# What to look for on a house tour Reading Time — 16 minutes Last updated: November 24, 2025 Author: Opendoor Editorial Team Walking through a potential new home feels exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time—you're trying to picture your life in the space while also spotting problems that could cost thousands to fix. Most buyers tour five to 10 properties before finding the right one, and the difference between a smart purchase and an expensive mistake often comes down to knowing what to look for. This guide covers how to prepare for home tours, what to examine in each room, which red flags signal costly repairs, and how to stay organized when comparing multiple properties. ## Prep your home viewing checklist When you tour a home, you're looking at the foundation, roof, plumbing, and HVAC to spot any signs of disrepair like water damage, mold, or drafts. Beyond the big systems, you'll want to check water pressure, storage space, and the exterior condition—including how the yard looks and whether the neighborhood feels right. Before you walk into your first property, get organized. Put a simple checklist on your phone or grab a small notebook to jot down what you notice in each room. After you've seen three or four homes in a day, details start to blur together, and you'll be glad you wrote things down. Bring a flashlight to check dark corners, basements, and attics. A tape measure helps you figure out if your couch will fit through the doorway or if your bed will work in the main bedroom. Your phone camera captures details you might forget later—take photos of anything that catches your eye. ### Set budget and must-have list Knowing your budget before you start touring saves time and keeps you from falling for a home you can't afford. Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which gives you a clear price range and shows sellers you're serious. Pre-approval usually takes a few days and gives you leverage when you're ready to make an offer. Next, write down two lists: your non-negotiables and your nice-to-haves. Your must-haves might include three bedrooms or a home office for remote work. Nice-to-haves could be a fireplace or updated appliances—features that would be wonderful but won't make or break the decision. ### Download a house touring app or spreadsheet Digital tools keep you organized when you're viewing multiple properties. A simple spreadsheet lets you rate each home on location, condition, layout, and price so you can compare them side by side. Many real estate apps also offer built-in note-taking features and photo organization. ## First look at exterior red flags to spot fast Start your home tour by walking the perimeter before you go inside. The exterior tells you how well the property has been maintained and can reveal expensive problems. Spend at least 10 minutes examining the outside—this time investment can save you from costly surprises later. Pay attention to curb appeal, but look beyond aesthetics. A well-kept lawn and fresh paint are nice, but you're searching for structural issues that could indicate deeper problems. ### Roof age and missing shingles Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles, which suggest the roof may need replacement soon. Ask the seller about the roof's age and when it was last replaced. ### Foundation cracks or settling Walk around the home's base and examine the foundation walls. Horizontal cracks or large vertical cracks can indicate structural problems. Check for signs of water around the foundation's base. ### Drainage and grading issues The ground around the home's perimeter determines where water flows during storms. Ideally, the yard slopes away from the foundation. Pooling water or sunken areas may indicate water draining into the basement. ## Inside tour room-by-room things to check Once you step inside, move through the home systematically—start in the main living areas, then work your way to the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. ### Kitchen Test water pressure and inspect for leaks or rust under the sink. If appliances are included in the sale, ask if they're under warranty. ### Bathrooms Turn on all faucets and showers simultaneously to gauge water pressure. Inspect tiles, grout, and caulking for cracks or mildew. ### Bedrooms Measure the rooms to ensure your furniture will fit. Test windows for proper operation. ### Living areas and hallways Examine flooring for deep scratches, warping, or soft spots. Check traffic flow between rooms for comfort. ### Attic and basement Look for adequate insulation, signs of water stains, mold, or pest activity. Check the basement for standing water or uneven settling. ## Hidden systems that cost big money later The home's mechanical systems—HVAC, electrical, and plumbing—represent some of the most expensive components to repair or replace. ### HVAC performance Turn the heating or cooling system on and listen for unusual noises. Check the air filter and maintenance records. ### Electrical panel capacity Open the electrical panel and look for the amperage rating—modern homes usually need at least 100 amps. Count the outlets in each room. ### Plumbing leaks or pipe material Look for signs of leaks, corrosion, or recent repairs under sinks and around toilets. ## Neighborhood and natural threats to research The neighborhood affects your daily quality of life and property value. Research the safety, schools, amenities, and future development plans. ### Noise and traffic patterns Visit the property at different times to gauge noise levels and traffic patterns. ### Flood or fire risk zones Research whether the property sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone, which can affect insurance costs. ### Future development plans Inquire about upcoming development projects near the property and any signs of neglect in the neighborhood. ## Use your five senses while house touring Pay attention to what you smell, hear, see, and feel as you walk through the home—your impressions reveal problems. ### Smell for mold or pets Strong odors may indicate underlying problems. A musty smell typically indicates mold. ### Listen for street noise or HVAC clanks Listen to the ambient noise level and HVAC system operation for smooth functioning. ### Touch walls for moisture Check for dampness or cool spots in bathrooms and basements—signs of moisture issues. ## Questions to ask when touring a house ### Age of major systems Find out when the roof, HVAC system, and major appliances were last replaced or serviced. ### Recent repairs or renovations Learn about any recent work completed on the property and whether proper permits were obtained. ### Average utility costs Request copies of recent utility bills to budget for monthly expenses. ## Compare multiple homes without the headache ### Create a scoring system Develop a simple rating method that assigns points to your most important criteria. ### Organize photos chronologically Take systematic photos of each room and feature during your tour for reference during discussions. ## Next steps after the tour Once you've found a home that checks most of your boxes, it's time to move forward with a professional home inspection. Schedule a licensed home inspector to examine the property in detail and provide a written report on its condition. ### Decide on contingencies Include contingencies in your offer that protect buyers if certain conditions aren't met. ### Explore sale-contingent cash offers If you need to sell your current home before buying a new one, consider a sale-contingent offer or cash-backed offers that give you the purchasing power of a cash buyer. ## FAQs about house touring **Can I tour homes without a real estate agent?** Yes, you can attend open houses without an agent, but working with a buyer's agent gives you access to more listings and professional guidance. **How many houses do I tour before making an offer?** Most buyers tour between five and 10 properties before finding the right home. **What do I wear when touring houses?** Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. **How long does each house tour take?** Plan for at least 30 minutes per property for a thorough evaluation.