Key Things to Look for When Touring a Home Before Buying

🔑 Key Things to Look for When Touring a Home Before Buying 🏡

When touring a home, paying attention to subtle details can reveal a lot about the property's condition. While staging and decor may catch your eye, it’s the small things that often indicate how well a home has been maintained. Here are some key factors to keep in mind during a showing:

1. Pay Attention to the Smell

The first thing to notice when walking into a home is the scent. Strong air fresheners, such as Glade plugins or gel canisters, may be masking odors from pets, food, or moisture issues. On the other hand, more subtle designer fragrances could indicate that the homeowner takes pride in their space. If something smells off, it’s worth investigating further.

2. Check the AC Vents and Filters

Dirty AC vents, filters, and grates coated in pet dander or dust can be a red flag. Poorly maintained air filters often suggest neglected HVAC systems, which could lead to costly repairs down the line. If the air filter is clogged and hasn't been changed in a while, it might indicate a lack of routine home maintenance.

3. Examine the Baseboards and Ceiling Lines

Dust buildup on baseboards, ceiling lines, and light fixtures is a small but telling detail. A home that hasn't been regularly cleaned may also suffer from deferred maintenance in more critical areas, such as plumbing or electrical systems.

4. Trust Your Instincts

While these signs don’t guarantee major issues, they often correlate with larger maintenance problems. Homes that show multiple red flags during a tour often end up having inspection issues that could lead to canceled deals.

💬 Have you ever spotted a red flag while touring a home? Share your experiences in the comments!