10 “What Should I Look for During a Home Tour” Questions Answered

How to Spot Dream Homes, Red Flags, and the Occasional Creepy Doll Collection

Touring homes can be exciting—like a real-life episode of House Hunters, minus the dramatic music and questionable budget expectations. But beyond the fresh paint and cleverly staged fruit bowls, what should you really be looking for during a home tour? In short, check the roof, HVAC, foundation, windows, and layout flow. Trust your gut, but bring a checklist.

Now let’s break it down some more so you can walk through like a pro (and avoid falling for the scent of freshly baked cookies alone).

1. Start With the Smell Test (Yes, Really)

Your nose knows. If the home smells like citrus and vanilla, great—but if there’s an underlying scent of mildew, pets, or Eau de “what died in here?”—that’s worth noting. Masking odors can signal deeper issues like water damage or old carpeting that’s seen better centuries.

2. Check the Floors (Are They Trying to Tell You Something?)

Walk around. Literally. Creaky floors? Sloping tiles? It’s charming in a castle, but not so much in a ranch-style home in the suburbs. Uneven floors might indicate foundation issues—and those are not cheap to fix, no matter how charming the house’s vintage wallpaper may be.

3. Look Up—Ceilings Can Spill Secrets

Water stains, cracks, or discoloration could mean leaks from the roof or plumbing above. And if the seller strategically placed a tall plant or artwork in that spot… well, let’s just say it wasn’t for design purposes.

4. Inspect the Windows (Natural Light = Good. Drafty Cold Front = Bad.)

Open and close a few windows. Are they easy to operate? Do they seal properly? Also, check if there’s condensation between the panes—this could mean failed seals or poor insulation. No one wants a $500-a-month heating bill because of leaky windows.

5. Peek Inside Closets and Cabinets

You’re not being nosy—you’re being thorough. Open that closet. Check under the kitchen sink. If there’s mold, signs of pests, or duct-taped plumbing fixes, it’s better to find out now than after moving in.

Bonus tip: Small closets might look cute, but unless you’re a minimalist (or Marie Kondo herself), make sure they’ll actually fit your stuff.

6. Turn Things On

Seriously—flip light switches, test the faucets, flush the toilets. You’re not at a museum. This is your potential future home, and it’s perfectly normal to test the basics. Just maybe don’t take a shower… save that for after closing.

7. Listen for the Noise Factor

What do you hear? Barking dogs? Busy traffic? The neighbor’s garage band? A home may look peaceful, but if it sounds like a drum solo at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday, you’ll want to know that before you’re stuck with it.

8. Look Beyond the Staging

That mid-century modern couch doesn’t come with the house (or can it? Hello negotiations). Try to look past the decor and focus on the structure, layout, and condition. Ask yourself: does the floor plan work for your daily life? Can your dining table actually fit in that space?

9. Don’t Skip the Outside

Walk the exterior. Check the condition of the roof, gutters, siding, and landscaping. A beautiful inside doesn’t mean much if the foundation is cracking or the deck is one termite away from collapse.

Also, bonus points if you see neighbors outside—say hello. You might be living next to them soon.

10. Trust Your Gut (But Bring a Checklist)

Sometimes a house just “feels right.” That’s great—but pair that feeling with a good checklist. Your dream home should be more than just cozy vibes—it should be structurally sound, functional, and a good investment.

Touring homes is a bit like dating—you’re looking for long-term compatibility, not just good first impressions. So take your time, stay observant, and ask questions (especially the awkward ones).

And if you’re ever unsure, that’s what your real estate agent is for. We’re here to point out the good, the bad, and the “this bathroom hasn’t been updated since 1972 but it has so much potential.”

Happy touring—and may your next home be draft-free, well-lit, and absolutely you.