06/18/2026
While clients are imagining how they’ll use the space, where furniture will go, how rooms will function, and what life in the home could look like, it’s easy for small but important details to go unnoticed during a showing.
Agents play a key role by staying aware of subtle clues that may be worth a closer look during the inspection process. While you’re walking clients through a home you can be on the lookout for:
✔ Water stains
These may appear on ceilings and walls. They can range from light discoloration to more defined spotting. Even if not active, they’re worth noting so they can be reviewed further during inspection.
✔ Clogged gutters
From the ground, look for visible debris buildup, w**d growth, or staining along the exterior. During rainfall, overflow at the edge of gutters can also indicate drainage concerns.
✔ Missing downspout extensions
Downspouts should direct water away from the home. When water is released too close to the foundation, it can contribute to pooling or long-term moisture concerns.
✔ Plants too close to siding
Overgrown landscaping can trap moisture against exterior materials and make it more difficult to see what’s happening along the home’s surface. When walking around the house don’t forget to look up to see if branches are too close to the roof.
✔ Deteriorated caulking
Cracked, separated, or missing sealant around windows, tubs, showers, and exterior joints can create small openings where water may enter over time.
✔ Wood rot
Soft, crumbling, or discolored wood, often found around trim, windows, or exterior corners, can indicate long-term moisture exposure and should be evaluated further.
✔ Under sinks
Look for staining or warping under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. These are often indicators of past or active plumbing leaks.
None of these items should be treated as stand-alone conclusions during a showing. They are simply observations that help guide a more informed discussion during the inspection process.
