🏡Top 5 Things to Look for When Touring a Home in 2025
By EGA Homes | Veteran-Owned Real Estate Brokerage | Riverside, CA
Published November 2025
Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying journey — you can finally picture yourself in the space instead of just scrolling through listings. But while the countertops, paint colors, and decor might catch your eye, the most important details are often the ones buyers overlook.
At EGA Homes, we help buyers see beyond the surface so they can make confident, informed decisions. If you’re planning to tour homes this season, here are the top 5 things you should always pay attention to in 2025.
1️⃣
Overall Condition — Not Cosmetic Upgrades
Fresh paint and new flooring look great, but they don’t always tell the full story.
Look closely at:
- Ceiling cracks or discoloration
- Signs of leaks around windows, plumbing, or the water heater
- Uneven flooring
- Age of major systems (roof, HVAC, water heater)
- Evidence of poor DIY repairs
Cosmetic updates are easy to change — but structural or mechanical issues can be expensive. When in doubt, ask questions and rely on inspections.
2️⃣
Neighborhood & Location Fit
In 2025, location is still the #1 driver of long-term value.
During your tour:
- Drive the neighborhood at different times of day
- Notice noise levels, parking, and traffic flow
- Look at proximity to schools, work routes, shops, and parks
- Consider future development in the area
Your daily lifestyle should match the environment you’re buying into.
3️⃣
Layout & Functionality — Not Just Square Footage
Two homes with the same square footage can feel completely different.
Pay attention to:
- How the rooms flow together
- Whether the layout supports your lifestyle
- Storage space
- Natural light
- Privacy between bedrooms
- Placement of the laundry area and bathrooms
Ask yourself:
“Does this layout work for me now — and in the next few years?”
4️⃣
Energy Efficiency & Monthly Costs
Home affordability isn’t just the mortgage payment.
In 2025, rising utility and insurance costs make energy efficiency more important than ever.
During your tour, look for:
- Dual-pane windows
- Solar panels (owned vs. leased)
- Insulation quality
- Age and efficiency of HVAC
- Smart thermostats or energy monitoring systems
Homes with strong energy features can save you hundreds per month — and add long-term value.
5️⃣
Outdoor Space & Property Potential
Whether it’s a yard, patio, or balcony, outdoor space impacts both lifestyle and resale value.
Evaluate:
- Maintenance requirements
- Privacy
- Sun exposure (especially important for pools & gardens)
- Noise from neighbors or nearby roads
- Room for future improvements like an ADU, pool, or outdoor kitchen
In Southern California — where outdoor living is part of the culture — this can be a major factor in your decision.
🔍
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rush the Tour
In 2025’s competitive market, it’s tempting to rush through showings — but slow down and be present.
Take notes.
Ask questions.
Picture how you’d actually use the space day-to-day.
And most importantly: tour with a trusted agent who knows what to look for.
At EGA Homes, we guide buyers through the entire process, helping them see both the beauty and the reality of each home — so they can make decisions based on clarity, not pressure.
🏠
Thinking About Buying? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to take the next step, our team is here to walk you through the touring process with expertise and integrity.
📩 info@EGAHomes.com
📞 (951) 777-1016
🌐 www.EGAHomes.com
EGA Homes
Veteran-Owned Real Estate Brokerage | Riverside, CA
DRE# 01334483