What to Look for When Touring a Home
If you’re gearing up to tour homes, first of all, congrats. That’s an exciting step toward finding your next chapter. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, it’s easy to get caught up in the pretty things—the smell of fresh paint, new countertops, and shiny floors. But as your Realtor, I’m here to remind you to look a little deeper.
When you walk through a house, you’re not just shopping for charm, you’re investing in your future. Let’s talk about what to look for so you can spot the difference between a great home and a potential headache.
Start with the Big Picture
Before you even step inside, take a good look at the neighborhood. How’s the street? Are the yards well-kept? Do you hear a lot of noise or see signs of construction nearby? The location is one thing you can’t change later, so make sure you love the area just as much as the home itself.
Check how far you are from your daily must-haves like schools, coffee shops, and highways. In places like Cedar Park or Round Rock, traffic patterns can make a big difference in your day-to-day routine.
Pay Attention to the Structure
Once you’re inside, look at the bones of the house. Notice the floors, are they level? Check for cracks along walls or ceilings, especially around windows and doors. Those can be signs of foundation issues. Peek at the windows to make sure they open easily and look for signs of moisture or rot around the frames.
If something feels off, don’t stress, just make a note of it. That’s what inspections are for later.
Observe the Layout and Flow
Every home has its own personality. Walk through the rooms and ask yourself how they feel. Can you imagine your furniture fitting comfortably? Does the kitchen open into the living space, or is it closed off? Think about how you actually live, do you like to entertain, need a quiet office, or want space for kids to play?
Sometimes the floor plan matters more than the square footage.
Check the Systems and Details
While you might not be a plumber or electrician, there are simple things you can check.
Run the faucets and check the water pressure.
Turn light switches on and off.
Open closets and cabinets to see how much storage you have.
Glance at the air vents to see if they’re clean and working.
If the HVAC or water heater looks older, that’s something to keep in mind for budgeting down the road.
Look Beyond the Staging
Beautiful staging can make any home look inviting, but don’t let it distract you from what’s really there. Picture the rooms without the furniture. Would they still feel spacious and functional? Look behind curtains or rugs for hidden flaws.
Remember, you’re buying the house, not the décor.
Step Outside
Don’t forget to take a walk around the exterior. Look at the roofline for missing shingles or sagging spots. Check the foundation for cracks and make sure water drains away from the home. If there’s a backyard, picture how you’d use it—barbecues, kids, pets, or maybe a quiet morning coffee spot.
Trust Your Gut
Sometimes you just know. If you walk in and something doesn’t feel right, that’s worth paying attention to. On the flip side, when a house feels like home, you’ll know that too.
Buying a home in Texas is a big decision, and having the right person by your side makes all the difference. When I tour homes with clients around North Austin, Cedar Park, or Round Rock, I help them look at what’s beyond the surface—because a home should fit both your heart and your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to start looking, I’d love to help you find the one that checks all your boxes.