10 Red Flags to Watch for When Touring Homes

Home buyer examining a potential issue while touring a house.

House hunting is thrilling—but don’t let excitement cloud your judgment! That dream home could be hiding expensive problems beneath the surface. Before you fall in love with fresh paint and staged furniture, keep an eye out for warning signs that could turn your investment into a money pit.

These 10 major red flags will help you spot potential issues before making an offer.


1️⃣ Cracks in the Foundation or Uneven Floors

A tiny crack? No big deal. Large cracks, sloping floors, or sticking doors? That’s a different story. These could indicate foundation issues, which are costly to fix and could lead to serious structural problems. If something feels “off,” consult a home inspector immediately.

👉 What to do: Look for gaps around doors and windows, visible cracks on walls, and floors that feel uneven when walking.


2️⃣ Water Stains or Mold 🏠💧

Brown spots on the ceiling or walls? 🚨 Warning sign! This could indicate roof leaks, plumbing problems, or past flooding. Mold—especially in basements and bathrooms—suggests ongoing moisture issues, which can be costly to fix and harmful to your health.

👉 What to do: Check under sinks, around bathtubs, and in basements for musty smells and visible mold growth.


3️⃣ Overpowering Odors (Good or Bad) 👃

If a house smells musty, smoky, or like pet urine, that’s an obvious red flag. But if it smells “too good”, that’s also concerning! Strong air fresheners could be masking something unpleasant, like mildew, sewage issues, or persistent pet odors.

👉 What to do: Open windows and take a deep breath—does the scent seem natural or artificial? Trust your nose!


4️⃣ Signs of DIY or Poorly Done Repairs 🔧

Crooked cabinets, uneven flooring, and sloppy paint jobs could be signs of cut corners. If small details were done carelessly, what else might be lurking beneath the surface?

👉 What to do: Inspect fixtures, doors, and caulking. If they look rushed, a deeper issue might be present.


5️⃣ Outdated or Faulty Electrical Wiring ⚡

Older homes often have outdated electrical panels, two-pronged outlets, or flickering lights, signaling an aging electrical system. If the house has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, you may need a full rewiring, which can be a major expense.

👉 What to do: Look at the circuit breaker box—does it seem modern and well-maintained? Ask about the last electrical update.


6️⃣ Roof in Rough Shape 🏠🔍

A failing roof can lead to leaks, mold, and costly repairs. Missing shingles, sagging spots, or water stains on ceilings? These are clear signs the roof may need replacing soon.

👉 What to do: Ask for the roof’s age and recent maintenance history. Roof replacements can range from $5,000 to $15,000+!


7️⃣ Signs of Pests 🐜🐭

Rodents, termites, or other pests can cause serious damage. Watch for:
✔️ Droppings in cabinets or basements
✔️ Small holes in wood
✔️ Mud tubes near the foundation (a sign of termites!)

👉 What to do: Check for pest control history and signs of an infestation before making an offer.


8️⃣ Poor Drainage & Grading Issues 🌧️

Does water pool near the foundation? Standing water or a soggy yard could mean poor drainage, leading to basement flooding and foundation issues.

👉 What to do: Look for gutters in good shape, downspouts directing water away from the home, and no standing water in the yard.


9️⃣ Odd or Inconsistent Renovations 🚧

A random toilet in the basement? A kitchen squeezed into a hallway? Poorly planned renovations might mean the work wasn’t done with permits—which can lead to expensive legal and insurance issues.

👉 What to do: Verify that any major changes were permitted and inspected.


🔟 The “Too Good to Be True” Feeling

If a home is priced way below market value, ask why. Is the seller desperate, or is there an underlying issue?

👉 What to do: Research the home’s history, talk to neighbors, and ask your real estate agent to investigate.


Final Thoughts 🏡💡

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—so don’t ignore red flags! A home inspector can help identify hidden issues before you sign the dotted line.

💬 Need expert advice on finding the perfect home? Our real estate team is here to guide you every step of the way! Contact us today!

About the Author
Brenda Beshara Headshot

Prior to selling real estate, Brenda worked in the mortgage industry for over twenty years. She worked for companies such as Freddie Mac and HomeBanc in numerous capacities from underwriter to executive management. Her thorough knowledge of the mortgage industry is an asset in these times of stricter loan qualifications. Brenda's commitment to continual education keeps her on the cutting edge of current market conditions and trends.

Her professional confidence and easy going style comforts clients through this sometimes stressful situation. Brenda is committed to negotiating the absolute best deal for her sellers.