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Summer is one of the most popular seasons for house hunting. The sun is shining, the gardens are in full bloom, and homes often look their best. But while properties may seem more appealing in warm weather, summer showings can sometimes hide underlying issues that are easier to spot during the colder months.
If you’re planning to buy a home in Surrey or anywhere in Canada this summer, here’s how to look beyond the sunshine and spot red flags before making an offer.
1. Check the Basement for Moisture or Mold
Summer can give a false sense of dryness. Just because the basement feels dry now doesn’t mean it stays that way year-round.
Look for:
Water stains or discoloration on the walls or floors
A musty or damp smell
Rust at the bottom of metal support beams or furnace stands
Dehumidifiers running constantly (a sign of ongoing moisture issues)
Tip: Ask the seller if the basement has had water problems during the spring thaw or rainy months.
2. Inspect the Roof—Even on a Clear Day
With no snow or rain to highlight leaks, a roof might look fine on a sunny day. That’s why you need to pay closer attention to signs of wear.
Look for:
Missing, curling, or cracked shingles
Sagging spots or uneven roof lines
Moss growth or clogged gutters
Stains on ceilings inside the home (a sign of previous leaks)
Tip: Ask the age of the roof and request maintenance records if available.
3. Test the HVAC System (Yes, Even the Furnace!)
Most buyers check the air conditioning in summer—but forget to test the furnace or heating system. Don’t wait until winter to find out it’s broken.
Test:
Thermostat responsiveness
Furnace startup (if the seller agrees to it during the showing)
Airflow from vents throughout the home
Tip: Inquire about when the HVAC system was last serviced and if the filters and ducts have been cleaned.
4. Observe Drainage and Grading Around the Property
It’s harder to notice poor drainage in dry weather, but water pooling can cause major foundation damage in fall or spring.
Check for:
Sloped landscaping directing water toward the house
Soil erosion or patches of dead grass near the foundation
Cracks in the driveway or walkways that could trap water
Watermarks on the exterior foundation
Tip: Good grading should slope away from the home. Ask about flooding during rainy seasons.
5. Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts and Seals
Hot weather won’t reveal drafts or heat loss, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore windows and doors.
Check:
If they open, close, and lock properly
For cracked or missing caulking and weather stripping
For signs of fog between double-pane windows (a sign of failed seals)
Tip: New windows can improve energy efficiency and resale value. Note if any are due for replacement.
6. Ask About Seasonal Pests
Summer is also the season when pests like ants, wasps, and rodents are most active—but signs of infestation can be subtle.
Look for:
Chewed wires, droppings, or holes in baseboards (rodents)
Small mounds of dirt near foundations (ants)
Nests in gutters, attics, or exterior vents (wasps or birds)
Tip: Ask if the seller has used pest control services recently and if any warranties or inspections are available.
7. Don’t Be Distracted by Curb Appeal Alone
Summer landscaping is beautiful—but don’t let flowers and green lawns distract you from structural or functional concerns.
Look beyond the cosmetics and inspect:
Cracks in exterior walls or siding
Rotting fence posts or deck boards
Peeling paint or signs of wood rot on window frames or fascia boards
Tip: A well-manicured lawn doesn’t guarantee that the rest of the home is well maintained. Dig deeper.
Final Thoughts: Be a Smart Summer Homebuyer
While summer is an excellent time to buy, it’s also a season where hidden home problems can be overlooked. With a trained eye and the right questions, you can avoid costly surprises down the road.
At Future Assets Group, we guide our buyers through every step of the process—ensuring they know what to look for and when to bring in trusted inspectors for a closer look.
📞 Planning to buy a home this summer? Contact us today for expert guidance and honest insights to help you make the right move.