When shopping for a new home, it’s important to take the open house very seriously in order to ensure the house is up to code or to discover what hidden flaws the house may have.

An article in the Huffington Post outlined 10 red flags to watch for before purchasing a home.

Although not all the flags are game changers, such as a popcorn ceilings, they are good things to be aware of since they could lead to extra repair costs.

Popcorn ceilings are not the worst problem to have, but they will need to be addressed. Popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos and other toxic materials, which means you'll need to fork over extra cash to make your new home safe and healthy.

Here’s a preview of the first red flag:

1. Multiple homes for sale in the same area

The house you are looking at might be a perfect fit, but what about the neighborhood? Multiple homes for sale on one street could be a sign that residents aren't happy with the area.

Take a tour of the community and look for signs of a thriving neighborhood, such as well-kept homes, flourishing businesses, and an abundance of sidewalks and streetlights. If you see any neighbors, ask them how long they've lived there and how they like the area. You could learn a lot.

For more tips on buying a home, read "10 tips for first-time homebuyers" or "8 steps to take before buying your first home."