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Buying a Home? Here’s How to Read Between the Lines at Showings (and Save Yourself a Headache Later)
Walking through a home as a potential buyer can feel like a whirlwind. You’re trying to picture your furniture in the living room, you’re mentally rearranging kitchen cabinets, and you’re wondering if that closet could really fit all your seasonal shoes. But let’s take a step back…
As a broker who’s walked through thousands of homes with buyers in Central Illinois — including Peoria, Pekin, Washington, Dunlap, and beyond — I can tell you the most important part of a showing isn’t just what you see, but what you don’t see.
Here’s how to “read between the lines” during a home showing to uncover hidden red flags, gather negotiation power, and protect your future investment.
1. Trust Your Nose (Seriously)
Your nose might be your best home inspector. If you walk into a home and immediately smell strong air fresheners or candles, it may not just be for ambiance. Overly fragrant homes often try to cover up pet odors, mildew, or even sewer gas.
If something smells off, make a note. Ask your agent (hopefully that’s me!) to dig a little deeper — or better yet, include it in your inspection checklist.
2. Take a Good Look at the Windows
Foggy or cloudy window panes? That’s a sign of failed seals — especially on double- or triple-pane windows. It’s not always a dealbreaker, but replacing windows isn’t cheap. This is something many sellers won’t highlight, but you’ll want to catch early and possibly address in your offer or repair request.
3. Peek Inside Cabinets and Closets
This isn’t being nosy — it’s being smart. Check under kitchen sinks for water damage or mold. In basement storage areas or utility closets, look for staining or signs of moisture on walls and floors.
These little clues could point to bigger issues like past flooding, plumbing leaks, or poor ventilation.
4. Walk the Perimeter Inside and Out
During your showing, take a walk along all interior walls — especially in the basement or lower levels. Feel for dampness, look for cracks, and inspect corners where water intrusion often begins.
Outside, walk around the home and check the foundation. Look for cracks, shifting, or signs of improper drainage like pooling water or erosion near the base.
5. Examine the Ceilings and Floors Closely
Water stains on ceilings? Could be a leak from the roof, plumbing, or even an improperly vented bathroom. Uneven flooring? It might be cosmetic, or it could signal structural movement. Ask when the last roof replacement or structural inspection was done.
6. Check for Fresh Paint in Weird Places
New paint on just one section of wall or ceiling could be hiding a patch job. While painting is normal for prepping a home to sell, inconsistent spots could be masking previous damage. You’re not there to play detective — but a little curiosity can go a long way in protecting your wallet.
7. Look for “Lipstick on a Pig” Flips
Some sellers do a great job remodeling. Others… not so much. Look for signs of rushed or amateur updates — mismatched flooring, wobbly fixtures, poorly installed tile, or fresh paint over damaged walls. These might mean bigger issues beneath the surface or suggest corners were cut.
I always help my clients spot these kinds of “cosmetic flips” and make sure you’re not overpaying for shiny finishes that hide deeper issues.
8. Ask Questions the Listing Won’t Answer
Some details won’t be in the listing — like noisy neighbors, busy streets, awkward floor plans, or proximity to power lines. If you notice anything questionable, speak up. As your agent, I’ll either dig in for you or advise you accordingly before moving forward.
9. Always View Homes in Daylight if Possible
Natural light tells you a lot. It can expose wear and tear, help you spot foundation cracks and water damage more clearly, and show how bright (or dark) the house truly is.
10. Bring a Home Inspector Mentality — Not Just Emotion
It’s easy to fall in love with a home — and I hope you do! But it’s even better to fall in love informed. When you view a home with a critical eye, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate price, request repairs, or walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment — and don’t rely solely on pretty staging. If you want a second set of eyes that knows where to look and what to ask, you’ve got one.
Real Estate? Call Duvall!
📞 309-200-5480
🌐 CallDuvall.com
