What to Look for During a Home Tour: Red Flags and Green Lights

So, you’re about to tour a house, and you’re not sure what to look for? No worries—you’re not alone. Buying a home is a big deal, and the last thing you want is to fall for a place that looks great on the outside but has problems lurking beneath the surface.

When touring a home, focus on five key things:

Structural integrity – cracks, foundation issues, roof condition.

Plumbing and electrical – leaks, outdated wiring, low water pressure.

Heating and cooling – working systems, old HVAC units, insulation.

Signs of pests – droppings, chewed wires, termite damage.

Neighborhood factors – noise levels, street conditions, proximity to essentials.

In this guide, we’ll go over the major red flags that could mean expensive repairs down the road and the green lights that signal a well-maintained home. Let’s break it down so you can confidently walk into a home tour!

 

Red Flags: Signs You Might Want to Walk Away

Structural Issues

The foundation is what holds the house up. If it’s cracked or uneven, that’s a major issue. Look for:

Large cracks in walls or ceilings.

Uneven floors or doors that won’t close properly.

Water damage near the foundation.

Danger: If you see a crack wider than ¼ inch, you may be looking at a structural issue. Get a professional to inspect it before moving forward.

Plumbing Problems

Nobody likes surprise plumbing disasters. Some warning signs include:

Low water pressure in faucets and showers.

Leaks under sinks or around toilets.

Water stains on ceilings (this could mean hidden leaks).

Old or Faulty Electrical Work

Outdated electrical systems can be expensive (and dangerous) to fix. Watch for:

Flickering lights.

Exposed or frayed wiring.

Lack of grounded outlets (older homes often don’t have them).

Quick Tip: If you see a fuse box instead of a breaker panel, the electrical system is outdated. Consider an upgrade cost before making an offer.

Roof Troubles

Replacing a roof isn’t cheap. Keep an eye out for:

Missing or curling shingles.

Water stains on ceilings (could be a leaky roof!).

Sagging or uneven rooflines.

Fact: The average asphalt roof lasts about 20-25 years. If the home’s roof is near that age, you might need to budget for a replacement soon.

Signs of Pests

No one wants uninvited guests like termites, rodents, or cockroaches. Warning signs include:

Tiny holes in walls or wood.

Droppings in corners or near baseboards.

Strange smells (mice and rats have a distinctive odor!).

 

Green Lights: Signs of a Well-Maintained Home

Solid Foundation and Structure

A well-maintained home should have:

Even floors and doors that close properly.

No major cracks in walls or ceilings.

No signs of water pooling around the foundation.

Updated Plumbing and Electrical

Good signs include:

Strong water pressure.

Newer pipes (copper or PVC, not old lead pipes).

A modern electrical panel with circuit breakers.

A Newer or Well-Maintained Roof

If the roof has been replaced in the last 10 years, that’s a plus! Look for:

No missing or damaged shingles.

Proper drainage from gutters.

No signs of leaks inside the house.

Proper Insulation and Energy Efficiency

A good home should keep you comfortable without sky-high energy bills. Look for:

Double-pane windows (better insulation and noise reduction).

A well-maintained HVAC system.

Insulated attic and walls.

A Great Neighborhood

Location matters just as much as the house itself. Pay attention to:

Quiet streets with minimal traffic.

Nearby grocery stores, schools, and parks.

Well-maintained neighboring homes (this can impact property value!).

 

Quick Home Tour Checklist

Feature	Red Flags to Avoid	Green Lights to Look For
Foundation	Large cracks, uneven floors	No cracks, solid walls
Plumbing	Low pressure, leaks	Strong pressure, no leaks
Electrical	Flickering lights, old wiring	New panel, modern outlets
Roof	Missing shingles, water stains	Newer roof, no sagging
Neighborhood	Loud noise, neglected homes	Safe, quiet, well-kept

 

Conclusion

Touring a home isn’t just about falling in love with the kitchen. Pay attention to potential red flags, and keep an eye out for features that show the home has been well cared for. If you spot any major issues, it doesn’t mean you have to walk away, but it does mean you should factor in repair costs before making an offer.