Stepping into a potential home for the first time is a whirlwind of emotion. You’re trying to picture your furniture in the living room while simultaneously wondering if the basement stays dry. As an instructor for home inspectors, I tell my students that the best inspections start with a wide-angle view before zooming in.

Homebuyers often do the same. While you shouldn't replace a professional inspection From Sonic Home Inspection with your initial walkthrough, there are several key areas you can—and should—evaluate yourself to decide if a property is even worth pursuing.

Here is a look at what most buyers instinctively check during that first visit, and what those things might tell you.