What are red flags to look for on a home tour? (2024)

Mechanical issues, structural issues, but those are generally going to be age specific. Older homes that are say 100 years old will have problems just like a 40 year old home, just potentially different types of problems. Talk to your agent to see what is most common for your price point and area of the country.

I look for foundation movement, water pressure, age of water heater and HVAC, and roof condition.

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.

When viewing a home, check for the following. Water damage, look for water stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Check cracks in the basem*nt where water can appear. Structural cracks, look for cracks in the walls, basem*nt floor, sloping floors. Doors and windows will not close properly. Vertical cracks going up a wall. Mold or Mildew. Mold needs darkness and moisture. Overtime, a musty smell with visible growth becomes obvious. Check neighborhood including nearby homes, upkeep, traffic and nearby business.

When I am touring a home with my buyers, I suggest that they walk through to get a good feel of the home. Do they see themselves living there? Does it meet their needs? While they are doing that, I am their eyes looking at mechanics for ages. Are there any ceiling watermarks indicating possible plumbing or roof issues? Are there any foundational cracks?

In addition to mechanicals, roof, foundation, etc. I suggest buyers think of these four things - Parking - is there enough for your social activities? Neighbors - do they keep their properties in a way that you want to be associated with? Kitchen - is it ample in size or easily expanded? Storage - will you have enough storage for down the road? Other elements of the home can often be upgaded over time.

During a home tour, watch for these red flags: Structural issues: Cracks in walls or ceilings, uneven floors, or doors/windows not closing properly. Water damage: Water stains, mold, or musty smells. Roof condition: Missing/damaged shingles or sagging. Poor maintenance: Neglected appearance may indicate other issues. Outdated systems: Older electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems. Pest infestations: Signs of insects, rodents, or termites. Neighborhood issues: Noise, crime, or school quality. Poor ventilation: Condensation on windows or musty smells. Inadequate insulation: Drafts or uneven heating/cooling. DIY repairs: Amateur repairs or renovations not up to code. Consider hiring a professional home inspector to identify hidden issues before purchasing.

Big ticket items like AC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, poor water pressure are all things to be watchful of when viewing homes.

If buying in the mountains or uneven terrain- structure and foundation shift. If buying on LKN rules around the lake related to tree removal and building egress.