It’s not quite the end of the summer and the housing market is still thriving. Whether you’re trying to move before school starts or just looking for the first time, it pays to know what to look for when you go on a tour of your future home.

Walking into a house and saying "It’s perfect!" might just mean that you’ve found the right house. Or it could mean your emotions took over when you walked into the kitchen and saw the double-oven or peeked into the living room and fell in love with the native stone fireplace.

Homebuyers often follow their hearts—and they should. Sometimes just going with a gut feeling is the best indicator. But when it’s house-touring time, it’s important to set those emotions aside and replace them with clear-headed thinking and a critical eye. Otherwise, your potential dream house might just turn into a money pit.

General guidelines
First, consider your lifestyle and how you’ll use the house. Don’t just consider your present lifestyle, but the one you want. Do you work outside the home but are considering starting your own business and need a home office to support it? Are you recently married without children but plan on having three? Do you need a playroom for kids? Make sure you get the space you need for the lifestyle you want.

It’s sometimes difficult, but don’t fall for the furnishings and decor while touring a home. Some people don’t realize they’re captivated by the surroundings, not the home itself. Rooms can look completely different with your possessions in place. That burnt orange carpet in a UT Longhorn fan’s house would look just as great in beige. And remember that the beauty of paint is you can always paint over it. By the same token, don’t dismiss a poorly decorated house. If mounted deer heads aren’t your style, you can take comfort in the fact that they’ll be gone by the time you move in.

Beware of small closets and lack of storage space. People usually underestimate the amount of space needed for their belongings. If you don’t have the room now, you won’t have it later—no matter how cute the house is. Check the general upkeep of the house. Make sure the obvious things work, and find out when the roof was last replaced. Keep in mind that no house is in perfect shape—it’s reasonable to expect some minor problems.

Structural issues
Let’s assume you’ve gone through the house and have decided it meets your needs and lifestyle. You’re ready to call the moving van. Before you do, it’s crucial to check its structure and systems. Though most Realtors will recommend a professional inspection before you complete the sale, buyers can spot the more obvious trouble signs early in the process simply by knowing what to look for.

First, general upkeep will tell you a lot about how the owner has maintained the property. Plumbing, wiring, heating and air conditioning should meet minimum standards. Check that everything works, and look for signs of rust or other visible problems.

If you’re looking for an older house, watch out for old kitchens and bathrooms as potential money pits. Gaps in the tile can mean leaks. And that unique pink stove from the 1950s may work, but if you hate pink and aren’t interested in replacing it, it may be time to move on.

Ask to see the attic and basement, if applicable. Loose bricks around the outside of the house also may signal poor upkeep. Walk around the house and look for potential problems.

Finally, ask when the owner last replaced the roof and if there have been any leaks. Roof repair and replacement are costly, and you want to be aware of potential problems.