That fresh paint smell might be covering a very expensive problem
Let’s face it — a beautifully remodeled home is hard to resist.
Everything looks brand new. The paint is fresh. The countertops sparkle. It feels like you just walked into an HGTV reveal.
But here’s what we want every buyer — especially first-time buyers — to understand:
A shiny remodel can be more dangerous than an older, worn-out house… because it hides its flaws.
It Looks New… But Is It Really Fixed?
Flipped homes — or freshly remodeled properties — are usually purchased by investors or sellers looking to clean up the house and sell it for a profit. And while some do a great job and make thoughtful, high-quality updates, many others take a very different approach:
- Patch it. Paint it. Sell it fast.
These homes are designed to look amazing on the surface — but what’s underneath can be a totally different story.
Red Flags to Watch for in Flips
- Fresh Paint Everywhere? That’s not always a good sign.
Fresh paint isn’t “how nice” — it’s often “what are they hiding?” Special products like Kilz can literally seal over water stains, pet damage, even mold. You won’t see the problem… until it comes back. - New Carpet? Great — but what’s under it?
Many flips are hiding subfloor issues, pet urine damage (especially from cats), or moisture problems. You won’t know until it’s too late — and the smell starts creeping back. - New HVAC “working fine”?
Some flippers throw in a hard start kit to force an aging AC to run long enough to pass inspection — buying the buyer just one more year of “functionality” before a full system replacement is needed. - Vanilla or “pleasant” smells in the home?
Believe it or not, some flippers mix vanilla extract into paint or use heavy air fresheners to disguise lingering odors from moisture, pets, or mold. - Under the sinks or in cabinets:
Look for signs of water damage, old repairs, or rot. These areas often get the least attention during a cosmetic remodel.
Why These Homes Require More Inspection — Not Less
You might think a newly remodeled home doesn’t need a deep inspection — everything looks so new and nice!
But this is exactly when you need to be the most cautious.
Many flippers are working on tight margins and want to spend as little as possible. That often means:
- Cheap materials
- Quick cosmetic fixes
- Minimal structural or mechanical repair
- Skipping permits or inspections
Looks can be deceiving, and a good flipper knows how to make things look amazing while doing the bare minimum under the surface.
What You Should Do If You’re Considering a Flip
- Hire the best home inspector you can find — someone with experience inspecting flips and remodeled homes.
- Be suspicious of anything that looks “too perfect.”
- Look at past sale history — if it sold 3–6 months ago, it’s likely a flip. Ask what was done.
- Check permits — were electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes properly permitted and inspected?
- Talk to neighbors if possible — they may know the home’s backstory.
House Karma’s Take
We’re not saying every flipped home is bad.
Some are truly well-done and can be a great opportunity — if they were remodeled properly and transparently.
But we’ve seen far too many buyers fall in love with the surface and wind up paying for what’s underneath months later.
That’s why at House Karma, we always recommend a deep inspection, especially on any property that’s been freshly remodeled. Our Concierge Team can help connect you with independent inspectors who won’t just rubber-stamp a sale — they’ll dig in and tell you the truth.
Bottom Line
If the house looks “brand new,” ask yourself why — and what may be hidden beneath the surface.
Fresh paint and new fixtures can be lipstick on a money pit.
So enjoy the clean look — but inspect like a detective.
At House Karma, we’ve seen behind the curtain — and we’ll help you see it too.
