Home Buyer Guide: What Should I Be Looking for During a Showing?

Walking through a home for the first time is exciting and a bit overwhelming. You might zoom in on the cute fireplace or the bright kitchen island but miss important details. If you’re actively touring homes, it helps to know what to look for so you can decide confidently.

Here’s a friendly guide to help you focus during showings—you’ll feel more prepared and less scattered.

Structure and Condition 

Look Up: Ceilings, Walls, and Floors

Check for cracks in walls or ceilings. A single small line is fine, but large or jagged cracks may point to bigger issues. Look at baseboards and trim. Water stains or warped wood might signal moisture problems.

Test Things Out

Turn on all the faucets. Let the water run for a few seconds. Check hot and cold, and listen for clogs or low pressure. Open and close every window and test them from the inside and outside. Slide doors back and forth to see if they’re smooth.

Sense the Feel

Notice uneven floors or squeaky spots. Walk slowly and pay attention; slight dips could hint at foundation settling. Sniff around for musty or damp smells, which might mean hidden leaks.

Layout and Daily Flow 

Imagine Everyday Life

Picture your morning routine. Is the coffee machine close to the fridge? Is there enough space for two people in the bathroom? Walk from the bedroom to the living room. Can you easily carry laundry or groceries?

Storage Space

Open cabinets and closets. Count pantry shelves and bathroom drawers. Would your clothes, sports gear, holiday decorations fit comfortably?

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Open the Cabinets

Peek underneath the sink. Look for water stains or old repairs. Lift cabinet doors. Are they solid and well-attached?

Check the Fixtures

Turn on showers and check for good pressure and temperature control. Flush toilets and listen. Is the sound loud or quiet? Check how long it takes to fill.

Lighting and Ventilation

Turn on exhaust fans in bathrooms. Test every overhead light and under-cabinet lighting in kitchens. No one wants to fix wiring later.

Red Flags to Catch Early

Strange Smells or Visible Mold

Sniff around damp spots. Smells like musty basement or fresh paint? Mold might be hiding underneath.

Signs of Past Repairs

Look for uneven paint, patched spots, or tiles that don’t match. Ask the seller why they made the repairs.

Foundation Concerns

Walk near doors and porch entries. Notice cracks between brick and siding? Big gaps could point to structural shifts.

Windows and Doors

Check how well they seal. Are there daylight gaps around window frames? Can you feel drafts near baseboards?

Exterior and Yard Check

Roof and Gutters

Use binoculars or ask your agent to inspect them. Missing shingles or sagging gutters might need replacement soon.

Slope and Drainage

Look around the foundation area. Water should flow away from the house. Standing puddles or soft ground could cause issues.

Outdoor Spaces

Walk the yard. Is the fence leaning? Do trees overhang the roof? Note any potential dangers or upkeep hassles.

Should I Bring a Checklist?

Yes! A simple checklist helps you compare homes. Include spots like:

• Faucets and toilets

• Doors and windows

• Storage space

• Lights and switches

• Outdoor features

Keep your phone handy for notes or voice memos after each showing.

Can I Take Photos?

Absolutely. Most sellers allow photos. If you're unsure about a detail, snap a picture (like a tile crack or oddly sealed window) so your agent can help later.

What If I Notice Something Concerning?

Write it down right away. Bring it up with your agent. You can:

• Ask questions during the showing

• Request a second look before making an offer

• Include repair or inspection contingencies in your offer

A sharp eye now can save you from big surprises later.

During a showing, don’t get swept up by a home’s charm. Focus on the build quality, daily flow, and any underlying issues. Use your checklist, take photos, and check in with your agent afterward.

Then look at the big picture—how you feel in the home, how it fits your lifestyle, and how comfortably it lines up with your budget.

Still unsure about something? Ask your agent to arrange a second tour or call in a contractor or inspector for a quick chat.

You’re not just touring houses—you’re choosing your next chapter. Your careful attention now will pay off later.