Did you have the experience of photos not matching reality? That's why touring potential homes is a must in the home-buying process. It’s fun to imagine life within its walls, picturing family dinners and parties. But just as beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so too can trouble lurk beneath the surface of a home that otherwise seems picture-perfect.
Before you dream of cooking in that kitchen, put on your detective hat and look out for these red flags during a home tour. From foundation cracks in older neighborhoods to water issues exacerbated by East Tennessee’s infamous humidity, knowing what to watch for can save stress and money down the line.
1. Strong Odors or Overpowering Scents
As they say, "the nose knows." Musty odors warrant further investigation, as it could signal mold, water damage, or poor ventilation.
Conversely, an overabundance of air fresheners might be the homeowner’s way of masking something unpleasant. Remember, the fresh scent of vanilla or baked cookies doesn’t fix a leaky basement.
Some odors can be fixed. Professional carpet cleaning works on some pet smells. Deep cleaning with mild detergents and vinegar can lift cigarette smells. Painting with odor-blocking primers (after fixing any root cause like leaks) also works.
But others are your red flag. Pay particular attention to under-the-surface smells that seem localized in specific rooms. Trust your instincts here; if something smells off, it probably is.
2. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
A small crack along a wall may not seem like a big deal at first glance. Some are natural wear and tear. Houses flex through temperature changes and settle with shifting ground. Over time, minor imperfections appear.
However, bigger cracks, especially those that stair-step along the wall or run diagonally across ceilings, are your red flag. Those signal possible foundation problems.
This is especially worth investigating in older Knoxville homes, where settling is more common. If you see fractures in brick or concrete, or if a doorframe seems to sag, check deeper for structural issues. Don’t get distracted by staged furniture; zero in on those corners and crevices.
3. Uneven Floors or Doors That Stick
Have you noticed floors that slant like an amusement park funhouse? Or doors that don’t open or close without a tug-of-war effort? Both issues are further symptoms of foundation shifting or structural movement.
Bring along a small ball to roll across the floor. It's a simple trick to spot slopes or dips.
4. Water Stains or Fresh Paint in Isolated Areas
Yellow or brown stains on ceilings or walls are surefire signs of water issues. Water damage weakens a home, encourages mold and mildew growth, and risks damaging your belongings. Some of the most expensive home repairs have their root cause in water problems.
Random patches of fresh paint are another possible sign of leaky pipes or roofs. Don’t just admire how newly finished it looks—ask why it’s there.
5. Signs of Mold or Mildew
Mold is a potential health hazard. Those with allergies or asthma are particularly sensitive to mold’s presence in our homes. Damp spaces give mold a home, but it’s not always easy to spot its presence. The smell is one sign, but are so the visible spots staining wood beams and concrete walls. At minimum, check high-risk areas like bathrooms, basements, around windows, and near water fixtures.
Keep in mind that Knoxville’s humid summers make this a concern. No one likes the idea of battling mold spores as a bonus feature of homeownership.
6. Poor Drainage Around the Property
Remember how we mentioned water causes expensive home repairs? That's why on a home tour you need to walk fully around the outside of the home, looking at the yard. How well does the yard and property handle water? If you see soggy spots in the yard, areas of erosion, or gutters dumping water too close to the foundation, you’re dealing with poor drainage.
With Knoxville’s strong rains, proper drainage is vital to safeguarding a property from water intrusion. Poor drainage leads to water pooling. Walk the property thoroughly for clues.
7. Outdated or Damaged Electrical Components
Older homes in Knoxville have so much history and character! But, these beautiful homes weren't exactly made for the 21st century. They can be sneaky culprits, hiding outdated electrical systems behind the walls. If you see exposed wiring, flickering lights, or an ancient electrical panel, hit pause.
Houses built before the 1980s may not meet modern safety codes. These upgrades aren’t exactly a weekend DIY project. Faulty wiring or overloaded systems could lead to dangerous situations. And a whole home rewiring? That will cause a shock to your pocketbook.
8. Roof Issues Visible from the Ground
Before starting the interior home tour, spend a moment analyzing the roof. Missing shingles, sagging sections, rusted flashing, or dented gutters are not cosmetic annoyances. They hint at potential major repairs lurking above your head.
Roof wear is especially common in Knoxville given the intense sun, storms, and rain. Ideally, find out how old the roof is to judge when it will need replacing. Review the disclosure to see about past patches or ask how it held up in recent severe weather. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, brace yourself for a replacement and associated costs.
9. Inconsistent Finishes or DIY Repairs
Mismatched flooring transitions or any patchwork-style DIY fixes hint at a deeper investigation. These quirks may suggest the seller did unpermitted work. Creative, sure, but not particularly helpful when it comes time for an appraisal or inspection.
For example, a half-remodeled kitchen with uneven tiling might leave you wondering what’s beneath the surface. Haphazard finishes could lead to hidden problems, from plumbing mistakes to structural shortcuts.
It's not always the case. Sometimes homeowners tackled a project one room at a time, like swapping to hardwood floors. Perhaps they ran out of material or couldn't find a match when it was time for the next room. Maybe cohesive finishes were out of their budget or just a design choice. Whatever the reason, any inconsistencies do bear asking questions.
10. Neighborhood Red Flags
Sometimes, the biggest red flags are in the surroundings. A few warning signs to watch for include unkempt neighboring properties, lots of homes for sale nearby, or excessive noise during your visit.
The greater Knoxville area has many great neighborhoods and towns. Your best bet is to pop by at different times of day. See if the charm of the street holds up at sunset, or if nearby train tracks turn your dream into a noisy nightmare.
Don’t Ignore What a Home Tells You
Buying a home involves looking beyond the curb appeal and clever staging. Uncover potential red flags before sealing the deal. No one wants to move-into a home riddled with structural damage, hidden water issues, or neighborhood troubles.
When in doubt, a local Knoxville real estate agent and a professional home inspection can shed further light on any shady spots.
About the Author: Preston Guyton is the founder of ez Home Search. He has been a real estate leader for over 20 years. Starting with a focus in South Carolina, he has helped coach and empower real estate professionals to achieve their full potential by meeting the needs of their local community.
