What Should I Look for During a Showing?

During a home showing, check structural integrity, water damage signs, layout flow, natural light, and neighborhood vibe—test doors/windows, faucets, and appliances while noting school proximity, HOA rules, and repair red flags to inform offers in Denver’s competitive market.

Essential Home Checks

After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve trained clients to spot issues that save thousands at inspection. Start outside: cracked foundations, uneven settling, roof age (asphalt lasts 20-25 years), and gutter function—water pooling signals drainage woes common in Littleton clay soils. Inside, scan for water stains on ceilings/basements, mold smells, squeaky floors signaling joist issues, and outdated electrical (knob-and-tube in older Denver bungalows). Test all lights, outlets, HVAC (filters clean?), and plumbing—no slow drains or low pressure. Layout matters: kitchen work triangle, bedroom sizes, storage. Note cosmetic fixes like paint vs. structural like sewer lines.

Bring a checklist and flashlight.

Denver-Area Specifics

Highlands Ranch real estate demands HOA scrutiny—drive village streets for covenant compliance ($150-$400 fees), proximity to Mountain Vista schools, and playgrounds. Littleton homes flag clay pipe collapses (sewer scopes essential); core Denver Victorians check urban noise and parking. Market cycles amplify: spring frenzy skips showings, balanced falls allow neighbor chats for flood history. Douglas County lots verify boundaries/fencing; compared to Littleton flexibility, Highlands Ranch enforces landscaping rules. Gauge light in south-facing windows—key for Colorado winters.

Walk closets, garages fully.

Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers

Area	Red Flags	Quick Test
Structural	Cracks, settling	Level app
Systems	Noisy HVAC, leaks	Run water 2 min
Neighborhood	Traffic, schools	Drive peak hours

Buyers, attend 3-5 showings per area—take measurements/photos, prioritize must-haves like school walks under 1 mile, budget $5K-$15K repairs pre-offer.

Sellers, stage neutrally—fix drips, declutter, disclose issues upfront to build trust.

My hands-on, concierge-level service joins every showing block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly based on real findings. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic uncover the truth.

If showing tips guide your Denver real estate search—Littleton, Highlands Ranch nuances—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.

Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver