You fell in love with the hardwood floors. The kitchen is gorgeous. The backyard is perfect. But once you move in, none of that matters if the roof is failing, the foundation is shifting, or the electrical system is a fire hazard waiting to happen.
Cosmetic issues, paint colors, dated fixtures, worn carpet, are easy and affordable to fix. The things listed below are not. When you walk through a home, train your eyes to look past what’s been staged and start asking the questions sellers don’t always volunteer answers to.
Here’s what to watch for.
Structural Red Flags
Cracks in Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Not all cracks are equal. Hairline cracks in drywall from normal settling are common and low-concern. What you’re watching for:
- Horizontal cracks in basement walls — these indicate lateral pressure from the soil outside and can signal serious foundation failure
- Stair-step cracks in brick or block — a classic sign of differential settling
- Diagonal cracks from the corners of windows and doors — the structure is moving unevenly
- Wide or growing cracks anywhere — anything wider than 1/4 inch deserves a closer look
Ask: “Have there been any foundation repairs? Are there transferable warranties?”
Doors and Windows That Stick or Don’t Close Properly
One sticky door is no big deal. Multiple doors and windows throughout the house that don’t latch, swing open on their own, or have visible gaps at the frame are a sign the house is moving. Foundation issues cause frames to rack out of square.
Ask: “When did this start? Has it gotten worse?”
Sloping or Bouncy Floors
Walk every room. Pay attention to whether floors slope noticeably toward a wall or corner, or whether they flex and bounce under your weight. Bouncy floors can indicate compromised floor joists, water damage, or pest damage (more on that below).
Water and Moisture Red Flags
Water damage is one of the most expensive problems a home can have, and one of the most commonly hidden.
Water Stains on Ceilings and Walls
Look up. Look at the corners. Water stains show up as yellow, brown, or rust-colored rings or streaks. Pay particular attention to:
- Ceilings below bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Ceilings on the top floor (roof leaks)
- Basement walls and floors
- Under windows
A fresh coat of paint on just one ceiling or wall is a flag in itself. Ask why.
Ask: “Has this home had any water intrusion or flooding? Were any insurance claims filed related to water damage?”
Musty Smells
Your nose is one of your best tools. A musty or earthy smell, especially in basements, closets, or bathrooms, often indicates mold or mildew. Sellers sometimes try to mask it with air fresheners or candles. If every room has a plug-in air freshener, pay attention.
Ask: “Has there been any mold remediation done in this home?”
Grading and Drainage Around the Foundation
Step outside and look at how the land slopes around the house. The ground should slope away from the foundation. If it slopes toward the house, water is being directed directly against the foundation every time it rains.
Also look for: downspouts that end at the foundation, standing water in the yard, or water marks on the exterior foundation.
Basement and Crawl Space Condition
If accessible, look in the crawl space or basement carefully:
- Look for efflorescence (white chalky residue on concrete) it means water is moving through the wall
- Check for standing water or saturated soil
- Look at the condition of any visible insulation, sagging, wet insulation is a moisture indicator
- Check for evidence of sump pump use, a sump pump is common, but ask if it runs frequently
Roof Red Flags
You won’t be on the roof, but you can gather a lot from the ground and inside.
Age and Condition of the Roof
Ask: “How old is the roof? When was it last replaced?” A standard asphalt shingle roof lasts 20–25 years. If you’re looking at a home with a 20-year-old roof, budget for replacement soon.
From the ground, look for:
- Missing, curling, or buckling shingles
- Visible sagging along the ridge line
- Dark streaking (algae, which shortens shingle life)
- Patches that look newer than the rest (prior repairs)
Attic Condition
Ask to see the attic. Look for:
- Water stains on the sheathing (roof deck) indicates past or current leaks
- Daylight visible through the roof
- Inadequate or missing insulation
- Poor ventilation (can cause moisture buildup and mold)
- Signs of pest activity
Electrical Red Flags
Electrical problems are dangerous and expensive to correct.
Outdated Panels
Ask about the electrical panel. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels and Zinsco panels are known fire hazards and may be uninsurable. If either is present, budget for a full panel replacement.
Also note: a 100-amp panel in a larger home often isn’t sufficient for modern electrical loads. Many buyers upgrade to 200 amps.
Ask: “What is the amp service? Has the panel ever been updated? Are there any known electrical issues?”
Aluminum Wiring
Homes built between the mid-1960s and 1970s may have aluminum branch circuit wiring, which is a fire risk. It requires specific remediation — not something you can ignore.
Visible Issues
Look for:
- Exposed wiring in the basement, attic, or garage
- Multiple extension cords being used as permanent solutions
- Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets throughout the home
- Outlets or switches that are warm to the touch, discolored, or have scorch marks
Ask: “Has the electrical system been inspected recently? Are there any open permits?”
Plumbing Red Flags
Water Pressure and Drainage
Turn on faucets throughout the house, including on the upper floors. Low pressure can indicate supply line issues, corroded pipes, or a failing pressure regulator. While a faucet is running, flush a toilet, does the pressure drop significantly?
Fill a sink and watch how fast it drains. Slow drains in multiple locations suggest a mainline issue, not just a single clog.
Pipe Material
Ask: “What are the supply and drain pipes made of?” The answers matter:
- Galvanized steel — corrodes from the inside out; common in older homes, reduces water pressure over time, often needs replacement
- Polybutylene (PB) — gray plastic pipes installed in the 1970s–90s, known to fail and cause serious water damage; check if any class action settlements apply
- Lead pipes — rare but found in very old homes; a health risk and must be replaced
Water Heater Age
Look at the water heater. The manufacture date is encoded in the serial number (search the brand + serial number if you’re unsure how to read it). Water heaters typically last 8–12 years. If it’s approaching end of life, that’s an upcoming expense.
Ask: “How old is the water heater? Has it been serviced?”
HVAC Red Flags
Heating and cooling systems are expensive to replace. A furnace or AC unit can run $5,000–$15,000 or more to replace.
Ask: “How old are the furnace and air conditioner? When were they last serviced? Are service records available?”
Look for:
- Rust or corrosion on the furnace or air handler
- Unusual sounds when the system runs (ask to turn it on during the tour)
- Inconsistent temperatures from room to room
- Ducts that are visibly disconnected, deteriorating, or uninsulated
Also check whether the home has a whole-house humidifier and if the filter has been recently changed, a very dirty filter is a sign of deferred maintenance.
Pest and Environmental Red Flags
Termites and Wood-Destroying Insects
Look for:
- Mud tubes along the foundation, in the crawl space, or in the basement — a clear sign of subterranean termites
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Small piles of sawdust-like frass near wood structures
- Damaged or blistering wood
Ask: “Has the home been treated for termites or other wood-destroying insects? Are there transferable treatment bonds?”
Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It’s found across the country and cannot be detected without testing.
Ask: “Has the home been tested for radon? What were the results?” If not tested, request a radon test as part of your inspection contingency.
Well and Septic (If Applicable)
If the home uses a private well and/or septic system:
Ask:
- “When was the septic system last pumped and inspected?”
- “How old is the septic system and where is it located?”
- “When was the well last tested? What were the results?”
- “Is the well permit on file?”
Well water quality and septic system condition should always be independently tested and inspected, these are not covered in a standard home inspection.
General Questions to Ask at Every Showing
Before you leave, make sure you have answers to:
- How long has the home been on the market, and have there been any price reductions? (If so, why?)
- Why is the seller moving?
- Have any major systems been replaced, roof, HVAC, water heater, electrical, plumbing?
- Are there any open or unpermitted permits? (Unpermitted work can complicate financing and resale.)
- Has the seller completed a disclosure statement? What’s on it?
- Has the home ever flooded or had water intrusion?
- What’s included in the sale, appliances, fixtures, window treatments?
- Are there any HOA fees, special assessments, or deed restrictions?
- What are the average utility costs?
- Have there been any insurance claims on the property? (You can request a CLUE report.)
The Bottom Line
A home tour is your chance to look past the staging and really see the property. The best investment you can make is hiring a qualified, independent home inspector, but you’ll show up better prepared if you’ve already identified concerns going in.
The cosmetic stuff? You can change it. The foundation, the roof, the electrical, those are the things that can turn a dream home into a financial nightmare. Ask the hard questions before you fall in love with the light fixtures.
Thinking about buying a home in Eastern Iowa? Our team is here to help you navigate every step of the process, from your first showing to closing day.