What should I look for during a home tour?
Answered by Allen Markel, REALTOR®, Texas Premier Realty ·
Short answer
Walk through slowly and check the condition of major systems: roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliances. Look for water damage, cracks, and signs of wear. Open cabinets and closets. Test light switches and faucets. Take photos. During the option period after your offer is accepted, you can hire inspectors to examine everything in detail. This is your chance to negotiate repairs or credits before closing.
What to observe during a showing
A home tour is your first look at a property. Move through each room methodically. Check the condition of walls, ceilings, and floors. Look for water stains, cracks, or discoloration that might signal leaks or foundation issues. Open and close doors and windows to see if they operate smoothly. Turn on lights and faucets. Look inside cabinets, closets, and under sinks. Peer into the attic if accessible. Step into the basement or crawl space. Take photos and notes so you remember details later.
Pay attention to the major systems. The roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, and HVAC unit are expensive to repair or replace. Look for signs of age, rust, or damage. Ask the listing agent how old each system is. Check the water heater and furnace. Look at the condition of the exterior: siding, gutters, grading around the foundation, and the driveway or parking area. These observations help you understand what you might need to budget for after you buy.
What a tour does and does not tell you
A showing gives you a sense of the home's layout, condition, and whether it fits your needs. It is not an inspection. You cannot see inside walls, under the foundation, or behind finished surfaces. You cannot test whether the electrical panel is up to code, whether the plumbing meets current standards, or whether the roof will last another five years.
That is why the option period matters. After your offer is accepted, you have a window of time (the length is negotiated) to hire inspectors to examine the home in detail. You pay an option fee for this right, and it is separate from your earnest money. During the option period, inspectors can access the attic, crawl space, and roof. They test systems and look for hidden problems. If they find issues, you can negotiate repairs, credits, or a price reduction with the seller. This is your protection. The tour is your first impression; the inspection is your detailed review.
How to prepare and follow up
Before you tour, know what matters to you: location, layout, condition, or a specific feature. This helps you focus during the walk-through. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down observations and take photos. If you are touring with an agent, ask questions about the home's history, any known issues, and the timeline for repairs or updates.
After the tour, review your photos and notes while they are fresh. Compare the home to others you have seen. If you are interested, your next step is to make an offer. Once your offer is accepted, the option period begins, and that is when inspectors do the detailed work. Talk to us to find the right option for your circumstances and to understand what to look for based on the specific home and your priorities.
Common follow-up questions
Should I hire an inspector during the tour?
No. A general home tour is your first look. After you make an offer and it is accepted, you enter the option period, when you hire inspectors to examine the home in detail. The option period is your window to do this work and negotiate based on what they find.
What if I see something wrong during the tour?
Note it and ask the listing agent about it. Take a photo. If you make an offer and the home is accepted, you can have inspectors examine the issue closely during the option period and use their findings to negotiate repairs or credits.
Can I go back and tour the home again?
Yes, you can usually arrange a second showing before you make an offer. After your offer is accepted, you may be able to tour again during the option period, especially if you want to show it to an inspector or contractor.
What is the option period?
It is a negotiated window of time after your offer is accepted during which you can hire inspectors and have the right to terminate the contract if you find problems. You pay an option fee for this right. Both the length and the fee are negotiated between you and the seller.
Sources
Talk it through with Allen
A short call can turn a general answer into one for your address, your timeline and your numbers.
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