75 Things to Look for During a Home Showing
Use this complete home showing checklist to evaluate any house. Learn the 75 things every smart buyer should look for before making an offer.
It's easy to fall in love with a beautiful kitchen or perfectly staged living room.
But the best home buyers know that a successful showing isn't about imagining where your couch will go—it's about evaluating the home objectively.
This checklist will help you notice the details that matter most so you can compare homes with confidence and avoid expensive surprises later.
Why This Matters
A home showing is your first opportunity to evaluate a property before deciding whether it's worth pursuing further.
You won't replace a professional home inspection, but you can identify warning signs, ask better questions, and gather the information you'll need to compare homes objectively.
Use this checklist every time you tour a property.
Exterior
Roof & Drainage
☐ 1. Does the roof appear straight without sagging?
☐ 2. Are shingles missing or curling?
☐ 3. Are gutters securely attached?
☐ 4. Do downspouts carry water away from the house?
☐ 5. Does the yard slope away from the foundation?
☐ 6. Is there standing water?
☐ 7. Are there signs of erosion?
☐ 8. Are trees growing too close to the home?
Foundation & Exterior
☐ 9. Any large foundation cracks?
☐ 10. Any stair-step brick cracks?
☐ 11. Does the siding appear well maintained?
☐ 12. Peeling exterior paint?
☐ 13. Damaged trim?
☐ 14. Soft wood around windows?
☐ 15. Are exterior doors in good condition?
First Five Minutes
☐ 16. What does the house smell like?
☐ 17. Are all the lights already turned on?
☐ 18. How bright is the natural light?
☐ 19. Is it unusually noisy?
☐ 20. Does the home feel well maintained?
Living Areas
☐ 21. Are floors level?
☐ 22. Do floors squeak excessively?
☐ 23. Any soft spots?
☐ 24. Ceiling stains?
☐ 25. Ceiling cracks?
☐ 26. Bubbling paint?
☐ 27. Fresh paint on isolated areas?
☐ 28. Do windows open and close smoothly?
☐ 29. Do doors latch properly?
☐ 30. Is there enough natural light?
Kitchen
☐ 31. Cabinet condition
☐ 32. Countertop condition
☐ 33. Signs of leaks under the sink
☐ 34. Water pressure
☐ 35. Drain speed
☐ 36. Pantry storage
☐ 37. Appliance age
☐ 38. Enough outlets?
Bathrooms
☐ 39. Water pressure
☐ 40. Drainage
☐ 41. Caulking condition
☐ 42. Signs of mold
☐ 43. Ceiling stains
☐ 44. Ventilation fan
Bedrooms
☐ 45. Closet size
☐ 46. Closet odors
☐ 47. Window condition
☐ 48. Natural light
☐ 49. Noise level
Basement
☐ 50. Musty smell
☐ 51. Water stains
☐ 52. Foundation cracks
☐ 53. Efflorescence (white residue)
☐ 54. Sump pump
☐ 55. Standing water
☐ 56. Mechanical systems
Mechanical Systems
☐ 57. Furnace age
☐ 58. HVAC condition
☐ 59. Water heater age
☐ 60. Electrical panel
☐ 61. Plumbing condition
☐ 62. Rust
Storage
☐ 63. Coat closet
☐ 64. Bedroom closets
☐ 65. Linen closet
☐ 66. Garage storage
☐ 67. Basement storage
Backyard
☐ 68. Fence condition
☐ 69. Deck or patio
☐ 70. Yard size
☐ 71. Drainage
☐ 72. Privacy
☐ 73. Exterior lighting
☐ 74. Overall maintenance
Before You Leave
☐ 75. Take photos and notes before driving away.
You'll remember far more if you document your observations immediately instead of relying on memory later.
Questions to Ask Before You Leave
Before ending the showing, ask:
- How old is the roof?
- When were the HVAC system and water heater replaced?
- Has the home ever experienced water damage?
- Have there been foundation repairs?
- Are maintenance records available?
- What renovations were completed recently?
- Are there transferable warranties?
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Falling in Love With the Kitchen
Beautiful finishes don't tell you anything about the condition of the roof, plumbing, or foundation.
Rushing Through the Showing
Spend at least 20–30 minutes evaluating the property. Slow down and inspect the details.
Never Looking Outside
Some of the home's biggest clues—drainage, grading, roof condition, and foundation—are visible before you even step inside.
Forgetting to Take Notes
After visiting several homes, the details quickly blend together. A consistent checklist makes comparing properties much easier.
How WelcomeIn Helps
Remembering 75 different things while touring a home isn't easy.
WelcomeIn guides you through every showing with a structured checklist, helping you evaluate each room, document photos, record notes, and compare homes side by side. Instead of relying on memory or scattered photos, you'll have a consistent record of every property you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for during a home showing?
Focus on the home's structure, signs of water damage, roof, foundation, mechanical systems, windows, natural light, storage, and overall maintenance—not just cosmetic finishes.
How long should I spend at a home showing?
Most buyers spend 20 to 30 minutes touring a property. Taking enough time to evaluate both the interior and exterior can help you make a more informed decision.
Should I take photos during a home showing?
Yes, if permitted by the listing agent. Photos help you remember important details, compare homes, and discuss questions with your real estate agent or home inspector.
Can I identify problems before the home inspection?
Yes. While a professional inspection is still essential, buyers can often spot warning signs such as water stains, uneven floors, foundation cracks, musty odors, and deferred maintenance during a showing.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. The more systematic your evaluation process, the more confident your decision will be.
Instead of relying on first impressions, use the same checklist for every property you tour. You'll compare homes more objectively, ask better questions, and feel prepared when it's time to make an offer.
The best buyers don't simply admire a home—they know how to evaluate it.