What Buyers Should Look for During a Home Showing (Before the Inspection)

Smart tips to spot red flags early — from a statewide Iowa home inspector.

When you walk into a house for a showing, it’s easy to get distracted by fresh paint, updated kitchens, and that “new home” smell. But beneath the surface, there may be issues that could cost you thousands after closing.

As a professional home inspector serving all 99 Iowa counties, here’s what I tell buyers: Your showing is your first inspection. If you know what to look for, you can spot potential red flags long before you write an offer.

Here’s a buyer-friendly checklist to use during every showing.

1. Start with the Big Picture: Exterior Red Flags

Even during a quick walkthrough, the outside of the home tells a story.

Look for:

• Grading that slopes toward the house(This is the #1 cause of Iowa basement water problems.)

• Short downspouts or disconnected gutters

• Cracks in foundation walls or bowing block walls

• Rotting deck boards or loose railings

• Missing shingles or patchwork roof repairs

• Siding damage or moisture staining

If the exterior shows neglect, the interior usually follows.

2. Basement & Crawlspace Clues

Iowa buyers should pay special attention here — we rank high in foundation and moisture issues.

Look for:

• Musty smells

• Fresh paint only on foundation walls

• Efflorescence (white powder = moisture)

• Standing water or rust near the sump pump

• Walls that bow, bulge, or crack

• Improvised supports or DIY “repairs”

Even one of these signs is worth asking questions about.

3. Electrical System Red Flags

During a showing, you likely won’t open the electrical panel — but you can still spot issues.

Watch for:

• Two-prong outlets (no grounding)

• Burn marks around outlets

• Missing cover plates

• Flickering lights

• Outlets installed oddly close together (DIY work)

Ask what type of panel the home has — Zinsco, Federal Pacific (FPE), and Challenger panels are all high-risk.

4. Plumbing Signs Buyers Often Miss

A few quick checks can tell you a lot.

Try this:

• Run water at the kitchen + a bathroom at the same time.→ Check for slow drains or gurgling.

• Look under sinks for:

  • Active leaks

  • Corrosion

  • Mold

  • Unprofessional plumbing

• Check around toilets for soft floors

• Look for water stains on ceilings

If the home has a sump pump, verify it’s plugged in and upright.

5. HVAC, Ventilation & Comfort Checks

A quick glance at the mechanicals can reveal neglect.

Look for:

• Rusted or patched furnace cabinets

• Excessive dust around returns (poor filtration)

• Missing or dirty filters

• Condensation around AC lines

• Vents not blowing strong air

Older units aren’t always bad — but poor maintenance is.

6. Windows, Doors & General Fit/Finish

These often reveal deeper issues like settling or moisture.

Watch for:

• Windows that don’t open or latch

• Doors that swing shut on their own (foundation movement)

• Condensation between window panes

• Soft spots near entry doors

• Cracked trim around windows (expansion/contraction)

7. Attic Clues (If Accessible)

Even a 20-second peek can tell you a lot.

Look for:

• Mold or frost on roof sheathing

• Low insulation

• Bathroom fans venting into the attic

• Roof leaks or staining

Attics are the “truth room” of the home — very few defects hide here.

8. Signs of Amateur DIY Work

These usually mean something was “fixed” but not correctly.

Watch for:

• Random mismatched outlets

• New flooring installed over soft or sagging subfloor

• Poorly cut trim

• Fresh paint patches hiding discoloration

• Crooked tile

• Excessive caulk around tubs, sinks, or trim

DIY work often leads to inspection surprises later.

9. Ask Yourself: Does Anything Feel “Off”?

Buyers often sense problems before they see them. Trust that instinct.

If something feels strange:

• A room smells damp

• Floors feel uneven

• A closet feels unusually warm

• A bathroom feels humid

• A basement feels “too fresh”

These often indicate hidden issues.

10. Remember: A Showing Isn’t an Inspection — But It Can Save You Money

This checklist isn’t a substitute for a professional inspection — it’s a way to spot homes that might need closer evaluation, price negotiation, or additional testing (radon, sewer scope, mold sampling, etc.).

A showing lasts minutes. A home inspection lasts hours. Both matter.

Let One Vision Inspections Protect Your Investment

When you’re ready for the full picture, we provide:

✔ Complete home inspection

✔ Thermal imaging included

✔ Sewer scope inspections

✔ Detailed foundation evaluation

✔ Fast, easy-to-read reports

✔ Coverage in all 99 Iowa counties

Buying a home is a huge investment. We help you See Your Investment Clearly.

📞 515-338-1164

🌐 OneVisionInspections.com