Watch Out! Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore on Home Tours

Ah, the thrilling adventure of home tours!

Whether you’re a newbie homebuyer or a veteran in the real estate game, there’s something magical about walking through a potential new pad and picturing your future there. But hey, before you start picking out paint swatches and mentally arranging your furniture, let’s hit pause.

According to a study on home inspections from Porch.com, about 86% of home inspections will find something that needs to be fixed. Yep, homes have their fair share of skeletons in the closet. Some are cute, like a quirky little alcove, but others? Not so cute. This guide is your BFF for spotting those red flags on your next home tour.

Structural Woes

Let’s talk about the skeleton of the house—its structure.

You know how you sometimes feel a slight breeze and wonder if there’s a ghost? Well, cracks in the walls might be the house’s way of showing its age, and not in a wise-old-tree kind of way. Small cracks? Meh, maybe it’s nothing. But if you can fit a credit card in them, it’s time to worry. That’s like the house saying, “Help me, I’m falling apart!”

And let’s talk about the floors. If you feel like you’re on a mini rollercoaster ride as you walk through the living room, that’s not normal. Sagging or uneven floors might be the house’s not-so-subtle cry for some serious TLC. Same goes for the ceilings—if they look like they’re about to join you on the couch, you’ve got problems.

Peek at the door frames and windows too. If they’re wonkier than a carnival funhouse, it could be a sign that the foundation is having a mid-life crisis. And trust me, fixing that is not cheap. These aren’t just minor issues; they can be money pits that’ll drain your bank account faster than you can say “new homeowner.”

So, if you spot any of these signs, take a step back. Better yet, call in a pro to give you the lowdown. Your future self—and wallet—will thank you.

Water Woes

Alright, let’s dive into the watery depths of home tours. Picture this: you walk in and see a ceiling stain that looks like a Rorschach test.

Spoiler alert: it’s not art. That’s a surefire sign of water damage, my friend. If you catch a whiff of a musty, old-basement smell, it’s time to hit the brakes. Mold might be lurking around, and trust me, that’s not a problem you want to inherit.

Now, take a good look at the basement and under the sinks. If you see puddles or water stains, that’s a red flag waving in your face. Basements should be dry—not a swampy mess. If the basement feels like a rainforest, you’ve got a moisture issue.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the bathroom and kitchen. These areas are prime suspects for water mischief. Check for loose tiles or grout that looks like it’s ready to jump ship. They could be hiding leaks behind the walls, and those hidden leaks can lead to serious trouble down the road.

Don’t be shy; turn on the faucets and the shower. If the water pressure feels like a weak drizzle, it might indicate problems in the pipes. And if the hot water takes forever to arrive, it could mean the water heater is on its last leg.

Finally, check outside around the foundation. If you see damp soil or standing water near the house, it’s a sign the drainage system might be failing. You don’t want to deal with a moat around your castle every time it rains. So keep those peepers open and stay dry!

Electrical Issues

Let’s flip the switch to electricity.

So, you’re walking through the house, and you spot some exposed wires. It’s not some edgy design choice; it’s more like a fire hazard just waiting for an invitation. And those old-school breaker panels? They’re not vintage chic—they’re more like an electrical meltdown waiting to happen.

Now, let’s talk outlets. If you see outlets that look like they belong in an 80s movie, they might not be up to code. And those charming two-prong outlets? Yeah, they might as well be saying, “Good luck plugging in your modern gadgets!” You want those three-prong outlets, my friend—safety first!

Got flickering lights? Unless you’re going for that spooky haunted house vibe, it’s not a good sign. It could mean the wiring’s on its last leg, and that’s a pricey fix. And let’s be real, nobody wants to deal with constant power outages because your home’s electrical system is throwing a tantrum.

Speaking of lights, if you notice scorch marks or a burning smell near switches or outlets, that’s a big red flag. It’s like the house is screaming, “Get me an electrician, stat!”

And don’t forget to check the attic and basement. If the wiring looks like it was installed during the Great Depression, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Sketchy DIY jobs and outdated wiring can lead to all sorts of trouble, including fires.

So keep your eyes peeled and don’t be afraid to poke around a bit. Better to spot these issues now than after you’ve moved in and blown a fuse—literally!

Plumbing Woes

Now, let’s talk plumbing—the unsung hero that makes modern living a breeze.

First off, low water pressure. If you turn on the shower and it feels like a gentle mist instead of a jet stream, that’s a red flag. You want a shower, not a drizzle! It might mean there’s a bigger issue lurking in the pipes.

Speaking of pipes, ever hear the sound of a ghost flushing a toilet at night? Yeah, spooky plumbing noises are a bad sign. They can point to all kinds of issues like air in the pipes or even hidden leaks. And let’s not forget about those sneaky leaky faucets or pipes. They might look like small drips, but over time, they can waste gallons of water and rack up your utility bill.

Now, peek under sinks and check around toilets for any signs of moisture or water stains. If it looks like a miniature swamp, you’ve got a problem. Sometimes these leaks can be tricky, hiding behind walls or under floors, leading to much bigger headaches down the road.

Also, while you’re at it, give the toilets a flush and watch how they behave. If they gurgle, hesitate, or look like they’re auditioning for a disaster movie, the plumbing might need some serious work.

And don’t ignore those rusty pipes. They’re like the house’s way of saying, “I’m old and tired!” Rust can weaken pipes and lead to leaks or bursts. So, if you see rust, it might be time for an upgrade.

So, keep an eye out for these signs during your home tours. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re enjoying that high-pressure shower without any plumbing nightmares!

Neighborhood No-Nos

Okay, so you’ve found a house that checks all the boxes. But hold on a second—let’s talk about the ‘hood.

Imagine your dream home, but instead of birds chirping, you’ve got the sweet symphony of honking horns or, worse, a train that seems to roll through your living room at 3 a.m. Not exactly paradise, right?

Noise levels are a biggie. If you’re a light sleeper or just like your peace and quiet, high noise levels are gonna drive you nuts. And let’s not forget about amenities. Picture needing to drive 20 miles just to get a gallon of milk—ugh, the horror! Check if there are decent grocery stores, parks, and maybe a coffee shop or two nearby. You know, the essentials.

Also, take a good look around. Are the neighboring homes well-kept or do they look like they’re auditioning for a post-apocalyptic movie? A declining neighborhood can affect your home’s value and overall vibe. And hey, if you’ve got kids, make sure to check out the schools too. A top-rated school can make a huge difference, even if you don’t have little ones—it’s a big deal for resale value. So, keep your eyes peeled for these not-so-obvious red flags.

Pest Problems

Finally, let’s tackle the creepy-crawlies.

Picture this: you’re doing your home tour, and you spot some tiny droppings in a corner. Cute? Nope, that’s a sign of a rodent rave you were not invited to. If you see chewed wires or gnawed wood, it’s pretty much a neon sign saying, “Rodents have been here.”

And let’s not forget about those little ant lines that look like they’re training for a marathon. If the current homeowners have more pest traps set up than you’ve got kitchen appliances, it’s a red flag. Check out the attic and basement too—pests love those cozy spots. No one wants to wake up to a surprise mouse or an army of ants. So keep your eyes open for any unwelcome housemates!

Selling a property? Give us a call today and learn more about our professional photography services that can boost your property listing!

Also, explore our sister company for exclusive luxury listings you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to tune into our new podcast for even more valuable insights!