The 2026 Spring Homebuying Guide: How to Win a Home and What to Do After You Move In

Key takeaways

• Watch out for red flags. Cracked walls or foundation, strong odors, and roofing issues are red flags buyers most commonly overlook, according to Redfin agents.
• Go all in on a home you love. Waiving contingencies and putting down an all-cash offer can make your offer more competitive, but they also come with added risk and may not be right for every buyer.
• Budget wisely and stay on top of maintenance. Most new homeowners spend between $1,000-$5,000 on maintenance equipment alone in the first year, and far more on preventable problems. 

Spring is here, and that means the housing market is gearing up for its busiest season. Every year, as buyers and sellers emerge from the winter freeze, more homes hit the market, more buyers go on tours, and more deals close. A previous Redfin report found that homes tend to sell the fastest and for the most money between late March and early May (and on a Wednesday or Thursday).

But in recent years, the reliably busy spring homebuying season has been noticeably quieter. Since the housing market’s pandemic-era peak in 2022, high prices, elevated mortgage rates, and broader economic uncertainty have prompted more buyers and sellers to step back and wait for conditions to improve, creating a very slow buyer’s market. As a result, home sales have dropped to historically low levels over the last two years—even during spring when activity is typically at its peak. 

So, what can homebuyers do to win today? Redfin and Thumbtack surveyed hundreds of real estate agents, home professionals, and experts across the country to provide the answers. Their insights reveal what buyers need to know about touring a home, outcompeting other buyers, navigating the inspection, and buying with confidence.

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1. Learn what is—and isn’t—a red flag when touring a home

Touring a home is likely one of the first steps a prospective homebuyer will take. A critical part of the touring process is noticing potential red flags. These can range from minor issues like chipped paint or old carpeting to major problems like a cracked wall or moldy ceiling. 

Buyers don’t often catch potentially major problems during home tours. According to Thumbtack professionals, cracked walls or floors are the most commonly overlooked red flag, with 45% of pros saying buyers miss them during tours. Next came strong odors (43%) and roofing issues (37%). 

“While touring homes, buyers should watch for signs of deferred maintenance that may not be obvious at first glance, like water stains, uneven flooring, strong odors, or cracks,” said Tamara Mattox-Kabat, a Redfin real estate agent and interior designer in Denver, CO. “These don’t always signal major issues, but they should prompt questions. I encourage buyers to look inside closets, cabinets, and utility spaces to get a feel for the home’s overall condition.” 

Not all issues are major red flags, though, even if they look like deal breakers on the surface. Thumbtack pros say that the most common “scary but manageable” problems they see are plumbing leaks (48%), minor electrical fixes (42%), and drywall scuffs (34%). 

2. Outperform the competition

In hot housing markets, some homebuyers may have to show the seller they are willing to go the extra mile. Redfin agents say that the most common strategy buyers use to close on a competitive home is offering fewer contingencies, with 71% of agents reporting this as the most effective approach. Making an all-cash offer (53%) and strong financing (40%) rounded out the top three. Note: Waiving contingencies may not be the best strategy for everyone.

In competitive markets where homebuyers outnumber sellers—known as seller’s markets—buyers may have to work harder to win a deal. While this is uncommon in today’s slow and expensive landscape, a few cities in the Northeast and West Coast are still red hot, especially places like Rochester, NY, and San Jose, CA.

But even for buyers in the slowest housing markets, like Austin, TX, some homes still sell within days—and buyers should be ready. “Fresh, clean, and move-in ready homes are the most likely to sell the fastest,” noted Kristin Sanchez, a Redfin Premier agent and interior designer in Nashville, TN. “For buyers, that usually means the homes in the best condition get the most attention, so it helps to be ready to move fast when you find one you like.”

3. Take the inspection seriously

When home inspections go awry, they can quickly delay—or even derail—a sale. According to 67% of Redfin agents, roof damage is the most common issue uncovered during inspections that led to delays or cancellations. This is followed by foundation or structural problems (64%) and water damage (30%).

Overlooking red flags can lead to buyer’s remorse and potentially a major renovation bill down the line. This is why the home inspection is critical for both buyers and sellers—so both parties can help support a smoother closing, faster sale, and reduce the chances of the deal falling through. 

“Homebuyers should feel confident asking for additional inspections or expert opinions during their option period,” explained Brooke Beiermann, Communications Manager at Thumbtack (and recent homebuyer). “They are making a huge financial decision and deserve the full picture.”

4. Budget for maintenance and repairs

Deciding how much house you can afford should be one of the first steps a buyer takes on their housing journey. But it’s important to remember that expenses extend beyond the house price and monthly payments—notably, maintenance issues.

Redfin agents say most new homebuyers spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on basic home maintenance equipment in their first year, with a significant share spending as much as $5,000 to over $10,000.

“Have a deep understanding of your finances,” added Nicole Stewart, a Redfin Premier agent and interior designer in Boise, ID. “Understand exactly what you can afford, including your down payment, closing costs, monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and any maintenance issues that may arise. For example, closing costs alone are usually 2-5% of the purchase price.” 

One way to prevent costly repairs is to proactively stay on top of home maintenance. Around one-third of Thumbtack professionals say water damage from untreated leaks are the most preventable big-ticket problem. This is followed by HVAC replacement due to lack of servicing (19%) and roof damage from delayed maintenance (15%).

Final thoughts: Learn your market, find an agent, and trust your gut

The housing market has been difficult for nearly everyone for the last few years, with record-high costs, limited supply, and economic uncertainty. 

But heading into spring, Redfin and Thumbtack experts say that homebuyers can get a head start by watching for red flags during tours, outcompeting other buyers, prioritizing the inspection, and planning ahead for maintenance costs. Check out Thumbtack’s spring home playbook for more expert guidance.

If you’re ready to buy, your first step should be to connect with an agent and get preapproved for a mortgage. Then, learn about your local housing market, go on tours, meet homeowners, and make an offer when you find a home you love. 

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