Should I Buy This House?
17 flags — green, yellow, red. The exact framework HomeScore walks buyers through before they write an offer in 2026.
Interactive decision checklist
Already have the inspection?
Upload the PDF. HomeScore maps every finding to a flag color + a recommended action — usually inside 5 minutes.
Frequently asked
How do I know if a house is worth buying?+
Run the 17-flag checklist on this page — green, yellow, red. A house worth buying has most green flags, a manageable number of yellow flags (negotiable or budgetable), and zero red flags. Any one of the 7 red flags should pause the deal until a specialist clears it.
What are the red flags when buying a house?+
Seven non-negotiables in 2026: recalled electrical panel (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Pushmatic, Challenger), active foundation movement, buried oil tank, unpermitted additions, multiple insurance non-renewals, active leaks or flooding, and large visible mold. Any one requires a specialist before contingency expires.
Should I buy a house that needs major repairs?+
Only if (1) repair scope is fully scoped by licensed contractors with written bids, (2) repair cost + purchase price still beats comparable homes, (3) you have 1.5× the repair budget in cash, and (4) you can live in the house during repairs (or have temporary housing). Most buyers underestimate repair scope by 40–60%.
How long should I think about whether to buy a house?+
From first showing to written offer: 24–72 hours in a normal market, same-day in hot markets. Inside the inspection contingency you get 7–14 more days to fully decide. Use them — that's the most important diligence window in the entire process.
When should I walk away from buying a house?+
Walk when (1) red flags can't be resolved inside the contingency, (2) repair scope exceeds 15% of purchase price with no price flexibility, (3) insurance can't be obtained at standard rates, or (4) the inspection reveals something that materially differs from the disclosure. Walking is cheap inside the contingency. Walking after is expensive.