Before You Buy a House
5 Things to Look at During Your First Walkthrough of a Home
When you first walk through a house, it’s easy to focus on paint colors, flooring, or furniture. Instead, take a few minutes to look at these five things:
1. The Foundation
Walk around the exterior and look for large cracks, areas where the ground slopes toward the house, or signs of water staining. Water is one of a home’s biggest long-term enemies.
2. The Roof
You don’t need to climb up. From the ground, look for missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, and check whether the gutters and downspouts appear to direct water away from the home.
3. Signs of Moisture
Look for water stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, musty odors, or mold around windows and in the basement. These can be clues that moisture has been an issue.
4. Windows and Doors
Open and close a few. If they stick, don’t latch properly, or have noticeable gaps, it could be due to normal settling—or it may point to a larger issue that deserves a closer look.
5. Electrical Safety
Take a quick look at the electrical panel if it’s accessible. Also, note whether kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior outlets appear to have GFCI protection. These safety devices help reduce the risk of electrical shock.
A walkthrough won’t replace a professional home inspection, but taking a few extra minutes to look beyond the cosmetic features can help you ask better questions and make a more informed decision.
What are some things you always check when walking through a home?