What to Look for When Touring a Home

Touring homes is one of the most exciting steps in the buying process. It’s easy to get caught up in imagining where your furniture will go or how you’ll decorate, but it’s equally important to look beyond the surface. A fresh coat of paint or trendy staging can hide costly issues.

As your Realtor, Julie Delap’s top priority is protecting you—making sure you have the full picture of a home’s condition, value, and future potential before you make an offer. She’s not just there to unlock doors; she’s your advocate, guide, and second set of eyes.

Here’s what to focus on during a home tour and how Julie helps you spot both opportunities and red flags.

1. Signs of Structural Integrity

A strong, safe home starts with a solid foundation and structure.

• What to Check:

  • Cracks in walls or ceilings, especially near windows and doors

  • Uneven floors or doors that don’t close properly

  • Signs of water intrusion in basements or crawl spaces

• Julie’s Role: Julie will point out potential concerns and help you understand which issues are minor fixes and which could indicate major structural problems that require professional evaluation.

2. Roof, Gutters, and Exterior

Exterior issues can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

• What to Check:

  • Missing or curling shingles on the roof

  • Proper drainage and clear gutters

  • Wood rot or peeling paint on siding and trim

• Julie’s Role: She’ll help you consider the age of the roof and whether the exterior has been well maintained. This matters not only for safety but also for insurance and future resale value.

3. Plumbing and Water Damage

Water problems can cause major headaches and hidden costs.

• What to Check:

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls

  • Slow drains, leaky faucets, or low water pressure

  • Musty odors that could indicate mold or mildew

• Julie’s Role: Julie will help you identify areas where a professional inspection may be needed and discuss how plumbing issues could affect negotiations.

4. Electrical and Safety Features

An outdated or unsafe electrical system can be a deal breaker.

• What to Check:

  • Working outlets in every room

  • Updated breaker panels instead of old fuse boxes

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place

• Julie’s Role: She’ll ensure you understand potential safety concerns and how they could impact financing or insurance.

5. Heating, Cooling, and Energy Efficiency

Comfort and energy costs go hand-in-hand with a home’s systems.

• What to Check:

  • Age and condition of the furnace and air conditioner

  • Drafty windows or doors

  • Adequate insulation in attics or basements

• Julie’s Role: Julie will help you factor in long-term costs like utility bills and system replacement timelines when assessing value.

6. Neighborhood and Location Factors

Sometimes the biggest influence on a home’s value isn’t the house itself.

• What to Consider:

  • Traffic patterns, noise, and overall curb appeal

  • Proximity to schools, shopping, and amenities

  • Potential for future growth or declining property values

• Julie’s Role: With her deep knowledge of the Driftless Region, Julie can provide insight into neighborhoods and how location impacts your long-term investment.

7. Hidden Deal Breakers

Certain issues may not be obvious during a quick walk-through.

• Pest damage like termites or rodents

• Foundation or sewer problems beneath the surface

• Expired permits for past renovations

• Julie’s network of trusted inspectors and contractors can help uncover these hidden risks before you sign on the dotted line.

Julie’s Commitment to You

Julie’s mission is simple: to make sure you buy a home that’s safe, sound, and worth every penny you pay for it. She’ll never push you toward a property that isn’t right for you, and she’ll guide you step-by-step through inspections, negotiations, and final decisions.

With Julie by your side, you can feel confident knowing you’re getting the home—and the value—you deserve.

Ready to start touring homes with a trusted guide? Contact Julie to begin your search today.