What to Look for During a Home Tour: A Buyer’s Checklist

What to Look for During a Home Tour: A Buyer’s Checklist

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and a home tour is your chance to get up close and personal with a property before making an offer. While it’s easy to be swept away by stylish staging and beautiful curb appeal, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface to ensure the home meets your needs.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you make the most of your home tour:

1. Curb Appeal & Exterior Condition

First impressions matter, but they can also tell you a lot about a home’s maintenance history.
✅ Check the roof for missing shingles, sagging, or signs of wear.
✅ Look for cracks in the foundation or exterior walls.
✅ Inspect gutters and downspouts—are they in good condition and properly attached?
✅ Test doors and windows for smooth operation and proper sealing.
✅ Observe the landscaping—is it well-kept or overgrown?

2. Layout & Functionality

Even if the home looks great, does it work for your lifestyle?
✅ Walk through the floor plan—does the layout flow well?
✅ Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms to meet your needs?
✅ Consider storage space—are there enough closets, cabinets, and a pantry?
✅ Think about natural light—does the home feel bright and inviting?
✅ Listen for noise—can you hear traffic, neighbors, or other disturbances?

3. Structural Integrity & Potential Issues

A home might look flawless at first glance, but a closer look can reveal hidden problems.
✅ Check walls and ceilings for cracks, stains, or signs of water damage.
✅ Look for sloping floors or uneven surfaces, which could indicate foundation issues.
✅ Test doors—do they close properly, or do they stick? Warping could signal structural movement.
✅ Inspect under sinks and around toilets for leaks or mold.
✅ Check the attic (if accessible) for signs of pests, insulation quality, or roof leaks.

4. Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems

A home’s major systems can be costly to repair, so it’s important to check their condition.
✅ Run faucets and showers—do they have good water pressure and drain properly?
✅ Flush toilets to ensure they work correctly.
✅ Locate the water heater—check its age and condition.
✅ Test light switches and electrical outlets—do they work?
✅ Check the HVAC system—how old is it, and does it properly heat/cool the home?

5. Kitchen & Appliances

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so make sure it’s functional.
✅ Open cabinets and drawers to check for space and functionality.
✅ Test built-in appliances (stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge) to ensure they work.
✅ Look for signs of wear on countertops and flooring.
✅ Inspect under the sink for leaks, water damage, or pest activity.

6. Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Bedrooms and bathrooms should offer comfort and convenience.
✅ Check closet sizes—are they sufficient for your storage needs?
✅ Ensure all doors close properly.
✅ Look for water stains or discoloration in bathrooms.
✅ Test water pressure in showers and sinks.
✅ Make sure there are enough outlets in convenient locations.

7. Basement & Garage (If Applicable)

These areas often reveal a lot about a home’s overall condition.
✅ Check for dampness or musty smells in the basement—this could signal moisture problems.
✅ Look for cracks in the foundation walls.
✅ Test garage doors—do they open and close smoothly?
✅ Ensure there’s adequate storage and electrical outlets.

8. Neighborhood & Surroundings

Even the perfect home can lose its appeal if it’s in the wrong location.
✅ Drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day.
✅ Look at the condition of surrounding homes—are they well-maintained?
✅ Consider commute times, access to highways, and public transportation options.
✅ Check out nearby schools, parks, shopping, and restaurants.
✅ Listen for noise—does the area feel peaceful or too busy?

9. Red Flags to Watch For

While minor cosmetic issues are fixable, some problems might be deal-breakers.
🚩 Strong odors (musty smells could indicate mold; heavy air fresheners could be masking something).
🚩 Freshly painted patches that don’t match the rest of the wall—this could cover damage.
🚩 Sloping floors or large cracks in walls.
🚩 Signs of pest infestations, like droppings or chewed wires.
🚩 Extensive water stains, which could point to leaks or plumbing issues.

Final Thoughts

A home tour is your opportunity to go beyond the listing photos and really assess whether a property is right for you. Taking notes, snapping photos, and asking questions can help you make an informed decision. And remember—while a home inspection will provide a more in-depth analysis, your own observations can help you spot potential concerns early on.

If you’re ready to start touring homes or need expert guidance, reach out to the Upswing Real Estate Team today! We’re here to help you find a home that checks all the right boxes. 🏡✨