What should I look for during a home showing?
Beyond the pretty finishes, notice the bones: roof and HVAC age, water stains, cracks, smells, water pressure, and the neighborhood feel at different times. Picture daily life there, not just the staging.
It's easy to fall for fresh paint and staging, but I coach clients to look past the surface. Check the big-ticket items — the age and condition of the roof, AC, and water heater — and watch for water stains, musty smells, cracks, sloping floors, and weak water pressure.
Also feel the home for real life: storage, natural light, noise, cell signal, and the street at different times of day. Snap photos and notes for each home so they don't blur together. I'll be right there pointing out things that are easy to miss — and what's a quick fix versus a costly one.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.