Trouble in Paradise: Pitfalls of Buying an Existing Home

By James J. Cloud

Every year, millions of existing homes are bought and sold across the United States.

Most buyers spend months searching for the perfect home with a renovated kitchen, in a quiet neighborhood, and near great schools. Few spend enough time looking for the problems that may be lurking behind the walls or beneath the floors that could turn their dream home into a costly surprise.

Construction defects, hidden repairs, dated systems, code violations, and unpermitted work are not anomalies. These problems are found in everyday homes, often only discovered after the paperwork is signed and the money has changed hands.

Inside this book, you'll learn what to look for before you buy:

Structural and foundation issues that are easy to miss
Roofing, plumbing, and electrical red flags
Code violations and unpermitted work that become your problem after closing
How to evaluate pools, HVAC systems, and aging infrastructure
Which professionals to hire and what questions to ask them
How to protect yourself legally and financially before signing

James J. Cloud is a Florida Certified General Contractor, ICC-certified building inspector, licensed real estate broker, and construction expert witness who has inspected hundreds of homes and evaluated and repaired construction defects, building code violations, and contractor failures across Florida. He holds thirteen professional licenses and certifications across construction, real estate, and building inspection, along with a bachelor's degree in Construction Management and a master's in International Real Estate, both from Florida International University. His career includes large-scale developments such as Miami Worldcenter, Hard Rock Stadium, and The Plaza Coral Gables, and he continues a family construction legacy that began in 1972.

He wrote this book so you can avoid learning these lessons the hard way after signing on the dotted line.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or purchasing a second home or vacation property, this book gives you the knowledge to protect your time and your investment.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HKLT7Q35
• ISBN13: 9798995285434
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Cloud Design Build LLC
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.0"