Frequent Sales, Red Flag? (for sale, insurance, house)

[serendipity418]

I am looking at a listing that looks promising, but it has changed hands 3 times in the last 10 years and is now up for sale again.

It also looks like the current owners put it on the market just 17 months after they bought it in 2011. They removed that listing and then put it on (and removed it again) last Summer.

Now they're newly back on the market for a third time.

There must be something wrong with the house right? Is there any way to find out if it's something a normal inspection would not find? (e.g., bad neighbors or just bad juju?)

[MikePRU]

Sometimes it could be a problem with the house and sometimes it can just be a confluence of circumstances. I find some homes are "starter" homes and they turn over often because they are smaller and the owners often look to upgrade after only living there a short time. I've also seen where a particular house seems to attract people who are often relocated by their company. So, it changes ownership frequently.

My point is, there are plenty of reasons why a house changes hands frequently that will not impact your use and enjoyment of the property should you become the owner. Do your due diligence and research the property if you are that concerned. Hang out on the street and quiz some neighbors. Perhaps go to the building department to see if building permits have been filed for insurance claims. There's plenty you can do, but in this market you don't have too much time to get it done.

[serendipity418]

Thank you, Mike! If we decide to pursue it, I guess we'll be knocking on some doors.