At your first walkthrough

• Look up. Stains or fresh paint patches on ceilings, especially under bathrooms and around the AC closet.
• Open every sink cabinet with your phone flashlight. Look for water stains, warped wood and drips.
• Run the water and flush. Note weak pressure, rusty water or slow drains.
• Use your nose. A musty smell can mean hidden moisture. Heavy air freshener can be covering one.
• Read the AC data plate on the outdoor unit for the year it was made.
• Find the water heater. Check its date label and look for rust or water at the base.
• Check the electrical panel label. Federal Pacific, Stab-Lok or Zinsco deserve a closer look.
• Walk the outside. Soil should slope away from the house, with sprinklers and drip lines at least a foot off the foundation.
• Look at the roof from the street. Cracked or slipped tiles, sagging lines, or patches of a different color.
• Ask the listing agent for the roof and AC age, permits for any additions, pool or patio cover, and any past leaks or termite treatment.