This is composite board siding that is experiencing moisture problems. Notice the large area on the right that was filled in with calking. This area definitely needs continuous monitoring to make sure that further moisture does not enter the cut end of the siding. And without question, we recommended the seller re-calk the empty area in the middle keeping further moisture from making its way into the siding.

The large amount of leaves and debris in the valley of this roof can lead to serious problems. Water will be unable to escape and will end up making its way through the roof and into the interior ceilings.

Looks like the lawn keeper wasn't driving so well the day he ran into the outside condensing unit of this house.

This is an interesting picture. Most brick you see on the outside of a house is simply a veneer - or siding. This brick wall is actually the support for the entire structure as well. Notice how the structure's band boards rest directly on top of the brick. When this house was first inspected, it didn't even have the block pier you see in the picture. That was added to provide additional support to the structure.

Wood siding can last a long time if properly maintained. See what happens though where water is constantly running down one area. The water is beginning to break down the wood and create rot.

This picture may not do justice to this scenario. The bottom sheet on this siding is sticking out farther than the sheet above it - water is running behind it and entering the wall's structure, creating a water mark on the interior wall.

With some siding, shrubs grown up against a house like this is not a problem. However, on this house that has wood siding, just think of all the moisture that stays trapped directly against it for extended periods of time. This home inspector says to make sure those shrubs are trimmed back away from the house.

At one point in time, a lot of water was making it's way inside this door jam. Although the water entry problem had been repaired, the molding was still damaged.

If you see anything that resembles this on a house you are considering, make sure you get a home inspector to look at it.