(404) 988-2233
lisa.watt@compass.com
A home showing lasts only a short while, yet those minutes can reveal a great deal about a property’s true shape. By training your eyes, ears, and nose, you can spot warning signs before you fall in love with the paint color. 1. Curb‑Side Clues Start before you step inside. Uneven sidewalks, peeling trim, or standing water near the foundation may hint at bigger upkeep problems. Healthy landscaping and tidy gutters, on the other hand, often signal regular care. 2. Roof, Gutters and Drainage Roofs are costly to replace, so glance up. Are shingles curling or missing? Do the gutters sag or overflow when it rains? Water traces on exterior walls can point to poor drainage that may lead to interior leaks. 3. Windows and Doors Open and close several windows and doors. Sticking frames might mean the house has settled unevenly or moisture has warped the wood. Foggy double‑panes suggest broken seals that hurt energy efficiency. 4. Walls, Floors and Ceilings Inside, look for hairline cracks wider than a quarter inch, discoloration, or bubbling paint. These can reveal past water damage or structural stress. Soft spots in flooring—especially near sinks—may signal hidden plumbing leaks. 5. Plumbing Checks Turn on faucets to test water pressure and temperature. Listen for banging pipes. Peek under sinks for stains or mold. A slow drain could be a simple clog or a sign of an aging sewer line. 6. Heating, Cooling and Electrical Ask when the HVAC was last serviced and note any strange smells when it kicks on. In the breaker box, labels should be clear and wiring tidy. Scorch marks or too many extension cords hint that the system is overworked. 7. Smell and Sound A musty odor can betray mildew in walls, while strong air fresheners may hide pet or smoke smells. Outside noise levels—planes, trains, busy roads—affect comfort and resale value. No single red flag should end a deal, but a pattern of neglect should make you think twice. We can guide you to professional inspectors and help you weigh repair costs against your budget.
