09/03/2026
A weird list of things you should pay attention to before you buy a house:
1. Look at the screws on the electrical panel
Fresh paint around an old panel is one thing. Missing labels, messy wiring, or signs of amateur work? That's when you want an inspector to look closer. Electrical problems get expensive quickly.
2. Check the bottom corners of exterior doors
Soft wood, bubbling paint, or discoloration around the bottom of a door can be evidence of repeated moisture exposure. Sellers can repaint a door. Water damage is harder to hide.
3. Look underneath the bathroom vanity
Don't just check for an active drip. Look for swollen particleboard, old water rings, or warped shelving. Those tell you there may have been leaks long before the showing.
4. Count the extension cords
One extension cord means nothing. Five rooms relying on power strips and extension cords? The home may not have enough conveniently located outlets, or the electrical system may deserve a closer look.
5. Look at where the driveway meets the garage
Large cracks, uneven concrete, or noticeable separation can give you clues about movement or drainage problems around the property. It doesn't automatically mean foundation trouble, but it's worth investigating.
6. Check the age stickers on major equipment
Water heater. HVAC. Electrical equipment. Don't assume something is "newer" because it looks clean. Model and serial information can help you verify approximate age.
7. Close the bathroom door and turn on the fan
A fan can make noise without actually moving much air. Poor bathroom ventilation means years of moisture may have been collecting where you can't see it.
8. Look UP inside the closets
Closets don't get staged as carefully as living rooms. Check upper corners and ceilings for stains, bubbling paint, cracks, or discoloration.
None of these are the things inspectors usually highlight first.
But they’re the small signals that give you a better picture of how the home has actually been lived in and maintained.
And sometimes the weird little details tell you more than the big, obvious ones.
Save this before your next home tour. 🏠