Showing homes in St. Louis is a little like speed dating. You walk in, take one lap through the room, get a feel for the energy and decide very quickly if this relationship has potential or if you should politely run.
After hundreds of showings across the metro, I have noticed certain patterns. Consider this your completely serious, absolutely scientific guide to the subtle red flags St. Louis buyers and agents spot the moment they step inside a home.
These signs are not dealbreakers by themselves, but they tell a story. And sometimes, they tell it loudly.
Let’s take a tour.
1. The Febreze Fog That Hits You at the Door
If you can taste the linen scent before you even cross the threshold, buyers will have questions. Homes have smells. That is normal. But when the air is fighting a chemical battle, buyers assume something is being hidden.
A fresh, clean home never needs its own cloud of fragrance.
2. The Candle Army Lined Up Like They’re Standing Guard
Two candles are charming.
Six are a séance.
Buyers start wondering if the seller is masking an odor, hiding a wiring issue or preparing for a romantic dinner with the electric company.
Candles are wonderful. Overuse is suspicious.
3. The Shower That Is Questionably Fresh
Nothing makes a buyer pause quite like a freshly used shower during a showing window.
Did someone lose track of time?
Was the seller mid-shampoo when we pulled up?
Or is this a clever attempt to distract from a plumbing issue?
We do not judge. But we do investigate.
4. The Space Heater in August
This is less a red flag and more a red banner with flashing lights.
If a portable heater is running during a heat advisory, buyers know one of two things is true. Either the HVAC system is tired enough to qualify for retirement benefits or the basement has the same temperature range as the planet Hoth.
Neither inspires confidence.
5. The Front Doorframe That Has Seen Some Things
When the front doorframe looks like it has gone a few rounds with a crowbar, buyers immediately pause. Sometimes it is normal wear and tear. Sometimes it hints at a past attempted break-in or a door that has been forced shut more than once.
Replacing a damaged frame is not difficult, but ignoring it sends a message sellers do not intend.
6. Rugs Placed in Strategically Convenient Locations
Rugs are lovely. Rugs are cozy. Rugs are also elite-level magicians when it comes to covering:
- pet accidents
- water stains
- warped boards
- paint mishaps
- mysterious blemishes that no one wants to talk about
When a rug sits alone in the middle of an otherwise bare hallway, buyers notice.
When there is a rug on top of another rug, buyers take notes.
7. Pictures Hung in Odd, Suspiciously Specific Places
A framed photograph hung at knee height in the exact center of an otherwise empty wall is not an artistic statement. Buyers immediately wonder what is behind it.
Holes?
Patches?
Cracks?
A portal?
We may never know, but we will gently lift the corner to find out.
8. The Basement That Tells a Story Without Saying a Word
Ah, the St. Louis basement. A world unto itself.
Potential red flags include:
- a dehumidifier working harder than a college student at finals
- strategic towel placement
- cracks that resemble topographical maps
- mysterious paint swatches along the floor
- a sump pump that seems a little too proud of its work
Basements rarely lie. They simply wait for you to look closely.
9. Cameras Everywhere, Watching From Every Angle
Security cameras are common. No one minds them. But when a home has cameras in every room, motion sensors pointed at the sofa and blinking lights monitoring every corner, buyers start to wonder why the seller is so determined to record everything.
It may be innocent. It may be overkill. It will always spark questions.
10. The Raccoon Who Did Not Get the Memo About the Showing
This one is rare, but it happens more than you think. You open a door and discover you are not alone.
St. Louis raccoons have strong opinions about home values and they are not afraid to share them.
Animal encounters are amusing, but they often signal the need for some exterior sealing and possibly a wildlife expert with more courage than me.
What These Red Flags Really Mean
Most of these things are not dealbreakers. They are simply clues. Sometimes the clues point to minor issues. Sometimes they point to deferred maintenance. Sometimes they simply highlight a home that has been lived in and loved.
Real estate is rarely perfect. That is part of its charm.
The goal is not to avoid every red flag, but to understand what each one might be telling you so you can make clear, informed decisions.
St. Louis homes are full of personality. They have quirks, character and the occasional surprise. Humor helps us navigate the process, but knowledge protects your investment.
Whether you are buying, selling or simply trying to interpret what your basement is saying, I am always here to guide you with clarity, honesty and a little well-placed humor.
Karen Moeller
🌐 STLKaren.com
📧 Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
📞 314.678.7866
About the Author:
Karen Moeller, REALTOR® and St. Louis Real Estate News writer, holds AHWD, SRES®, and ABR® designations. Her renovation & rental background helps clients navigate the St. Louis market with confidence.
