4 Things Buyers Often Overlook When Touring a Home

If you’re house-hunting in Mid-Michigan, you’ve probably noticed there’s a lot to take in when you step inside a potential new home. It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny kitchen, the fresh paint, or the staging — but as your real estate guide, I always encourage my clients to look deeper.

There are some important details that many buyers overlook during a home tour, and those details can make a huge difference in your comfort, safety, and future costs.

Here are four things I recommend paying close attention to:

1. Storage Space Beyond Closets

Most buyers head straight for the bedroom closets — and while that’s a good start, it’s not enough. Think bigger:

• Linen storage – Is there space for towels, bedding, or cleaning supplies?

• Kitchen pantry – Does it fit your grocery and storage needs?

• Basement shelving – Are there built-in shelves or enough room to add some?

• Attic or crawl space access – Could these areas provide additional storage or do they look difficult to use?

Having enough storage can make day-to-day living smoother and prevent you from feeling cramped a year or two after moving in.

2. Noise Levels Inside and Out

When you’re walking through a house, stop and listen. Pay attention to:

• Traffic noise from nearby roads.

• Neighbors’ dogs barking or other outside disturbances.

• Mechanical noise like a furnace, HVAC, or water heater that sounds unusually loud.

What might seem like a small annoyance during a tour could become a deal-breaker once you’re living there.

I always encourage buyers to pause for a few minutes in each room and simply listen.

3. Outlets, Outlets, Outlets

This one surprises a lot of people. Outlets may not be glamorous, but they’re essential to modern living. Older homes in particular may have too few outlets — or none in the spots you need them.

When touring a home, ask yourself:

• Kitchen – Are there enough outlets for your small appliances?

• Bedrooms – Can you plug in lamps, chargers, or electronics without using extension cords?

• Living spaces – Is there a convenient outlet for your TV, sound system, or home office setup?

Imagine how you’ll really live in the space. If you already see yourself unplugging your toaster to charge your phone, that’s a red flag.

4. Look Up: Ceilings Tell a Story

Here’s a pro tip — don’t forget to look up. Ceilings can reveal issues that fresh paint or staging won’t hide:

• Water stains may point to roof or plumbing leaks.

• Cracks or patchwork could mean structural movement or repairs.

• Discoloration might suggest ventilation or moisture issues.

These aren’t always deal-breakers, but they’re important to catch early. A good inspection will uncover more details, but spotting these signs ahead of time helps you make smarter decisions before writing an offer.

Bonus Tip: Ask Questions During the Tour

Don’t be shy! A home tour is the perfect time to ask your real estate agent (that’s me!) about the details you’re noticing. Wondering about the age of the furnace, the roof, or the windows? Curious about the utility costs? These are all things I can help you evaluate so you feel confident moving forward.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. While it’s fun to fall in love with a great kitchen or a beautiful backyard, it’s just as important to look for the details that affect your comfort and long-term value.

As your guide, I’ll make sure we look beyond the surface so you know exactly what you’re walking into.

Ready to Start Touring Homes in Mid-Michigan?

📞 Call me today at 810-730-4767

🌐 Visit MichelleMovesMichigan.com

Let’s find you a home that fits your lifestyle — and passes the “look deeper” test.