8 Red Flags to Watch for at Open Houses (And What They Really Mean)
That fresh paint and cookie smell? It might be hiding something. Learn how to spot warning signs before you commit, and what to ask while touring.
By Nicole Fernandez
Image retrieved from Pikist.
Open houses are one of the most useful (and underrated) tools in the homebuying process. Anyone can walk in, tour freely, ask questions, and assess the property without signing an agreement and committing to an agent. Since there’s no obligation, they’re one of the best ways for buyers to explore neighborhoods, compare home conditions, and spot potential problems before getting emotionally attached.
However, not everything at an open house is as perfect as it looks. Fresh paint, perfectly scented candles, dim lighting, and “staged coziness” can be used to mask issues that would be expensive down the road. Knowing how to identify red flags can save buyers from making an irreversible financial decision.
Why Open Houses Matter for Buyers
Open houses offer full access without commitment. Experts say that 53% of homebuyers visit open houses during their search, and many rely on them to get familiar with the market before choosing an agent.
Real estate writer Aly J. Yale notes, “Open houses give buyers the freedom to explore and evaluate without pressure, making them one of the most buyer-friendly opportunities in the process.”
Buyers should take full advantage of this freedom — especially because it lets you compare homes and neighborhoods with zero obligation.
8 Red Flags to Watch for at Open Houses
1. Strong Scents, Air Fresheners, or Open Windows in Every Room
Pleasant smells can be intentional, but sometimes they’re covering up mold, smoke damage, mildew, or pet odors. According to the EPA, mold can spread behind walls long before it becomes visible, and smell is often the first warning sign. If you find the home alluring, it will do the client a great service to get a pre-inspection report or a seller’s real property disclosure before agreeing to go into contract.
2. Fresh Paint in Only Certain Spots
New paint isn’t always cosmetic. Experts say that localized fresh paint is one of the most common coverups for water issues. If it’s patchy, inconsistent, or focused in specific areas, it could hide water damage or cracks.
3. Sloping Floors or Doors That Don’t Close Properly
These can indicate foundation settling or structural movement — expensive issues to fix. Uneven floors or sticking doors often signal foundational shifts, as well as water damage causing the flooring to rise where it shouldn’t be.
4. Visible Cracks in Walls, Ceilings, or Exterior Stucco
Hairline cracks are normal. Wide cracks, zig-zag patterns, or separation around door frames could indicate structural problems. According to the National Association of Home Builders, structural cracks should always be evaluated before making offers.
5. Water Stains, Warped Flooring, or Musty Odors
These are signs of leaks or long-term moisture issues. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage is one of the most common and costly homeowner claims, one of which is often a reason that buyers pull out of deals once an initial inspection is performed.
6. Recently Renovated Bathrooms/Kitchens With Poor Craftsmanship
Uneven tiles, misaligned cabinets, new fixtures on old walls — these are all signs of rushed flips, in an attempt to make the home presentable to potential buyers. Quick flip renovations often prioritize speed over quality, and buyers need to pay attention to workmanship as well as doing their due diligence to get an SRPD or pre-inspection report before putting in an offer on the home.
7. Overly Dark Rooms or Blocked Windows
Dim lighting and heavy curtains can conceal wall damage, poor natural light, or small window sizes. Not only that, dark lighting can be an indication of electrical issues, as well as an attempt to hide carpet stains and damage done to hardwood flooring.
8. Limited Access Areas
If certain rooms, closets, garages, or crawlspaces are “not accessible,” it may be intentional, and is always a red flag. Though this seems obvious, many people try hard to give privacy to sellers. However, a restricted access demands follow-up questions, as well as access before putting any offers down on the property.
Questions to Ask at an Open House
Use these questions to get genuine insight:
“Have there been any recent repairs or renovations? Who completed them?”
“Are there any known water leaks or previous moisture issues?”
“How old are the major systems?” (HVAC, roof, plumbing, electrical)
“Why is the seller moving?”
“Has the home been inspected recently?”
“Are there any warranties on appliances or renovation work?”
“How long has it been on the market?”
Pro tip: You are NOT obligated to use the listing agent — they legally represent the seller, not you. Since this is the case, the agent will be inherently biased due to their compensation being tied to both ends of the deal.
Open House Red Flag Checklist for Buyers
Need a checklist before heading out to your next open house? Here’s one ready for you to use!
Structural & Cosmetic
❑ Odd fresh paint patches
❑ Uneven flooring
❑ Cracks in ceilings/walls
❑ Doors or windows that stick
❑ Sloped or bouncy floors
Moisture Indicators
❑ Musty smell
❑ Dehumidifiers running
❑ Water stains
❑ Warped wood or bubbling paint
Suspicious Scents / Sounds
❑ Strong air fresheners
❑ Fans running in odd places
❑ Excessive use of candles
Quality of Renovation
❑ Misaligned cabinets
❑ Uneven tile work
❑ Cheap fixtures on new walls
❑ Gaps, poor cuts, rushed workmanship
Access Issues
❑ Areas marked “locked” or “off-limits”
❑ Blocked basement access
❑ Hidden crawlspace entries
Neighborhood Check
❑ Traffic noise
❑ Lack of street parking
❑ Poor cell service
❑ Strange smells or industrial noise nearby
How to Find Open Houses
Here are the best, most up-to-date tools for locating open houses anywhere in the U.S.:
Realtor.com
They maintain one of the most accurate databases of open houses.
🔗 https://www.realtor.com/open-houses
Zillow
Allows filtering for open houses and shows real-time schedules.
🔗 https://www.zillow.com/openhouse/
Redfin
Highly reliable and updated multiple times a day.
🔗 https://www.redfin.com/open-houses
Local MLS / Brokerage Sites
Most regional MLS systems list weekend open houses every Thursday or Friday.
Social Media & Community Groups
Facebook, neighborhood pages, and local community apps often post open house events.
Show Up, Be Informed
Open houses are one of the smartest ways to get a true feel for a home — no contracts, no commitments, and no pressure. Regardless, buyers should walk in informed, since knowing what red flags to look for and what questions to ask can save you thousands down the line. Staging makes a home look inviting, but bringing the right questions helps you see what’s really beneath the surface.
