5 Things to Look for During a Walkthrough (Before You Fall in Love With a Home!)

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a house for the first time, imagining yourself kicking back in the living room or whipping up dinner in that dreamy kitchen. But before you get swept away picturing Sunday brunches and movie nights, you’ve gotta put on your inspection hat.

A walkthrough isn’t just about getting a feel for the space—it’s your chance to catch red flags that could save you thousands (not to mention major headaches) down the road. So, before you mentally move in, here are five things to keep an eye on:

1. Structural Issues: The Silent Money Pit

Ever walked into a house and noticed floors that feel a little...off? Maybe a door that won’t shut quite right? Those could be signs of foundation problems, and trust me, you don’t want to ignore them.

Cracks in walls, sloping floors, or gaps around door frames could mean the foundation has shifted. And while some settling is normal, major movement? That’s an expensive fix and a “no” from us. A friend of ours once fell in love with a charming bungalow, only to find out later that the foundation needed a $30,000 repair. Yikes.

Quick test: If you set a marble on the floor and it rolls on its own, that’s a clue that something’s not level. Also, take a look at the exterior—are there large cracks in the brick or stucco? Those could be warning signs, too.

2. Water Damage: The Hidden Threat

Water damage is like that one sneaky ex—it hides in places you least expect and can cause long-term damage before you even realize what’s happening.

Check ceilings, corners, and under sinks for water stains. Brownish rings or bubbling paint? Possible past leaks. If you catch a whiff of something musty, that could be mold, which is not only gross but more importantly terrible for your health. Pay attention to the smells you’re experiencing while touring the house. A faint, damp smell can also be an indicator of water damage. 

Pro tip: If there’s a fresh coat of paint on just one ceiling spot, ask why. It might be covering up past water damage.

3. Electrical & Plumbing: The Essentials You Can’t Ignore

Sure, you can swap out ugly light fixtures, but faulty electrical wiring? That’s a whole other beast. During your walkthrough, flick every light switch. If some don’t work, that could signal outdated wiring. Same with outlets—bring a phone charger and plug it in to see if they’re all functional.

Plumbing is just as crucial. Run the faucets, flush toilets, and check the water pressure in the showers. If the water trickles out like a sad little drizzle, that could mean outdated pipes or clogs. Also, listen—do you hear loud banging when the water’s on? That’s a sign of air in the pipes, which is less than ideal.

4. Cell Phone Service: The Overlooked Essential

Imagine moving in, getting all settled, and then realizing you have to stand by the window just to send a text. It sounds silly, but dead zones are real, and in today’s work-from-home era, good cell reception isn’t optional.

In older homes or houses in the foothills, signal strength can be spotty. And while a Wi-Fi booster can help, you don’t want to be stuck with terrible service in a place you’ll be living for years. Walk through different rooms and check your bars. Try making a call or loading a webpage. Your future self thanks you! 

Pro tip: If you rely on 5G, make sure it works in the house. Not all areas have strong coverage indoors.

5. The Neighborhood: It’s Not Just About the House

You’re not just buying four walls and a roof—you’re buying into a neighborhood. So take a moment to soak it all in. Look out the windows - do you like the view? Do you see peaceful streets, or is there a freeway roaring nearby? Walk around outside—are there barking dogs, loud neighbors, or non-stop traffic? What’s parking like? If you work odd hours, is the street well-lit at night?

Pro-tip: If possible, visit the homes at different times of the day. A quiet street at noon might be a parking nightmare by 6 PM. Get the full picture before taking the plunge. 

The Bottom Line: Don’t Just Look—Investigate

A walkthrough is more than just a first impression—it’s your chance to do a little detective work. By keeping an eye out for these five things, you can avoid surprises and make sure your dream home doesn’t turn into a money pit.

At Blue Pebble Homes, we know that buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. Our expert agents are here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you spot potential issues before they become costly problems. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we’re committed to making your home-buying journey seamless and stress-free.

So, next time you step into a house, take your time. Open doors, test things, listen, and most importantly—trust your gut. And if you need expert guidance, reach out to Blue Pebble Homes—we’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home.