House tour checklist: what to look for before you make an offer
On a house tour, check the street, the outside of the house, how the layout fits your life, each room for visible water or damage, and the age of the major systems. Ask the seller for disclosures and repair records before you make an offer. Use the 38-item checklist below at every home so you can compare them afterward.
Your house tour checklist
Tick an item after recording it. Notes stay on this page until you leave or reload; download them to keep a copy. These fields are not sent to us.
0 / 38 items recorded
Progress tracks your notes, not the condition of the house.
What should you look for on a house tour?
A tour is short and non-invasive, so focus on what you can see from normal areas and what you need to ask. The most important warning signs involve water: stains, musty odors, fresh paint on one patch and ground sloping toward the house.
Also note anything that does not fit your must-have list. Layout, light, noise and storage are the easiest reasons to rule a home out, and no inspection will change them.
House tour vs. home inspection
| House tour | Professional home inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does it | You, usually with an agent | A professional inspector, under a written agreement |
| When | Before you make an offer | After your offer is accepted, during the inspection contingency |
| Time on site | Usually a short visit | Typically 2–4 hours for a single-family home (ASHI) |
| What it covers | What you can see and ask about from normal areas | Accessible systems and components within the agreed scope |
| What you get | Your notes, photos and questions | A written report, often within 24–48 hours (ASHI) |
Keep the record useful
Start each visit with a property label and date. Give every photograph a location in your notes; a close-up without room context is difficult to revisit later. Record areas you did not see instead of treating them as checked.
What to do after the tour
- Ask the seller for the history of visible staining, alterations and recent repairs.
- Share material concerns with your chosen inspector and ask which specialist services may be relevant.
- Compare the properties using the same categories, keeping unanswered questions visible alongside appealing features.
Sources and further reading
Authorship and review
Published by Castilho Enterprises. Educational content; no independent professional review is claimed.
Found an error? Read our corrections policy or contact support.