Ever wonder what a home inspector really notices when walking through a house? It’s not just the shiny kitchen countertops or fresh paint—it’s the subtle clues that hint at deeper problems. And here’s the good news: even if you’re not an inspector, there’s a lot you can catch during a showing if you know what to look for.
Whether you’re house hunting in Jacksonville, Tyler, or any corner of East Texas, these are the same areas I quietly assess when I first step onto a property.
1. The Slope of the Ground
Before you go inside, take a moment to look at the land.
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Does the yard slope away from the house? If not, you could be looking at drainage issues that lead to foundation damage.
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Are there signs of erosion or standing water? That’s not just a landscaping issue—it’s a potential structural one.
2. The Front Door Test
I always check the front door—because it often tells me how the rest of the house is doing.
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Does it stick or swing open on its own? That could mean foundation movement.
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Cracks above door frames or separation at the trim? Those subtle shifts reveal a lot.
3. A Quick Roof Scan
You don’t need a ladder to spot obvious red flags.
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Missing shingles, mismatched patches, or sagging?
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Gutters clogged or falling off?
Even from the street, a roof can tell you if the home has been cared for—or covered up.
4. Walls, Ceilings, and Floors—Oh My
Inside the house, keep your eyes moving.
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Cracks in drywall, especially above windows or doors?
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Sloping floors or strange transitions between rooms?
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Water stains on ceilings (even if they’ve been painted over)?
These are classic signs I’m trained to look for—and you can, too.
5. The Sniff Test
Seriously—trust your nose.
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Musty smell? Could mean mold or poor ventilation.
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Overpowering air fresheners? Might be covering something up.
If something doesn’t smell right, it probably isn’t.
6. Cabinet and Closet Clues
People often skip the hidden spots. I never do.
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Check under sinks for water stains, warped wood, or mildew.
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Open closets and look at ceilings or exterior walls for discoloration or dampness.
7. HVAC & Utility Peeks (If You Can)
You’re probably not removing covers, but you can still spot concerns.
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Rusty or dusty HVAC units suggest poor maintenance.
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Water heater in the attic or garage? Look for leaks, rust, or a missing drip pan.
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Exposed wiring or corroded panels? Definitely a note-worthy issue.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a home inspector to think like one. When you’re excited about a house, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff—especially during a quick showing. But those “small” things often turn into the big issues I’m hired to find later.
Just slowing down and knowing where to look can help you avoid major headaches before making an offer. And if anything feels off? That’s exactly what I’m here for.
Book Your Inspection Now Kubara Inspection Services
Looking for a home inspection in Jacksonville, TX, or the surrounding East Texas area? Kubara Inspection Services provides expert residential inspections in Tyler, Rusk, Palestine, Athens, Nacogdoches, Canton, and Lindale. Michael Kubara (TREC#26495) takes pride in empowering homebuyers to make informed decisions. We inspect homes within a 50-mile radius of Jacksonville, TX. Book your inspection today!
📞 Call or text 903-969-5104 to schedule your inspection, or book online at www.kubarainspectionservices.com today!
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