The Biggest Red Flags to Watch for at an Open House

Open houses are exciting — you get to imagine yourself living in a space, explore every room, and get a feel for the home’s potential. But beneath the fresh paint and staged furniture, some homes hide problems that can cost you thousands later.

Here are the biggest red flags buyers should watch for during an open house, even if you’re not a home inspector.

1. Strong Scents or Overwhelming Air Fresheners

If a home smells unnaturally fragrant, it may be a strategy to cover up:

• pet odors

• mold or mildew

• water damage

• smoke

• musty basements

A clean home doesn’t need heavy perfumes.

2. Fresh Paint in Only Certain Areas

Fresh paint on a single wall or ceiling patch can indicate:

• water leaks

• structural cracks

• smoke damage

• previous repairs the seller is hiding

Pay special attention to ceilings and corners.

3. Visible Water Stains or Bubbling Paint

Water is a home’s worst enemy. Look for:

• stains on ceilings

• swollen baseboards

• warped flooring

• bubbling or peeling paint

These usually signal active leaks or past water damage that wasn’t repaired properly.

4. Foundation Cracks or Uneven Floors

Structural issues are expensive to fix.

Warning signs:

• deep or horizontal cracks

• doors that don’t close properly

• sloping or bouncy floors

• cracks above windows or door frames

Hairline cracks are common — but large or jagged ones are not.

5. Windows That Don’t Open or Close Smoothly

Sticking or uneven windows may signal:

• foundation settling

• poor installation

• moisture damage

• warped frames

They can also indicate cheap construction materials.

6. Signs of Mold or Excess Moisture

Mold can be dangerous and costly.

Watch for:

• black spots around windows

• moldy caulk in bathrooms

• musty odors

• visible mold in basements, closets, or under sinks

• dehumidifiers running in multiple rooms

If the home feels “damp,” be cautious.

7. Low Water Pressure

Turn on a faucet or shower (if allowed).Weak pressure may indicate:

• old pipes

• corrosion

• plumbing leaks

• undersized pipes

• well pump issues (for rural homes)

Good plumbing = long-term peace of mind.

8. Electrical Problems

You won’t see wiring, but you can spot clues.

Be cautious of:

• flickering lights

• warm outlets

• ungrounded outlets in older homes

• broken switches

• extension cords running everywhere

Old electrical systems often need upgrading.

9. A Poorly Maintained Exterior

The outside tells you how the owners treated the home.

Red flags include:

• cracked siding

• missing shingles

• rotting wood

• rusty gutters

• peeling paint

• broken fencing

Neglect outside often means neglect inside.

10. Questionable DIY Repairs

DIY fixes can look ok at first glance but cause major issues later.

Signs include:

• uneven tile work

• patchy drywall

• mismatched fixtures

• sloppy paint lines

• crooked cabinets

• poorly installed flooring

If something looks “off,” trust your instincts.

11. Over-Staging or Strategically Placed Furniture

If furniture is blocking:

• wall cracks

• damaged flooring

• electrical panels

• awkward layouts

• broken outlets

…it may be deliberate.

Open houses should feel open — not strategically covered.

12. A Very Low Listing Price

A price that seems “too good to be true” usually is.

It may signal:

• structural issues

• location challenges

• expensive repairs

• a rushed sale

• prior failed inspections

Always ask why the price is low.

Final Thoughts

An open house is your opportunity to look beyond the décor and identify real issues that affect the home’s value and safety. While some red flags are minor and fixable, others can signal big problems that require careful evaluation — and sometimes, walking away is the smartest choice.

If a home you like has one or two red flags, a professional home inspection will give you clarity.If it has several, it might be better to keep looking.