- Find a Real Estate Professional
- Realtors®
- Mortgage Lenders
- Home Improvement Pros
- Other Real Estate Services
- Review an Agent, Lender or Pro
- Marketing on Zillow
- Real Estate Agent Advertising
- Join the Professional Directory
- Popular
- Real Estate Market Reports
- More
Answers (4)

- Jeanne Feenick, "TopNJAgent"
- Contributions:149
Second generation EIFS generally performs well, BUT because of the issues with the earlier version (much of which I think was related to installation issues) it still carries a stigma that will reduce your buyer pool when you go to sell. In my experience, Relocation Companies still will not allow buying clients to consider homes with EIFS. Hard coat stucco is a different product. Do your due diligence up front so you know what you are dealing with.
And yes, by all means, whatever you buy, hire a good inspector.
And yes, by all means, whatever you buy, hire a good inspector.

- Jim Reppond, "Jim Reppond"
- Contributions:117
Stucco is usually fine in this area if it is installed and maintained properly. The thing you want to do is have a building inspection done by an inspector who has a thermography camera. Here is a video a created a few years ago of an inspector who used this device during an inspection for one of my clients. http://youtu.be/zIAu4YnptHw

- Caveat Emptor
- Contributions:500
IMO, Id stay away. stucco is fine in places like CA that are warm to hot year round, but places that might get snow or that tend to be damp anyway (like here in the rainy city) I wouldn't. its also unusual up here. I don't get to Kirkland much, but when I randomly see one lone stucco house/ apartment complex, I blanch and do a double take. I live in south king county. ofc, if it is a building, you can always put up vinyl siding which would fix the moisture problem, the looks, and make the home more energy efficient.
0.02
0.02

- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
Traditional stucco is not really an issue in my area as long as you have appropriate drainage and eave cover. It holds up fairly well as long as the site was prepared correctly before the house was built.
If you are concerned, I would call a couple of foundation repair companies and ask about expansive soils in your area. Also, talk to local neighbors and see if they have had any issues if the house was build by a particular builder. Often, if there issues, they will tell you.
Stucco is pretty durable done right and gives houses a classic look. You can also ask a stucco company to inspect the exterior before you buy to spot any problems.
If you are concerned, I would call a couple of foundation repair companies and ask about expansive soils in your area. Also, talk to local neighbors and see if they have had any issues if the house was build by a particular builder. Often, if there issues, they will tell you.
Stucco is pretty durable done right and gives houses a classic look. You can also ask a stucco company to inspect the exterior before you buy to spot any problems.




Should I buy a Stucco exterior home built in 2008?
I'm looking to potentially buy a home in Kirkland.
The exterior is Stucco (not EIFS), built in 2008. I've heard many horror stories about Stucco and water damage so I am concerned. I can't 'see' any visible water damage.
Should I stay away from Stucco, period?
Are there ways to determine if it's safe and not going to have water damage issues?
Any advice?
thanks
Stating a discriminatory preference in an advertisement for housing is illegal. If you think this content is discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate and feel it should be removed from Zillow, please let us know by completing the information above.
We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.