5 Home Tour Distractions You Should Ignore (and What to Focus on Instead)

If you’re house hunting in North Idaho, you’ve likely walked into a home and instantly thought, “Nope, not for me.” Maybe the carpet was a wild shade of red, or the living room had an odd smell. But before you write off a home based on temporary flaws, let’s talk about what actually matters—and what’s worth tuning out.

As a local real estate agent who’s walked through more homes than I can count—from cozy cabins in the woods to modern builds near the lake—I’ve learned that what looks bad can often be fixed easily. What can’t? That’s where your attention should be.

Here are five common distractions buyers encounter on a home tour—and why you shouldn’t let them cloud your judgment.

1. Wall Colors & Wild Wallpaper

Let’s just get this out of the way—paint is one of the easiest and cheapest things to change in a home. Don’t let a lime green hallway or outdated floral wallpaper stop you from seeing the potential in a space. Focus instead on the room’s size, shape, and natural light.

In fact, bold colors can help you spot good bones—they draw your attention to things like crown molding, tall ceilings, or great window placement. And once the home is yours? A weekend and a few paint rollers can make it feel brand new.

2. Clutter, Furniture & Weird Decor

Whether a home is professionally staged or packed full of someone’s collectibles, remember—you’re not buying their taste. You’re buying the space. A dated couch or busy gallery wall isn’t permanent.

Pay attention to how the furniture is arranged: does it make the room feel cramped, or is it just oversized? Are there too many knickknacks to notice the windows? Look past it all and imagine your things in the space. If the bones are good, the decor doesn’t matter.

3. Smells That Make You Cringe

It’s not uncommon to walk into a house and catch a whiff of pets, mildew, or even strong cleaning products. While unpleasant, many smells are temporary. They can come from old carpet, forgotten trash, or simply the home being vacant for a while.

Of course, if there's a persistent smell and signs of water damage or mold—that’s worth a closer look. But if it just needs a deep clean and some fresh air, don’t let your nose be the dealbreaker.

4. An Outdated Kitchen or Bathroom

Everyone loves a fresh kitchen, but don’t panic if the one you’re looking at has laminate countertops or older appliances. Cosmetic updates can come with time—and they’re usually cheaper than trying to rearrange a bad layout.

Look for a functional layout: is there enough storage, counter space, and room to move? If the layout works, it may just need modern finishes down the road. And hey, you get to choose what you like instead of living with someone else’s design choices.

5. Fancy Add-ons (That Might Be Distracting)

Built-in speakers, LED lights, and smart fridges are cool—but they’re not what makes a home valuable. It’s easy to get caught up in “shiny object syndrome,” especially if you’re walking through a newly renovated or tech-upgraded home.

Keep your eye on the things that are harder (and costlier) to fix: the roof, windows, foundation, heating systems, and overall layout. Gadgets can be replaced—structure matters most.

So, What Should You Pay Attention To?​

When touring homes in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, or anywhere in North Idaho, here’s where your focus should be:

• Flow & Function – Does the home’s layout work for your lifestyle?
• Light & Windows – Natural light is a big deal, especially in our long winters.
• Location & Lot – You can change the house, but you can’t change where it sits.
• Structural Soundness – Roof, foundation, and HVAC systems are key.
• Your Gut Feeling – Some homes just feel right. Don’t ignore that.

Final Thoughts from a North Idaho Agent Who’s Seen It All

I’ve seen buyers pass up amazing homes over paint color or an old chandelier, only to realize later they were chasing perfection in all the wrong places. The truth is, no home is 100% perfect when you move in—but the right home has the bones to become your perfect space with a little love and vision.

So next time you're on a home tour, take a deep breath. Imagine the possibilities, and don’t let a little clutter or color block your big-picture dream.

If you’d like a second opinion or someone to walk you through the “what matters” vs. “what doesn’t,” I’d love to help. Let’s find a home that fits your vision—funky wallpaper and all. 

Ready to house hunt the smart way?

Let’s connect: https://greaternorthidahohomes.com/contact