Never judge a book by its cover, can apply to your search for a new home. A lot of times we immediately fall in love with the exterior and online photos of a home. There is so much more when it comes to choosing a home. On your tour, you will want to get a feel for the layout, the space and the location. Here are some things to keep an eye out for when taking a home tour. 
Visible damage
Some damage is easy to be seen while some may take a little bit of exploring. When looking for damage, look for cracks in the ceilings, walls, or floors which can be a sign of a poor foundation. Stains on the ceilings, walls or floors are more than likely from water damage. This can be from a past leak, a current leak, or excess moisture. This will lead to mold and damage in your home. A good tip is to take a screwdriver with you to your home tour and gently press on the window seals to check for rotting wood.
The subtle things
Take your time in each room by sitting down and observing. Use your senses which will help you with any smells, or noises. Are you comfortable in the spaces? What do you like and not like in the home? Are the rooms too dark or too light? You want to take into consideration home much you might have to spend upfront to make your house your home.
Malfunctions
On your home tour, test everything. Make a list of things you want to inspect. An example of a list will contain things such as trying the light switches, testing all the outlets, flushing all the toilets, running the sinks and showers, looking under the sinks, running the garbage disposal, starting the dishwasher, starting the microwave, starting the oven and turning on the stove, starting the washing machine and dryer and turning on the HVAC.
Outdoor features and structures
When you are walking the property, inspect the overall grounds and the exterior features of the house. If there is a septic tank, you need to check it as well as the water heater, garage door, porches, deck, crawl space, foundation, shed, fencing or outdoor spaces. You need to look out at how the system looks as well as how they operate. Really pay attention to the roof as this can be a very expensive repair.
The neighbors and neighborhood
The neighborhood and your direct neighbors can have an impact on your decision. You not only want to mesh with your neighbors but you want to be comfortable with the state of their home and property. You want to make sure that there are no annoying or loud sounds around the house.
If you are looking for a home and want to tour a house, contact your local Realtor who can help you with your decision. A Realtor can also help you choose the best home and neighborhood that will suit your needs.
