Most future home buyers say they'd overlook red flags, survey finds
Three in four Americans planning to buy a home within five years say they would overlook red flags in a property – a finding that underscores the role Realtors play in guiding customers through high-stakes decisions.
Buyers stretched by affordability may be more willing to overlook red flags, creating an opportunity for real estate professionals to help customers separate workable compromises from costly risks.
A new Clever Real Estate survey of 1,000 adults who plan to buy within the next five years found that 76% would overlook red flags in a home. The most common reason was a significantly lower asking price, cited by 38% of respondents. Others said seller repair credits or a home warranty would make them more willing to move forward.
The findings point to a practical role for Realtors working with buyers who feel pressure to stay within budget: help them define their true dealbreakers before they fall in love with a house.
Many shoppers said they would consider homes with serious condition concerns if the property otherwise met their criteria. Clever found that 57% would still consider a home with signs of pests, 49% would consider one with mold, water damage or signs of flooding, and 45% would consider a home with major structural issues, such as roof or foundation problems.
That does not mean buyers are careless. If they discovered a major flaw, 39% said they would first seek a professional opinion, while 25% would ask the seller to fix the problem before closing and 19% would negotiate a lower price. Only 12% said they would immediately walk away.
Clever found that more than half of future buyers would consider a home in a flood zone, an area with environmental contamination or a place at high risk of natural disasters if the home otherwise met their needs. This could make inspection strategy, repair estimates and careful offer terms part of the value conversation.
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