When you’re attending a home showing, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of imagining yourself living in a new space. While a professional house inspection in the Twin Cities area is essential before making a purchase, there are a few important clues you can look for during a showing to get a sense of a home’s condition. At AmeriSpec, we encourage homebuyers to keep their eyes open for these common red flags and areas of concern.
Unusual Odors or Stains
Smells can tell you a lot. A musty odor could indicate hidden moisture problems, such as mold or poor ventilation. Cigarette smoke or pet odors may not be easily removed, even with deep cleaning. Also, keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings or around windows and baseboards. These might signal past or ongoing leaks that could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Check the Mechanical Systems
While you might not have access to test everything during a showing, you can still observe key systems. Take a look at the furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Each of these appliances has a limited lifespan, and replacing them can be expensive. If they’re older models or look poorly maintained, it’s worth factoring potential replacement costs into your buying decision. Ask if the seller knows the age of the units or if there are any recent service records.
Look at the Electrical Panel
Open the electrical panel if you can. Look for signs of rust, messy wiring or outdated panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco brands), which may need replacement for safety reasons. While a full electrical evaluation should be part of your official house inspection, you can still make a note to ask your inspector to take a closer look.
Doors, Windows and Floors
Do doors open and close smoothly? Are there gaps around windows or soft spots in the flooring? These might indicate settling issues or past water damage. Pay attention to uneven floors or sloped areas—these could signal foundation concerns.
Cracks and Patches
Minor cracks in drywall are often normal, but large gaps or patched-over areas could indicate previous repairs. Ask about the history of those fixes and whether they were professionally handled.
Final Thoughts
A professional house inspection by AmeriSpec remains the best way to fully understand the condition of a home before you buy. But being observant during a showing can help you spot potential problems early, ask better questions and decide if a property is worth pursuing further. If you’re serious about a house, let AmeriSpec take it from there—our thorough inspections provide the peace of mind every buyer deserves. Give AmeriSpec a call today at 952-854-5110 or contact us!
