave all lights on – including those in closets and under kitchen cabinets – before you leave the home for a showing to take place so buyers are greeted by a well-lit home. Not only does proper lighting help buyers see what they need to see, it can also be used to put the spotlight on the best features of your home.

6. Avoid Religious Decor

Many religious events are celebrated during the holiday season, but not everyone necessarily shares the same one. While your home is on the market, you should try to avoid leaning towards Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or any other religious event when it comes to your decor. Religion has a unique way of alienating people, and that’s definitely not something you want to do when you’re trying to attract as many buyers as possible.

7. Fill Your Home With Sweet Scents

Apple cider, peppermint, cinnamon, clovers, and gingerbread are all scents that are reminiscent of the holiday season. Light a few scented candles around your home that give off these wonderful aromas to please the sense of smell.

The Bottom Line

The holidays are an interesting time to list and sell your home. With the appropriate decorating strategy and a sound marketing plan, there’s no reason why you can’t give yourself the gift of a successful sale this holiday season.