{"id":76018,"date":"2026-09-01T09:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=76018"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:24:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T19:24:55","slug":"what-to-look-for-when-touring-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-look-for-when-touring-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for on a Home Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing what to look for when touring a house can provide important insights during your home search, whether you\u2019re a <\/span>first-time homebuyer<\/span><\/a> or you\u2019ve been around the block a few times. However, it\u2019s easy to overlook key details if you don\u2019t know what to keep an eye out for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the <\/span>number of U.S. homebuyers recently hitting a record low<\/span><\/a> and 80% of housing markets favoring buyers, many buyers have more room to be selective than they did during the pandemic-era housing boom. Taking the time to evaluate each home carefully can help you narrow down your options and ultimately buy with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to evaluate a home: what to look for when touring a house<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both the interior and exterior of the home are worth a close look during a tour. Try to look beyond the staging and finishes and focus on how the home functions, its overall condition, and anything that may require additional maintenance or investigation. A<\/span> house-hunting checklist<\/span><\/a> can help you keep track of the details, especially if you’re touring several homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the layout and functionality<\/b><\/h3>\n

Once inside the home, think about how the space would work for you day to day. Are the rooms large enough for your furniture? Is there enough storage? Does the floor plan make sense for your household?<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a closer look at the things you may not notice in listing photos.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Open and shut cupboards and closets, flush the toilets, test faucets, and bring a measuring tape if you need to confirm that furniture will fit. Pay attention to stairways, too. Are the stairs comfortable to go up and down? Is there a rail? Do they feel sturdy?<\/span><\/p>\n

Look at the home\u2019s overall condition<\/b><\/h3>\n

Pay attention to the visible condition of the walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and fixtures. Look for things like water stains, cracks, uneven floors, or other signs of damage or deferred maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don’t need to diagnose potential problems during a tour. Instead, make note of anything you want to ask your agent about or have evaluated more closely if you move forward with the home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walk around the exterior<\/b><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t forget to walk around the entire home and property. Pay attention to the visible condition of the roof, siding, foundation, drainage, trees, and landscaping. Does the landscaping look like it\u2019ll require a lot of work to maintain? Are there large or overgrown branches near the roof or windows? Consider both the condition of the exterior and how much ongoing maintenance the property may require.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use your five senses when touring homes<\/b><\/h3>\n

Each sense helps you assess what to look for when touring a house beyond just appearances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sight:<\/b> Are there signs of water damage? Do you see mold? What does it look like under the sinks? How close are the homes next door? Can you see inside your neighbor\u2019s home? Is there natural light coming through or do the rooms feel dark? Is there anything of concern being covered by window dressings, rugs, etc.?<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing:<\/b> Assess the noise level in the neighborhood. Is the house located near a highway or busy street? Is the interior of the home quiet, or can you hear the HVAC system? Do the floors squeak?<\/span><\/p>\n

Smell:<\/b> Can you smell pet, smoke, musty, or mildew odors? Are there strong fragrances that make other smells difficult to notice?<\/span><\/p>\n

Touch:<\/b> What is the water pressure and temperature like? Do any of the walls feel damp, particularly in the bathrooms? Do the floors feel level? Is the tile slippery? Are the heated floors actually heated?<\/span><\/p>\n

A home tour isn’t a replacement for a professional inspection. The goal is to determine whether the home works for you and identify anything you may want to learn more about before moving forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Curb<\/p>\n

Questions to ask when looking at a house<\/span><\/h2>\n

Agents tour homes every day and can help you gather information that may not be obvious during a walkthrough<\/span>. If your agent doesn\u2019t know the answer to a question, they can always verify with the seller. Here are a few common questions to ask your agent:<\/span><\/p>\n

Affordability questions<\/span><\/h3>\n