There’s something exciting about open house season — fresh listings popping up, perfectly staged homes ready to explore, and endless possibilities for finding “the one.”
But if you’re planning to hit a few open houses this spring and summer, don’t let the fresh-baked-cookie smell or pretty decor distract you. As a realtor, I’m here to give you a few insider tips on what you should actually be paying attention to when you walk through that front door.
Here are five important things buyers should look for (beyond the cute throw pillows and coffee table books!):
1. The Big Stuff You Can’t Easily Change
Focus on the things that are expensive — or even impossible — to change after you buy:
- Layout and flow: Does the floor plan work for your lifestyle? (Think about things like number of bedrooms, open kitchen vs. closed-off rooms, main-floor laundry, etc.)
- Lot size and location: You can renovate a house, but you can’t pick it up and move it to a quieter street or give it a bigger backyard.
- Foundation and structure: Notice any major cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors that don’t close properly? These can be signs of bigger issues.
Pro Tip: Take a slow lap around the exterior of the house too. Check for things like cracks in the driveway, drainage issues, or a roof that looks worn out.
💡 Bonus tip: Don’t skip open houses for homes that aren’t the right fit. It’s a great way to get a feel for different builders, neighborhood vibes, and how features you think you want actually function. (That walk-in pantry might shrink the kitchen, or that barn door might look cute but be awkward in a bathroom.)
2. Signs of Water Damage
Water is a home’s worst enemy. Always be on the lookout for:
- Stains on ceilings or walls — especially near windows or doors
- Musty smells, especially in basements
- Warped flooring
- Fresh paint in weird spots (sometimes used to cover stains)
- Signs around water sources: under sinks, beside showers/baths, or around toilets
Even minor-looking water issues can lead to big repair bills later. If you see something suspicious, don’t be afraid to ask the listing agent, or plan for a home inspection to dig deeper.
3. Natural Light and Noise Levels
Sure, a home can look stunning online, but how does it feel when you’re inside?
- Light: Is it bright and cheerful? Are there lots of windows?
- Also check if all that natural light has caused fading or sun damage.
- Will it be too bright during breakfast? Will sunset glare hit your TV screen?
- Noise: Can you hear loud traffic, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors while you’re inside?
- Visit at different times of day — a quiet Sunday afternoon may not reveal weekday chaos near a school or even heavy machinery at a nearby rock quarry.
- Visit at different times of day — a quiet Sunday afternoon may not reveal weekday chaos near a school or even heavy machinery at a nearby rock quarry.
These little quality-of-life factors are easy to miss when you’re distracted by furniture or finishes, but they’ll make a huge difference once you’re actually living there.
4. Storage Space (It’s Never Enough!)
No one ever says, “Wow, I bought this house and now I have too much storage!” When you tour an open house, take a peek into:
- Closets
- Pantry
- Garage
- Attic or basement spaces
Ask yourself: Is there really enough room for my stuff and a little extra for the future?
It’s easy to fall in love with a gorgeous kitchen… until you realize there’s nowhere to put your blender and holiday decorations.
5. Your Gut Feeling
At the end of the day, facts and figures are important, but so is your gut.
Sometimes you’ll walk into a house and just know: This feels right. Other times, something may seem a little “off” even if everything looks good on paper.
Trust yourself.
Buying a home is both a logical and emotional decision, and it should feel exciting, not stressful.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Open houses can be a great way to discover what you like (and don’t like) in a home, but you don’t have to do it alone! As your realtor, I’m here to help you spot the things that matter, ask the right questions, and find a home you’ll absolutely love.
Let’s connect! 📲 Whether you’re just starting to browse or ready to make a move, I’d love to be part of your journey.