Real Estate Agent Explains Why Buying a Home With Solar Panels Might Not Be the Best Idea

However, a real estate agent on TikTok has recently warned viewers of the unexpected pitfalls of buying a home that has solar panels. In a video that has since garnered over 207,000 views, the Virginia-based realtor offered a thorough explanation as to why she recommends avoiding solar panels at all costs.

While solar panels are sold to homeowners under the guise of saving them money, they end up being a huge financial burden. She made it clear that once you settle on solar panels, you are stuck with them even when you attempt to sell your house.

Lohse further noted that many salespeople will try to convince people that solar panels are “easily transferable” when buying and selling property. That is a common misconception, according to the wise real estate agent.

Going through a comprehensive loan process is tedious and time-consuming, but Lohse warned that solar panels have their own loan process that is required of all potential buyers. “Like buying a house, but like doing the loan process again with the solar panels,” she said.

If any complications were to arise during the loan process, the entire buying process could come to a screeching halt. This could mean big problems for the sellers as well as the potential buyers. The solar panel loan process could also affect a person’s “debt to income.” Lohse revealed that this could prevent someone from being able to buy a home at all.

Loading up on financial loans is not a good idea and it’s likely something that only wealthy people could do and still walk away unscathed. Another point of contention Lohse has with solar panels is that homeowners have to pay off the loan for their solar panels in order to sell their homes.

She concludes the video by saying that there is a common belief that solar panels can add value to your home. The TikToker debunked that notion and instead insisted that solar panels are simply bad business for any homeowner to invest in. She adds credence to her position by saying she has discussed the issue of solar panels with seasoned agents and appraisers

In the video, Lohse asked her viewers whether or not it’s really worth losing valuable money when closing on a property.

“Great tips!!!,” wrote one user before adding, “They only add value if the new buyer sees it as valuable!” Another comment also seemed to agree with Lohse, writing, “If I wanted a house and they say I have to pay for the solar panel’s loan, I’d walk. Or tell them to pay it off at closing.”

One user suggested “If you remove them, your roof warranty is voided because the panels leave damage when removed. Decreasing the home value.” Another user, who appeared to also be a real estate agent, said, “Just repped a buyer on a house with solar panels. We 100% had the seller pay them off at settlement.”

“I don’t know why you’re telling people it’s not. We went through this process. It doesn’t cause you to not afford the mortgage,” the commenter said. Regardless of public opinion, Lohse has certainly offered some interesting insight into the debate about having solar panels on your home.

She has posted dozens of videos discussing controversial topics that she frequently runs into as a real estate agent. From advising first-time homebuyers to stop paying their credit cards on the due date to talking about how difficult it is to afford a house in today’s market, Lohse’s videos are both informative and introspective.