Written By Daniel Cobb
How We Determined the Likelihood of a Lemon Home
To determine where homebuyers are most at risk of purchasing a “lemon home,” MovingPlace.com analyzed proprietary property insights from PGM, part of the Porch family of brands. PGM delivers in-depth data on U.S. residential properties, providing a clearer picture of property conditions and features that influence consumer buying behavior.
We leveraged this data to determine the prevalence of major home issues, such as foundation problems and water intrusion, across all 50 states and the top 200 metropolitan areas, called the Lemon Home Score. The score is a relative index that shows how common housing problems are in one state compared with another. A higher score means issues are more widespread. Read more about our methodology below.
The Top States With the Highest Lemon Home Risk
Across the country, some states are far more likely than others to have homes with hidden problems, called “lemon homes.” States like Rhode Island, Ohio, and Massachusetts top the list, highlighting regions where plumbing, roofing, foundation, and water issues are especially common.
Many of these high-risk areas share similar characteristics: older housing stock, harsh winters or extreme weather, and decades-old infrastructure that can make hidden defects more likely. These factors combine to increase the probability that homebuyers will encounter costly and unexpected home repairs shortly after moving in.
Examining these patterns shows that where you move matters just as much as the home itself. Understanding regional risks can help homebuyers plan inspections, ask the right questions, and avoid the stress and expense of hidden problems, making the path to a new home safer and more predictable.
1. Rhode Island – Lemon Home Risk: 86/100
Topping the list of lemon home prevalence with a score of 86 is Rhode Island, making it the riskiest state for homebuyers. Half of homes have foundation issues, and 86% show window problems, indicating widespread structural and exterior challenges. While plumbing and electrical issues are slightly less common, 42% of homes need electrical wiring repairs, 77% have plumbing pipe concerns, and 46% have roof issues, the highest in the country. Rhode Island’s coastal location and high humidity, combined with older construction, likely exacerbate these issues.
2. Ohio – Lemon Home Risk: 81/100
With a score of 81, Ohio is second, driven by high rates of both structural and water-related issues. 54% of homes have foundation problems, 36% need roof repairs, and 75% show water intrusion in lower levels. On top of that, 47% require electrical wiring repairs and 60% have a high risk of plumbing issues. Ohio’s cold winters, heavy snow, and thaw cycles place additional stress on roofs and foundations, particularly in older urban neighborhoods like Cleveland and Columbus.
3. Massachusetts – Lemon Home Risk: 77/100
Scoring 77, Massachusetts comes in third nationally, with plumbing and roofing issues leading the way. 80% of homes have plumbing problems, 38% need roof repairs, and 80% show water damage in some area of the property. Electrical issues are less frequent at 48%, but still notable. Many homes in Massachusetts are historic or mid-century, meaning aging materials and construction techniques are stressed further by harsh coastal storms and winter snow, increasing the likelihood of hidden structural and system failures.
4. Connecticut – Lemon Home Risk: 75/100
Connecticut ranks fourth with a score of 75, driven largely by roofing, window, and water issues. 82% of homes experience water intrusion, 41% require roof repairs, and 81% have plumbing issues, indicating that both structural and moisture-related challenges are common. Seasonal weather extremes, including snow, rain, and humidity, combined with older suburban housing stock, make these problems more likely to occur.
5. Iowa – Lemon Home Risk: 72/100
Foundation and plumbing issues are most common in Iowa, which earns a score of 72. Over half of homes have foundation problems, the highest in the country at 56%. Around 70% have window issues, and 27% need roof repairs. Water intrusion affects 66% of properties, with 20% specifically experiencing this in the kitchen. Iowa’s annual freezes, heavy spring rainfall, and predominance of older midwestern homes place added strain on building materials and systems, creating ideal conditions for hidden or gradual property deterioration.
6. New York – Lemon Home Risk: 68/100
Plumbing and roofing problems drive New York’s lemon home score of 68. 83% of homes have plumbing issues, which is notably the highest in the country. Furthermore, 30% require roof repairs, and 69% of homes show window repair or replacement needs. Electrical issues are also prevalent, affecting 48% of homes. Older, historic homes in popular urban centers and suburbs, combined with severe winters and moisture infiltration, increase the likelihood of encountering costly hidden defects.
7. Pennsylvania – Lemon Home Risk: 66/100
Pennsylvania scores 66, with plumbing, roofing, and water issues as the leading concerns. Over two-thirds of homes need plumbing repairs, 67% require window work, and 68% show some form of water intrusion. Electrical and foundation issues, while slightly lower, are still notable at 49% and 30%, respectively. Seasonal snow, ice, and moisture, along with a mix of older urban and rural housing, contribute to these risks.
8. Indiana – Lemon Home Risk: 65/100
Electrical, foundation, and water problems are widespread in Indiana, leading to a score of 65. 13% of homes need electrical panel replacement, while 43% of homes need wiring repairs. 41% have foundation issues, and 54% have water intrusion in the top level of the house, reflecting the impact of Midwestern weather extremes, including cold winters and summer storms.
9. West Virginia – Lemon Home Risk: 65/100
West Virginia also scores 65, with almost half of homes experiencing foundation problems (49%). Further, 22% need roof repairs, and 75% show water intrusion at some level. The state’s hilly terrain, heavy rainfall, and older housing stock contribute to structural and moisture-related challenges, making careful inspections critical for homebuyers looking to avoid lemon homes.
10. Michigan – Lemon Home Risk: 60/100
Plumbing, water intrusion, and roof problems are the main concerns in Michigan, which scores 60 on the lemon index. The state is particularly affected by plumbing issues, affecting 66% of homes. 65% report water intrusion, while 59% require window repairs. Electrical issues are slightly lower at 37%, but still significant. Harsh winters, temperature swings, high humidity, and aging homes combine to create a state-wide risk for hidden property defects, especially in older urban and suburban neighborhoods.
Rust Belt Locations Dominate Lemon Home Ranking
Our analysis shows a clear concentration of lemon homes in the Rust Belt, a region spanning the industrial Midwest and Great Lakes. States such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and parts of upstate New York consistently rank among the highest for homes with hidden defects. For example, at the state level, Ohio has a lemon home score of 81, Pennsylvania scores 66, and Michigan reaches 60.
At the metro level, Rust Belt cities also dominate the top ten for lemon home prevalence. Erie, PA tops the list with a score of 87, followed by Cleveland-Elyria, OH (83), Binghamton, NY (82), and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY (81). Other high-ranking metros in Ohio and Indiana, including South Bend-Mishawaka (80), Dayton-Kettering (80), and Akron (78), further highlight the regional pattern.
Plumbing, water intrusion, and roofing issues are the most common problems driving these scores. For instance, in Erie, 77% of homes need roof repairs, 74% have water intrusion, and 77% have foundation problems. Similarly, Cleveland-Elyria shows 83% of homes with foundation issues and 88% requiring plumbing repairs.
The prevalence of these issues in Rust Belt locations can be attributed to several factors, including older industrial-era housing stock, harsh winter weather with freeze-thaw cycles, and high humidity in some areas, all of which stress foundations, roofs, and windows over time.
Overall, buyers and renters in Rust Belt states and metros face a significantly higher risk of encountering a lemon home compared with other regions, meaning anyone looking in these areas should be more careful and aware of common structural and system issues.
The Top Metros With the Highest Lemon Home Risk
Some metropolitan areas are hotspots for hidden home problems due to their location. Cities like Erie, PA, Cleveland-Elyria, OH, and Binghamton, NY rank highest, reflecting a greater prevalence of issues such as plumbing failures, water intrusion, roofing problems, and foundation defects.
These high-risk metros often feature in the Rust Belt, an area known for having older houses and strong weather patterns. Together, these factors increase the likelihood that homebuyers will encounter costly surprises soon after settling in.
1. Erie, PA – Lemon Home Risk: 87/100
Topping the metro ranking with an average score of 87, Erie is the U.S. city most likely to have lemon homes. 54% of properties need costly roof repairs, 83% have window issues, and 84% show water intrusion. Foundation problems affect 77% of homes, and electrical repairs are also common, with 32% needing panel work and 61% requiring wiring fixes. The combination of harsh winters, lake-effect snow, and older housing stock likely contributes to the prevalence of these hidden home problems, putting buyers at risk for significant repair costs shortly after purchase.
2. Cleveland-Elyria, OH – Lemon Home Risk: 83/100
Foundation and plumbing issues drive Cleveland-Elyria’s high ranking at 83. The metro experiences the highest amount of foundational problems in the ranking, with 83% needing repair. Window repair is also high, at 88% of homes needing fixing. Plumbing issues reach 79%, and it has lower but still significant electrical wiring issues at 49%. Aging urban neighborhoods and heavy winter storms increase the likelihood of costly, hidden defects for homebuyers in the region.
3. Binghamton, NY – Lemon Home Risk: 82/100
In Binghamton, the combination of plumbing (85%) and other water-related issues pushes the average score to 82. On top of that, 59% of homes have roofing issues, making the area the highest risk area for roof defects in the country. 75% of homes are also in need of window repairs. Cold, snowy winters and older housing increase the risk of hidden repairs emerging soon after moving in.
4. Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY – Lemon Home Risk: 81/100
Buffalo-Cheektowaga in New York, scoring 81, faces one of the highest rates of roof problems at 58% of homes. There are also especially high rates of plumbing issues at 84% and window repair needs at 83%. Proximity to Lake Erie brings heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles, and older suburban homes further elevate the risk of costly, hidden home defects.
5. South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI – Lemon Home Risk: 80/100
The score of 80 in South Bend-Mishawaka reflects widespread foundation, plumbing, and water problems. 78% of homes have foundation issues, 71% require plumbing repairs, and 75% show water intrusion on lower levels. Electrical and roof problems affect 59% and 47% of properties, respectively. Extreme Midwestern weather, including harsh winters and summer storms, combined with aging housing stock, increases the likelihood of hidden issues for new homeowners.
6. Dayton-Kettering, OH – Lemon Home Risk: 80/100
Dayton-Kettering also scores 80, with plumbing and foundation issues most common. A high number of homes have foundation problems at 76%, while 75% need plumbing repairs, and upwards of 78% report water intrusion. Window repair needs affect 86% of homes, the second highest in the country. Older neighborhoods and seasonal temperature swings make hidden defects more likely for buyers in this metro.
7. Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA – Lemon Home Risk: 79/100
Plumbing, water, and electrical issues contribute to Youngstown-Warren-Boardman’s score of 79. The metro has a high rate of window repairs at 83% of homes, and a high rate of plumbing issues, where 79% of homes require repairs. Almost half of all homes require roof work (48%) and foundation work (48%), while 88% show water intrusion in lower levels of the home. Industrial-era construction and regional weather extremes combine to create a high prevalence of hidden property defects.
8. Akron, OH – Lemon Home Risk: 78/100
Electrical, foundation, and water problems are widespread in Akron, resulting in a score of 78. Akron has the highest widow repair and replace rate of any other metro in our study at 88% of homes. The area also has high foundational issues affecting 68% of homes, while 72% have some kind of plumbing issue, and 45% have issues with their roof. Harsh winters and older suburban and urban homes make hidden defects a frequent concern for buyers.
9. Canton-Massillon, OH – Lemon Home Risk: 78/100
Canton-Massillon, also in Ohio, scores the same at 78, with foundation, plumbing, and water problems being the most prevalent. The metro has 78% of homes with foundation and water intrusion, and 72% need plumbing repairs. Roof and window issues are also frequently reported (47% and 87% respectively). Electrical problems affect up to 59% of homes. Freeze-thaw cycles and older midwestern construction likely increase the risk of hidden, costly repairs.
10. Utica-Rome, NY – Lemon Home Risk: 78/100
Utica-Rome in New York also scores 78 in lemon home prevalence. Water intrusion tops the list with 89% of homes showing problems, mainly affecting the lower levels of the home. The metro also has a high number of issues related to plumbing pipes at 82% of homes. 55% of homes need roof repairs, and 72% have window problems. Likely, older buildings and harsh winters make hidden defects a frequent concern for prospective homebuyers.
Full Home Lemon Homes Ranking for Major U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Lemon homes are an unfortunate fact of life, but they don’t have to ruin your move. While some homes may hide costly issues like foundation cracks, water damage, or faulty electrical systems, being informed can help you avoid the worst surprises.
The good news is that being informed can help you avoid surprises. The table below allows you to explore your metro area and see how likely homes are to have these common lemon home issues. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to a new city, this tool gives you a clear picture of potential risks so you can plan inspections, ask the right questions, and move in with confidence.
Search the table below to see how likely homes in your area are to have hidden issues:
What This Means for Homeowners
Every homeowner should budget for annual maintenance and repair costs, but if you buy a lemon that cost could be several times the average.
Homeowners should expect to budget several thousand dollars per year for home maintenance, but if your new home needs an electrical panel replaced, for example, you could be looking at a $4,000 expense, not to mention all the normal costs.
Here are a few examples of costs that could be associated with buying a lemon home:
| Home Issue | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Replace an Electrical Panel | $2,500 to $4,500 per panel |
| Foundation Repair: Installing Piers or Bracing Basement Walls | $2,000 to $11,000 |
| Moderate damage from Water Intrusion | $2,500 to $7,500 |
| Repairing a Roof Leak and Damaged Roof Decking | $1,000 to $5,000+ |
How to Avoid a Lemon Home
Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can quickly turn stressful if you end up in a lemon. A “lemon home” may look fine on the surface, but hidden issues can make life difficult long after the boxes are unpacked. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant during the home buying process.
Here are some tips to help homebuyers identify a lemon home before it’s too late:
1. Research the region and neighborhood
Certain areas—like the Rust Belt, for instance—have older homes that are more prone to hidden defects. Before you fall in love with a listing, dig into the age of local housing stock, climate patterns, and regional risks like flooding, hurricanes, or freeze-thaw cycles. That context can help you anticipate common problems and budget accordingly.
2. Don’t skip the inspection
Nearly 1 in 5 buyers waive the inspection contingency, often to make their offer more competitive. But for most people, buying a home is the largest financial investment they’ll ever make. Skipping the inspection might win you the house—but it could also saddle you with thousands in unexpected repairs.
3. Consider hiring specialty inspectors
A general home inspection is a great starting point—but it won’t always uncover everything. If you’re buying an older home, or one in a high-risk area, consider calling in specialists like electricians, HVAC pros, roofers, or plumbers. These experts can catch red flags that a generalist might miss.
4. Don’t let cosmetics cloud your judgment
Fresh paint, new floors, and trendy staging can distract from serious underlying issues. Pay attention to signs of water damage, patched walls, musty smells, or sloping floors. If something looks “too good,” it might be hiding a bigger problem.
5. Ask about the home’s repair history
Request a list of recent repairs, past insurance claims, and permit history. A well-documented home with proper permits and recent upgrades is a good sign. On the other hand, spotty records or DIY-looking fixes could mean you’re inheriting someone else’s unfinished problems.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of moving into a home with hidden problems, making the unpacking, settling in, and enjoying your new space a far more seamless experience.
Methodology
To identify where homebuyers are most at risk of purchasing a “lemon home,” MovingPlace.com analyzed proprietary data from PGM, which was current as of August 1, 2025. PGM, a member of the Porch family of brands, operates one of the most comprehensive property data platforms in the U.S.
The dataset tracks the presence of common property issues, including electrical panel repair or replacement, electrical wiring repair or replacement, foundation repair or replacement, signs of water intrusion in the kitchen, lowest level, or top level, galvanized pipe inlets, cast iron pipe outlets, roof repair or replacement, and window repair or replacement. Using this data, we calculated the share of homes with known issues in each state and across the 200 largest metropolitan areas. These incidence rates were then converted into point values to allow for standardized comparisons across geographies.
Finally, we aggregated the point values into a composite score to produce a ranking of states and metros, highlighting the areas where buyers are statistically more likely to encounter homes with major issues.
In Partnership With PGM
This study was made possible with in-depth consumer insights provided by data provider PGM. Their advanced audience data helps businesses reach the right people through the right channels at the right time. This exclusive partnership enables MovingPlace to surface truly proprietary consumer trends shaping today’s marketplace.
Karen Bodkin
