The house search might be one of the thrilling and overwhelming levels of the homebuying course of, particularly for first-time homebuyers. From location and worth to structural considerations and potential purple flags, there’s loads to contemplate. Understanding what to search for when shopping for a home can assist you keep away from expensive surprises and select a house that matches your wants.
On this Redfin Actual Property article, we’ll spotlight what to search for when shopping for a home in order that what inquiries to ask as you start the homebuying course of. Whether or not you’re shopping for a house in Irvine, CA, or a home in Denver, CO, learn on to search out out the highest options and purple flags to contemplate alongside the way in which.
1. Basis and construction points to search for when shopping for a home
Probably the most important issues to search for when shopping for a home is the situation of the inspiration and construction. If it isn’t stable, even probably the most stunning kitchen or spacious yard gained’t matter. Structural points can have an effect on every thing from security to resale worth, and repairs can run into the tens of hundreds of {dollars}. When touring a house, pay shut consideration to refined indicators of motion or water injury that might sign basis bother.
What to search for:
- Cracks in partitions or flooring: Hairline cracks are normally beauty, however huge, stair-step, or horizontal cracks could point out critical points.
- Uneven flooring: Drop a marble or small ball and see if it rolls throughout the room. Sloping flooring usually sign settling.
- Doorways and home windows that don’t shut correctly: In the event that they stick or gained’t latch, the house could also be shifting inconsistently.
- Water pooling across the basis: Standing water close to the bottom of the house suggests poor drainage, which might finally result in structural injury.
2. Roof situation
One other important factor to search for when shopping for a home is the situation and age of the roof. A failing roof doesn’t simply imply expensive alternative – it may possibly result in leaks, mildew progress, and injury to ceilings and partitions inside the house. Since roofs are costly to interchange, it’s necessary to get a way of their age and situation early in your search and know what to search for when shopping for a home.
Purchaser’s guidelines:
- Age of the roof: Asphalt shingles usually final 20–25 years. Tile, slate, and metallic can final for much longer however nonetheless want inspections.
- Seen put on: Search for curling edges, lacking shingles, or bald patches.
- Indicators of leaks: Verify attic ceilings for water stains, damp insulation, or mildew
- Gutters and flashing: Rust, sagging gutters, or lacking flashing can enable water to seep inside.
Tip: Ask for upkeep or guarantee data – some fashionable roofing programs include transferable warranties that will prevent hundreds if alternative is required.
3. Plumbing points to search for when shopping for a home
Plumbing is a type of hidden programs patrons not often discover till there’s an issue. Leaks, corrosion, and outdated pipes can result in water injury and costly repairs. Even throughout a brief home viewing, there are methods to check whether or not a house’s plumbing is in good situation.
What to check throughout a exhibiting:
- Water stress: Activate taps and showers to test for regular, robust movement.
- Leaks and moisture: Look below sinks, round bathrooms, and close to the water heater for indicators of dampness or mildew.
- Pipe supplies: Copper and PEX are the usual at the moment; galvanized metal is outdated and susceptible to corrosion.
- Water heater age: Most final 8–12 years. Rust, loud popping noises, or inconsistent heating are purple flags.
- Sewer strains: In properties constructed earlier than 1980, take into account a sewer scope to test for tree root intrusion or collapsed pipes.
4. Electrical programs
Electrical programs are a serious security concern and needs to be a part of your home looking guidelines. An outdated electrical system might be each a security hazard and an insurance coverage subject. Electrical fires stay one of the widespread causes of house injury, so it’s necessary to verify the house’s wiring is as much as code.
What to search for when shopping for a home:
- Breaker panel situation: A contemporary, labeled breaker panel is right. Fuse bins could not meet present security requirements.
- Grounded retailers: Two-prong retailers point out older wiring. Use an outlet tester to verify grounding.
- Indicators of overloading: Flickering lights, buzzing switches, or heat retailers could point out overloaded circuits.
- Wiring kind: Aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, widespread in mid-Twentieth-century properties, could be a hearth threat and restrict insurance coverage protection.
Tip: If the house hasn’t had {an electrical} replace in a long time, finances for an expert inspection and attainable rewiring – usually costing $8,000–$15,000.
5. HVAC and main programs to search for when shopping for a home
Heating and cooling programs have a serious impression in your consolation and your finances. They’re additionally one of the costly programs to restore or change. Understanding the situation of the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork before you purchase can prevent from expensive surprises.
Key questions for sellers:
- How outdated is the furnace and AC? (15+ years is nearing end-of-life.)
- When was the final skilled service carried out?
- Does the house warmth and funky evenly?
- Are ducts sealed and insulated correctly?
- What’s the house’s common power invoice?
Don’t neglect to ask about main equipments included within the sale. Vitality-efficient fashions not solely scale back payments however might also qualify for tax credit or rebates.
6. Home windows, doorways, and insulation
Drafty home windows and poor insulation can dramatically impression power payments, making them necessary options to search for when shopping for a home. Vitality effectivity is extra necessary than ever as utility prices rise.
What to test:
- Window high quality: Double- or triple-pane glass supplies higher insulation. Condensation between panes alerts failed seals.
- Door match: Exterior doorways ought to shut tightly with out gaps or drafts.
- Insulation: Attics ought to have not less than 12 inches of insulation. Verify crawlspaces and basements, too.
- Climate stripping: Worn or lacking seals round home windows and doorways are straightforward fixes however price noting.
Tip: Ask for 12 months of utility payments. Spikes in heating or cooling prices can point out poor insulation or inefficient programs.
7. Indicators of water injury and mildew to search for when shopping for a home
Water injury is likely one of the costliest points a house owner can face, and mildew poses well being dangers which might be usually hidden behind recent paint or beauty updates.
Crimson flags:
- Musty odors: Particularly in basements, crawlspaces, or bogs.
- Ceiling or wall stains: Brown or yellow marks normally level to previous or ongoing leaks.
- Warped or tender flooring: Moisture trapped beneath flooring may cause wooden to buckle.
- Seen mildew: Usually seems round home windows, in corners, or close to HVAC vents.
Should you discover any of those indicators, an expert inspection is strongly beneficial. As flooding turns into extra widespread, it’s essential to know if your property is in a flood zone. Houses in high-risk flood zones require flood insurance coverage that isn’t usually included in householders insurance coverage. They might additionally price extra upfront, relying on the flood threat.
8. Pest and rodent issues
Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents may cause critical injury earlier than you even notice they’re there. They will additionally make the house unsafe and unsanitary.
What to search for when shopping for a home:
- Termite indicators: Mud tubes alongside basis partitions, hollow-sounding wooden, or sagging flooring.
- Rodents: Droppings in basements, attics, or pantries.
- Carpenter ants: Small piles of sawdust-like particles close to wooden trim.
- Entry factors: Gaps in siding, vents, or rooflines that enable pests to enter.
Tip: In termite-prone areas, at all times request a wood-destroying insect inspection as a part of your buy settlement.
9. Neighborhood and site components
A house is greater than 4 partitions. The encircling neighborhood performs an enormous function in your high quality of life, commute, and even the property’s future worth.
“A very powerful issues patrons ought to concentrate on are location and inside sq. footage.” says Joanna Jimenez, realtor with The Opes Group at Compass in Miami, FL. “Building prices preserve rising, so shopping for extra sq. footage in one of the best location you may afford will go additional than up to date kitchens or bogs. Many patrons skip properties that appear like they want work, but when the situation and format suit your wants, it’s price touring the house. Aesthetics are the simplest factor to alter later.”
Elements to contemplate when shopping for a home:
- Noise: Go to at completely different instances of day to test for site visitors, practice, or nightlife noise.
- Commute: Check your day by day route throughout rush hour. Verify the stroll rating to get a way of how pedestrian-friendly the neighborhood is.
- Faculties: Even with out kids, good colleges enhance resale worth.
- HOA guidelines and costs: Verify for restrictions on pets, landscaping, or short-term leases.
- Future improvement: Analysis metropolis zoning maps and deliberate initiatives – an empty lot might quickly turn into a busy retail middle.
- Local weather threat: Houses in floodplains, wildfire zones, or excessive warmth areas could face larger insurance coverage premiums – or restricted protection availability.
10. Hidden prices: Insurance coverage and local weather threat
Probably the most missed issues to search for when shopping for a home is the hidden price of possession, particularly rising insurance coverage premiums. In 2025, insurance coverage premiums have risen dramatically in lots of states resulting from climate-related dangers.
What to analyze:
- Flood insurance coverage: Required in designated flood zones and infrequently costly.
- Wildfire protection: Some insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas altogether.
- Excessive warmth: Will increase cooling prices and places stress on HVAC programs.
- Storm injury: Hail and wind-prone areas might even see larger premiums.
Tip: Request a house insurance coverage quote on the particular property earlier than making a proposal. Rising premiums can rapidly flip an “reasonably priced” house right into a stretch to your finances.
11. Be sure you’re not shopping for extra home than you may afford
It’s straightforward to get swept up in sq. footage, further bedrooms, or that dream kitchen, however stretching your finances too far can create long-term monetary stress. Past the acquisition worth, you’ll must cowl closing prices, transferring bills, and ongoing upkeep. Rising property taxes and insurance coverage premiums in 2025 make this an particularly necessary consideration. Remember the fact that actual property taxes and property taxes aren’t at all times the identical — understanding the distinction can assist you finances extra precisely.
Tips on how to keep inside finances:
- Think about month-to-month prices past the mortgage, together with utilities, HOA charges, and insurance coverage.
- Depart room in your finances for surprising repairs and upkeep (a very good rule of thumb is 1–3% of your property’s worth per 12 months).
- Use Redfin’s affordability calculator to get a transparent sense of how a lot home you may comfortably afford earlier than you begin touring.
Tip: Simply since you’re preapproved for a specific amount doesn’t imply it is best to spend all of it. Goal for a house that matches each your wants and your monetary consolation zone.
What to search for when shopping for a home FAQs
What are the most important purple flags when shopping for a home?
Main basis cracks, mildew, outdated wiring, pest infestations, and houses situated in high-risk local weather zones which might be troublesome or not possible to insure.
Ought to I purchase a house that wants repairs?
Beauty fixes are normally high quality, however main structural points or system overhauls can rapidly outweigh any financial savings on the acquisition worth.
How do I do know if a home has hidden issues?
Rent a licensed house inspector, and take into account specialists for areas like foundations, sewers, or roofs if you happen to see warning indicators.
What’s the primary factor to test?
The inspiration and roof. They’re the most costly parts to restore and defend every thing else within the house.
