Top 7 Red Flags to Watch During a Home Tour

The moment you step inside a potential new home, it’s easy to get swept up in the emotion. You’re picturing where the couch will go, imagining family dinners in the kitchen, and envisioning a life unfolding within those walls.

But a home tour isn't just about falling in love; it's a critical fact-finding mission. While a professional inspection is non-negotiable before you buy, your initial walk-through is your first line of defense against a future money pit.

Here are the top 7 red flags you should be on high alert for, so you can look beyond the fresh paint and staging.

1. That Smell (and the Water Damage That Caused It)
   
   

Your nose is a powerful detection tool. A musty, stale, or moldy odor is a major warning sign, especially in basements, bathrooms, or areas that seem to have been recently sealed off. This can indicate a hidden moisture problem, which is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and structural root.

What to look for:

• Discoloration, water stains, or bubbling on ceilings and walls.
  
  
• Warped or buckling floors.
  
  
• Peeling paint or wallpaper.
  
  
• A strong, pervasive smell of air fresheners or candles, which could be a sign that the sellers are trying to mask an underlying odor.
  
  
  

2. The Foundation & Structural Anomaly
   
   

The foundation is the backbone of the house. Cracks are common as house settles, but not all cracks are equal. You're looking for signs of a bigger issue.

What to look for:

• Large, jagged cracks in the foundation or walls.
  
  
• Cracks near doors and windows.
  
  
• Uneven or sloping floors. A good trick is to bring a marble and see if it rolls to one side of a room.
  
  
• Doors that stick or don't close properly, can be a symptom of a shifted foundation.
  
  
• Windows that are difficult to open or close.
  
  
  

3. The DIY Disaster
   
   

A home with a history of unprofessional DIY work can be a nightmare to fix. Shoddy repairs might be hiding bigger problems or simply be a sign of a lack of care.

What to look for:

• Sloppy tiling, uneven paint jobs, or mismatched flooring.
  
  
• Exposed or tangled wiring.
  
  
• Obvious patches in the drywall or ceiling that don't match the rest of the surface.
  
  
• Unpermitted additions or renovations. Always ask if major changes, like an added bathroom or finished basement, had proper permits.
  
  

4. The Roof's Condition (or Lack Thereof)
   
   

Replacing a roof is a significant expense, and signs of disrepair should not be ignored. A leaky roof can cause cascading damage throughout the entire home.

What to look for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
  
  
• Sagging or uneven roof lines.
  
  
• Water stains on the ceiling of the top floor or inside the attic.
  
  
• Granules from shingles collecting in the gutters.
  
  
• Gaps or signs of decay around the flashing and chimney.
  
  
  

5. The Signs of a Pest Problem
   
   

The last thing you want to do is buy a home that comes with unwanted inhabitants. Pests can cause extensive and costly damage to a home's structure.

What to look for:

• Small piles of sawdust-like material (frass) near wooden surfaces, a sign of termites.
  
  
• Mud tubes on the foundation or exterior walls.
  
  
• Droppings in cabinets, attics, or basements.
  
  
• Small holes in walls or chewed-up wiring.
  
  
  

6. The Plumbing Predicament
   
   

Plumbing issues can quickly escalate into a catastrophic flood. While you can't see the pipes inside the walls, you can look for clues.

What to look for:

• Low water pressure. Turn on the faucets in sinks and showers to see how the water flows.
  
  
• Visible leaks or water stains under sinks and around toilets.
  
  
• Strange noises coming from the pipes.
  
• Slow drains in the tubs or sinks.
  
  
  

7. The Unusually High Energy Bill
   
   

A home with poor insulation, old windows, or a failing HVAC system will bleed heat and money.

What to look for:

• A drafty feeling, especially around windows and doors.
  
  
• Old single-pane windows.
  
  
• An older-looking HVAC unit. Ask for the age of the furnace and AC and if the sellers have maintenance records.
  
  
• Condensation on the inside of windows.
  
  
  

Spotting these red flags isn't about finding a perfect home (very few are), but about making an informed decision. These signs should prompt you to ask deeper questions, and most importantly, to hire a qualified home inspector who can give you a comprehensive report on the home's true condition. Your due diligence now could save you tens of thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches later.