The Things You’ll Pretend Not to Notice at a Showing (But You Should)

Let’s be honest: showings can feel a little awkward. You’re wandering around someone else’s house, politely nodding at their family photos, and pretending you’re not judging their choice of wallpaper.

And while it’s easy to get swept up in the shiny staging and freshly baked cookie smell, this is not the time to play polite. Because the things you pretend not to notice now? They’re the same things that might cost you later.

Here’s my short list of what you should notice (and why).

1. The Mechanical Room

It’s not glamorous. In fact, it’s probably the least Instagrammable part of the house. But this little corner tells you a lot: how old the furnace is, whether the hot water tank looks like it’s on its last legs, and if the electrical panel looks tidy or like a plate of spaghetti.

2. Windows and Doors

Do they close smoothly? Are there drafts? Are the seals broken (look for fog between the panes)? Replacing windows can be pricey, so this is worth a closer look.

3. The Roof

You won’t climb up there yourself (and please don’t), but you can still look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or signs of wear. A good home inspector will dig deeper, but your first impression counts.

4. The Foundation

Inside or out, keep an eye on cracks. Hairline cracks aren’t always a deal-breaker, but anything larger is worth asking about. Water damage or uneven floors can also be red flags.

5. The Pipes

It’s not sexy, but knowing if the house has copper, PEX, or (gulp) poly-B plumbing matters. Different materials mean different lifespans, risks, and repair costs.

Pro tip: Don’t let the throw pillows distract you. Staging is there to help you see the potential, but it won’t keep the basement dry if the foundation is leaking.

When I take clients through showings, I always play the “bad cop” role — pointing out the things you might not want to notice in the moment but absolutely need to know before making an offer. Because buying a home isn’t just about what looks good today. It’s about what’s going to hold up for years to come.