Red Flags from a Redhead: What to Watch for When Touring a Home

By Melinda Lynch – Pittsburgh’s Savvy Realtor with a Sixth Sense for Sketchy Situations

Touring homes is kinda like dating. You walk in, everything looks great, and you’re smitten — until you realize the “charming character” is actually a bad foundation wearing lipstick.

As your trusty, seasoned Pittsburgh real estate agent, I’m not just here to open doors and compliment countertops. I’m here to help you spot the red flags before you fall head over heels for a money pit.

So let’s break it down, shall we? Here are five things I always look for (and you should too) when touring a home:

1. The Overachieving Scent Game

If you’re hit with a wall of air freshener or 17 candles burning in one room, your Spidey senses should tingle.

Translation: They might be covering up something funky — like mildew, pet damage, or the ghost of takeout past

2. The “Totally Normal” Slanted Floors

Yes, old Pittsburgh homes settle — it’s part of their charm. But if the floor feels like a ski slope or you’re suddenly walking sideways, we need to talk.

Pro tip: I travel with a golf ball in my bag (it’s true!) to check floor slope. If it rolls across the room… we might have an issue.

3. Patchwork Paint Jobs & Mysterious Stains

A fresh coat of paint is fabulous — unless it’s oddly specific. One patch here, another there? That’s not a makeover, babe. That’s a cover-up. Same goes for ceiling stains: ask about water damage and get receipts for any “repairs.”

4. Missing or Blocked Access Points

Attic locked? Basement door “can’t be opened right now”? That’s a big red flag waving hello. Sellers should never block access to parts of the home — and if they do, I’m calling that out real quick.

5. The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Price Tag

Listen, we all love a deal — but if the price is suspiciously low for the neighborhood or square footage, there’s usually a reason. And not a cute one.

Think: structural issues, zoning nightmares, or neighbors who throw 3 a.m. drum circles.

The Melinda-Approved Buyer Rule:

“Fall in love with the home — but date it cautiously until the inspection puts a ring on it.”

Look, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but my job is to be the feisty bestie who keeps you grounded (and makes sure your dream home doesn’t become a horror story).

Ready to house hunt with someone who’s fun and fierce about the details? Call me. I’ve got the heels, hustle, and home-inspection radar to make it happen.