How to Spot Red Flags During a Home Tour (That Your Agent Will Catch, Too)
A Buyer’s Guide to Looking Past the Pretty Paint Job
Walking into a home that looks picture-perfect at first glance can be exciting—gleaming countertops, fresh paint, and just the right amount of staging magic. But as a smart buyer, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and know what to watch out for. Home tours aren’t just about imagining where your couch will go—they’re a critical opportunity to assess the bones of the house, the potential for costly repairs, and even how the layout supports your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned house hunter, here’s a breakdown of the most common red flags to look out for—both the subtle and the obvious—and why your agent will be keeping an eye on them, too.
1. Cracks, Slants, and Settling: A Foundation Check
Start with your feet—literally. As you walk through the home, pay attention to uneven floors or sloping rooms. These could signal foundation issues, especially in older homes or properties in areas with expansive clay soil.
Hairline cracks in walls are often cosmetic, but larger, jagged cracks—particularly around doorways, windows, or in the basement—warrant a closer look. Your agent will likely take mental notes and recommend a structural inspection if anything seems concerning. Foundation repairs can be extremely costly, so this isn’t something to gloss over.
Pro Tip: If a marble or small ball rolls across the floor on its own, that’s not just a party trick—it could be a sign of uneven settling.
2. Sniff Test: Hidden Odors That Signal Bigger Problems
Your nose knows. A strong scent of air freshener or scented candles in every room could be more than just an effort to create ambiance—it might be masking pet odors, mildew, or even cigarette smoke.
Musty smells often indicate moisture issues, which can lead to mold. Pay extra attention in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and under sinks. If it smells damp or “earthy,” that’s a signal that water intrusion could be lurking behind the walls.
What Your Agent Does: A seasoned agent may casually ask the listing agent about the home’s history with water intrusion or ask for the seller’s disclosure while making note of any suspicious cover-ups.
3. Peeking Into the Corners: Water Damage and Mold Clues
Look up, down, and all around. Stains on the ceiling, bubbling paint, or soft drywall can point to past (or current) water leaks. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and in the corners of closets—especially those near bathrooms or on top floors.
Mold isn’t always visible, but black spots or warped baseboards can give it away. Even new paint or repairs in isolated areas might be a subtle cover-up of previous water issues.
4. Windows and Doors: Function and Fit
Try opening and closing a few windows and doors throughout the home. If they stick, won’t latch properly, or have large gaps, it might suggest the house has settled unevenly—or worse, that the framing has shifted.
Drafty windows or signs of condensation between panes can also indicate broken seals or outdated insulation.
Why It Matters: Replacing windows or fixing door frames isn’t just cosmetic. It can have real implications on your energy bills and your comfort.
5. Strange Layouts and Awkward Flow
Some quirks are charming, others are just inconvenient. A bedroom that can only be accessed through another bedroom? A kitchen that feels like a maze? A bathroom next to the dining table with no ventilation?
While layout can be a matter of personal preference, poor flow or functionality can impact resale value and your daily comfort.
Agents tend to pick up on these nuances quickly and can help you determine whether a quirky layout is something you can live with—or something that’s going to become a daily annoyance.
6. DIY Disasters and Poor Workmanship
Keep an eye out for signs of amateur renovations. Uneven tile, mismatched finishes, sloppy caulking, or light switches that don’t match could mean corners were cut. While cosmetic mistakes aren’t always deal-breakers, they can suggest a pattern of rushed or unprofessional work—and that raises red flags about larger systems like plumbing or electrical that you can’t see.
Ask your agent whether permits were pulled for major updates. If the answer is unclear or vague, that’s a good time to involve a qualified inspector.
7. Neighborhood and Exterior Watchouts
Step outside and take a good look around. Is the roof missing shingles or showing signs of sagging? Are the gutters clean and properly attached? Does the driveway slope toward the house, encouraging water to pool near the foundation?
Walk the perimeter and note cracks in the exterior walls, flaking paint, or old HVAC units. Take a moment to assess the neighborhood, too—how well are the surrounding homes maintained?
Your agent will also be tuned into any signs of overpricing compared to the area’s condition, especially if the home looks great but the neighbors’ homes are in disrepair.
8. The Gut Check: Trust Your Intuition (and Your Agent’s)
Sometimes, it’s not one big thing—it’s a collection of little things that just feel off. If something seems too good to be true, or if a house has been sitting on the market longer than others in the area without an obvious reason, don’t ignore your instincts.
Your agent likely has years of experience walking through homes and will notice things you might not—like weird remodel choices, telltale signs of deferred maintenance, or even overly aggressive listing tactics.
What to Do If You Spot a Red Flag
Finding a red flag doesn’t always mean you need to walk away. It just means you need more information. That’s where inspections, seller disclosures, and experienced real estate agents come into play. A good agent won’t just point out the flaws — they’ll help you decide which issues are minor, which are negotiable, and which are deal-breakers.
In the end, the goal is to find a home that not only looks good but lives well—without surprises after you move in.