Industry pros share their house-hunting green flags.

Here are the noteworthy elements worth looking for, according to the pros.

Meet the Experts

Kirsten Schoettelkotteis an architect and director of MHK Charleston.

McNeill Family Farmhouse Americus, Georgia

Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; STYLING: CHRISTINA WRESSELL

She designed our 2024 Southern Living Idea House in Kiawah River.

Brandon Ingramis an architectural designer in Atlanta.

A number of his designs are available as Southern Living House Plans.

Dorothy Shain Henderson exterior

Credit:JAMES RANSOM; STYLING: Veronica Olson

Will Kingis a licensed residential home builder and founder of Alabama-based High Cotton Homes.

He is a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder program.

These are more often than not what can give a house that elusive and hard-to-put-your-finger-on feeling.

Laura Jenkins Living Rooms

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli; Design: Laura Jenkins

And when those are correct, you could pretty much take a house anywhere you want to.

Authentic, real, and timeless materials and details never hurt either!

This is another good indicator of foundation settlement.

A senior woman looks worried as he deals with a water leak in the kitchen ceiling. Buckets and pots are on the floor to catch the flowing water, and towels are soaking up the puddles. The woman is defocused in the background, using his smart phone.

Credit:coldsnowstorm/Getty Images

Guttersand downspouts can also raise red flags, advises Schoettelkotte.

Visible termite damage is also something youll want to address, she notes.

Be sure to consult a home inspector or engineer should you identify any of these potential trouble spots.