Things to Look Out for During a Home Tour

Going on a home tour can be so much fun! You get to see each room and envision your furniture and all the potential social events that you can host! There are some things that you should look at that are not always the most fun while touring a home.

Upon arrival at the home, you should look at the condition of the roof. Are you seeing missing or flapping shingles? This could be a sign of a bigger issue. Ask your real estate agent how old the roof is and if there have been any major repairs done. This will help you determine how long you have before a new roof may be warranted.

While outside, go ahead and look at the exterior of the home for cracks, holes, or any areas in which pests can enter the home. You will also want to look for these things to help you determine if there is a foundation. When touring the inside of the home, you will want to look for any large gaps, sticking of doors and windows, cracks above the windows, and uneven floors. Although some small hairline cracks are normal from house settling, these larger cracks and gaps can be a sign of foundation issues.

While exploring take a good look at the HVAC system. You will want to ask your agent how old the HVAC system is and if it is noted if it has been maintained regularly. You will also want to see if there is any rust or water presence that can be a sign that the HVAC may need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

While in the inside of the home there is a lot to see and a lot to look for. Condensation of the windows, bubbling or peeling of paint around doors, windows, and vents are all signs of poor ventilation in the home. You will want to check the walls and ceilings for water lines or stains that show a water leak had occurred. While looking for possible leak issues, check any exposed water lines for rust and leaking. You will also want to check for any neglected home maintenance. This can include burned-out lightbulbs, long grass, leaky faucets, faded paint, and my personal favorite thing to check the air filter. You will want to see that the HVAC system has been properly maintained.

While on a home tour, don't just use your eyes for clues to any potential home issues, use your ears and nose too. You will want to make sure the noise level is one that you will be comfortable with. Homes in and around main streets can often carry heavy traffic volume and that may deter you from using your outdoor living space. You will want to use your nose to see if there is too much scent. A light scent is welcoming, but an overpowering scent may have you wondering what the homeowner is trying to hide. Inspect the walls, ceilings, and flooring for signs of pet accidents, mold or mildew, and smoke residue.

Although going on a home tour is fun and exciting, there are steps you are going to want to take to make sure you do not get wrapped up in the excitement of the home buying process and that you make an informed decision. Ultimately, you should not only use your own senses for inspecting a potential property but if you do decide to make an offer make sure you also get a home inspection.