What to look for when touring a house

Key takeaways

• Touring a home helps buyers spot potential issues before making an offer, especially outside where the roof's condition, gutters, drainage and curb appeal can signal costly repairs. 
• Inside, watch for red flags such as water stains, mold odors, foundation cracks, uneven floors, faulty doors and windows and signs of electrical or plumbing problems. 
• A home tour is also a chance to assess layout, storage, natural light and neighborhood factors, including noise, safety, commute options and nearby amenities, while asking targeted questions and taking notes and photos for comparison. 

Touring a home is exciting, but it's important to look past the staging and sprucing to evaluate if the home is right for you.A house tour is your first opportunity to evaluate a property in person, from its condition and layout to its yard and neighborhood. While a professional home inspection is essential before finalizing any purchase, a careful walkthrough can help you identify early red flags and decide whether a home is worth pursuing.

Here’s what to look for — and what to ask — during a home tour.

Evaluating curb appeal

Curb appeal shapes the first impression for buyers and future visitors. Pay attention to paint, landscaping and the overall cleanliness of the driveway, roof and gutters. While some cosmetic issues may be easy to fix later, they can hint at how well the home has been maintained.

Checking the roof and gutters

Roof repairs are among the most expensive home fixes, so assess their condition early.

What to look for:

• Missing, cracked or curling shingles 
• Dark streaks or visible damage 
• Clogged or sagging gutters 

Shingles typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on the material. Ask your agent when the roof was last replaced. Inside, check ceilings near vents and skylights for water stains, which may indicate leaks not visible from the outside.Assessing landscaping and yard

Outdoor space should match your lifestyle and long-term plans. Consider whether the yard’s size and upkeep fit your needs.

Watch for:

• Overgrown or unhealthy trees 
• Poor drainage or soggy areas 
• Patchy or discolored grass 

Tree trimming and lawn treatments can add to ongoing ownership costs.

Walls and ceilings

Water damage is one of the most common — and costly — home issues. Look for bubbling paint, cracks or ceiling stains. A persistent mildew or mold odor is another red flag. Take note of strong air fresheners, which may be masking smells.

“I tell people to walk in and just look up,” said Scooter Burgess, CEO and owner of Burgess Inspections in Richmond, Virginia. “If you see water stains or mold on the ceilings, that’s a bad sign.”

Foundation and structure

The foundation supports the entire home and can be costly to repair. While a formal inspection is required to confirm issues, warning signs may be visible during a tour.

Potential red flags:

• Doors or windows that stick 
• Large horizontal or diagonal wall cracks 
• Uneven or sloping floors 

Homes may have crawlspace, basement or slab foundations, each with different risk factors.Floors and carpeting

As you walk through the home, listen and feel for movement. Soft spots, bouncing floors or warped boards may indicate water damage. Cracked tiles, gaps or uneven carpeting can point to poor repairs.

Don’t hesitate to walk areas more than once or lift rugs to inspect beneath them.

Windows and doors

Open and close doors and windows throughout the home.

Watch for:

• Warping or resistance 
• Broken latches or rusted hardware 
• Foggy or cracked windowpanes 

If multiple doors and windows are hard to operate, foundation issues may be to blame.Bathrooms and kitchens

Kitchens and bathrooms contain most of a home’s plumbing and wiring, making them critical inspection areas.

During your tour:

• Open cabinets and look for leaks 
• Run faucets and showers 
• Flush toilets and check for movement 
• Inspect grout and caulking 
• Test exhaust fans 

Loose toilets or gaps around tubs can signal future repairs.

Electrical system

Turn on lights and fans throughout the house. Flickering lights may signal wiring issues. A basic outlet tester — available at hardware stores for about $10 — can help confirm proper wiring.

Check for exposed or damaged wiring, and ask your agent where the main electrical and water shutoffs are located.

Plumbing and water pressure

Run every faucet and check:

• Water pressure 
• Water temperature response 
• Drain speed 
• Signs of leaks 

Discolored water may indicate rusted pipes. If accessible, inspect the basement or crawlspace for moisture or pooling water. “A dry house is a happy house,” said Eric Babcock, president of Home Inspex in Midlothian, Virginia.

Heating and cooling systems

Ask what type of heating and cooling system the home uses and how old it is. Listen for unusual noises during operation, which can signal repairs or replacement costs. System type also affects monthly utility bills.

Insulation and energy efficiency

Poor insulation can lead to drafts and higher energy costs.

Look for:

• Damaged or missing weatherstripping 
• Oversized icicles in winter 
• Visible insulation in the attic 

Fiberglass or mineral wool should be easily visible in unfinished attic spaces.

Room sizes and floor plan

Evaluate whether the layout supports your current and future needs. Consider whether rooms can accommodate a home office, nursery or additional furniture. A tape measure can help verify dimensions.

Storage space

Count closets and cabinets in bedrooms and bathrooms. Limited built-in storage may require additional furniture, reducing usable living space.

Natural light

Note the number, size and orientation of windows. South-facing homes typically receive more daylight, but lighting can vary by season and time of day.

Photograph each room and the exterior. Write down likes, dislikes and follow-up questions to help compare homes later.

Essentials include:

• Other decision-makers 
• Tape measure 
• Phone (camera, flashlight and notes) 
• Written list of questions 

If you’re planning to make an offer, ensure the home fits your budget and have a preapproval letter ready, especially in competitive markets.

• Do you have any concerns about this home? 
• How long has it been on the market? 
• Why is the seller moving? 
• How often has the home changed hands? 
• How old are the roof, systems and appliances? 
• Are repairs or updates needed? 
• Is there a pre-listing inspection available? 

Amenities and schools

You’re choosing more than a house. Look for nearby parks, restaurants and services. School quality can affect resale value, even if you don’t have children.

Safety and noise

During your visit, listen for traffic or neighborhood noise. Consider how it might change at night or on weekends. Research crime and safety data through tools like Homes.com neighborhood searches.

Commute and accessibility

Assess commute times, transit options and walkability. Walk Score and Transit Score data can help determine how easily you’ll get around.

Future development

Ask about zoning or upcoming projects that could affect traffic, schools or property values. Local news and conversations with neighbors can offer insight into planned changes.

This story was updated April 22.