5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You’re Touring an Open House

5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You're Touring an Open HouseAn open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. However, it can also be a good opportunity to discover some glaring red flags that might make it a less worthwhile investment. If you’re currently perusing the open houses in your neighborhood, here’s some things you should make sure to watch out for.

A Selling Hot-Spot

It’s well and good if you love the home you visit, but ‘location, location, location’ is a popular phrase for a reason. If you’ve noticed a lot of homes for sale in the area, this could be a sign of neighborhood issues that are less than pleasing.

An Odd Smell

Baked goods or room spray are quite common when it comes to an open house, but it’s possible that they’re masking a less-than pleasant odor. Since this can point to a hard home fix-up, it’s worth checking out the closets or the basement where a strange smell can indicate mildew or mold.

A Bad Paint Job

Paint that’s peeling may mean that a few fresh coats are long overdue, but it can also indicate moisture issues in the home that have gone untreated. As this kind of repair can cost a pretty penny, it’s worth determining if there are sealing issues with windows or doors.

A Few Obvious Fix-Ups

A sticky door or a damaged wall may not seem so bad on their own, but if you notice a few things that need to be fixed around the home, it can be a sign that there’s more afoot. If a homeowner has cared for the property during their ownership, it will likely show in small details like this.

Incomplete Construction

It may seem like a good sign to see a house that’s undergoing a renovation, but it can actually be a risk to invest in a home that’s not complete. Instead of leaving this to chance, you may want to check with the construction contractor to determine the scope of the work and when it will be finished.

An open house may be a good time to decide if you’re interested in a home, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to search for deficiencies that may end up costing you.

If you’re currently in the market for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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8535 E Regina Circle Mesa, AZ 85207

$2,999,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
6,025 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6722214
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Hillside mountain masterpiece home that is beautifully situated on a cul-de-sac lot featuring 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. This amazing layout has two master suites. The Gorgeous remodeled gourmet kitchen features a walk in pantry, built in appliances including a 48 inch gas cook top, dual wall ovens, built in ice maker and so much more. Enjoy the media room, office and huge family room with wall of glass to the back yard. You will love the Soaring 20+ foot ceilings, plus the beautiful stone and brick accents throughout. This open floor plan has new large format porcelain floors, all new base boards plus all new bathrooms. This home has a fabulous layout for entertaining! The backyard features a mosaic tile pool and spa, plus a huge outdoor kitchen with built in bar and BBQ. Enjoy sunsets and the putting green plus fabulous mountain views. front courtyard offers amazing sunsets and city light views plus a beautiful fireplace and don't forget the loft offering beautiful views of the valleys. so much to see and enjoy and plus this home is MOVE In READY!

4849 N Camelback Ridge Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,995,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,157 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636465
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Tucked at the base of revered Camelback Mountain, Ascent is a new, private residential enclave adjacent to The Phoenician Resort - one of Arizona's premier luxury resort destination. This community incorporates the Sonoran Desert landscape directly into its design, at the most enviable location in Scottsdale. Ascent offer views overlooking the Valley & Camelback Mountain. Home designs feature contemporary architecture integrating warm, natural materials, expansive windows, and large outdoor patios. Thoughtfully designed by Nelsen Architects and Vallone Interior Design. Luxury finishes include exquisite Bulthaup Kitchens, Provenza wood floors, Sub Zero Wolf appliances & 10' ceilings.

24882 N 124th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,939 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761816
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your dream home in the prestigious Troon North, renowned for its exceptional desert golf experience. This stunning newly built residence boasts 3,939 sqft of sophisticated living space on a sprawling 1.68-acre cul-de-sac lot. Step inside to find an expansive open floor plan featuring a great room setup, ideal for modern living and entertaining. The layout includes 3 bedrooms with on-suite luxurious bathrooms, with upgraded tile flooring and exquisite cabinetry. The chef's kitchen is a culinary haven, equipped with a Wolf stove, a Subzero fridge and a butler's pantry with a bar counter right next to the dining room perfect for creating gourmet meals while enjoying the company of family and friends. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a custom closet and an a master bathroom that has been thoughtfully designed with a separate tub and walk-in shower. Additional features include a bonus room that could also be used as a bedroom, with at attached den. Enjoy the practicality of an oversized garage with epoxy flooring, added garage closets, and a convenient drop zone. The professionally landscaped backyard is a private oasis, complete with a sparkling swimming pool, BBQ area, and extensive hardscape for entertaining.

4407 N 37th Way Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,192 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774889
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in one of Arcadia's most desirable gated neighborhoods. This timeless residence masterfully blends classic elegance with modern design, featuring numerous custom upgrades throughout. This expansive 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home includes a luxurious first-floor primary suite, each bedroom boasting its own en- suite bathroom for ultimate comfort and privacy. The loft area provides additional space for relaxation or entertainment. Step inside to discover custom millwork, an elegant iron staircase, and striking iron beams that enhance the home's architectural beauty. Soaring ceilings create an airy ambiance, complemented by high-end custom hardware, fixtures, and window treatments. The garage features a 220-volt outlet, perfect for EV charging. Nestled on a completely private cul-de-sac lot with north-south exposure, this home offers abundant natural light and breathtaking mountain views. The two distinct backyards are designed for relaxation and entertainment, complete with a sparkling pool, cozy fireplace, two custom-built pergolas, a misting system, built-in BBQ, and lush artificial turf. The chef's kitchen is a culinary dream, equipped with top-of-the-line Subzero and Wolf appliances, a spacious eat-in area, and a large islandideal for gatherings and family meals. Located just a short walk from popular spots like La Grande Orange, Postino, Ingo's, and Chelsea's Kitchen, this home offers not just luxury but also a vibrant lifestyle. Don't miss your chance to own this exquisite property in the heart of Arcadia!

10040 E Happy Valley Road Unit 243 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,995,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
4,320 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737328
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into elegance with this beautifully remodeled home featuring three significant upgrades. A long, private driveway welcomes you to an open-concept space with soaring 30 ft. ceilings, large windows, and sliding glass doors that frame breathtaking mountain views. The property includes two custom-designed water features and a spacious deck, perfect for entertaining. The Desert Highlands community offers unparalleled amenities, such as a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, a comprehensive tennis center, pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a luxury country club.

36975 N Mirabel Club Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,002 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764283
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
VERY RARE 4 bed, 4.5 bath plus flex room golf villa in the Mirabel Club w/ an even more rare 3 car garage and access to a FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP per club bylaws & application approval. This home has extensive upgrades inside & out. The spacious master suite has 2 walk-in closets & a cozy fireplace and large sitting room. Enjoy the large open, split floor plan & separate entry guest casita. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bath. The great room has a stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings with wood beams. The kitchen is complete with Wolf/Subzero/Cove appliances, custom cabinetry, large walk-in pantry, & custom granite. Multiple sets of cedar French doors bring the outside in. The private backyard backs up to open space w/ mountain views. The pool & spa includes 3 soothing waterfalls.

8742 E Villa Cassandra Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,464 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769643
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy the lap of luxury in this beautiful 4,500 sq ft gated desert oasis property complete with 5 bed 5.5 baths with an attached casita. Sitting on almost an acre this home truly highlights what it means to enjoy the indoor outdoor lifestyle of North Scottsdale. With an incredible low maintenance resort style backyard with heated pool and spa as well as a custom built in BBQ that will extend those pool days into a perfect meal under the stars. Complement all of this with a private courtyard and fireplace plus an oversized 3 car garage, your search just might be over

21326 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
4,141 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771121
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream oasis! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, nestled in Arizona's highly desired aviation neighborhood, Pegasus airpark, offers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. Inside the 52' x 52' hangar you can park your aircraft with space to fit all of your toys! Step inside the home to be captivated by the meticulous attention to detail and premium features that define this residence, including an office with views of the San Tan mountains, a theatre room, a gourmet kitchen and a resort style owners suite with a private workout room, Outside into your private oasis - the backyard is an entertainer's paradise. Enjoy a game of pickleball on your private court, relax in the above-ground spa, or cool off in the pool. You won't want to miss this incredible home!

10948 E Rising Sun Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782501
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite upcoming spec home nestled within the gated Sonoran Sanctuary! Currently undergoing plan review w/ the City of Scottsdale, this visionary residence is a testament to avant-garde design, crafted by the esteemed Victor Sidy, former dean of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Design (Taliesin) in Arizona and Wisconsin. This contemporary home unfolds across 4,710 square feet of opulent living space, characterized by a sophisticated great room floor plan. The residence boasts 4 en-suite bedrooms strategically arranged in a split floor plan, complemented by 5 full bathrooms (including a convenient pool bath w/ a shower) and a chic half-bath powder room for guests. Three of the bedrooms enjoy exclusive access to a private patio, connected to a family room.

3221 Dick Hevly -- Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$2,995,000
6 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,699 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782522
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This architecturally significant post-and-beam home, crafted by the renowned Deck House/Acorn Deck House Company, embodies the mid-century mountain modern aesthetic. Showcasing beautiful teak and mahogany wood accents throughout, the residence offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls that fill every space with an abundance of natural light. With its thoughtful design, this home delivers an enchanting Ponderosa pine ''treehouse'' feel, perched above the #9 green of the Canyon Course and spanning just under an acre in a serene cul-de-sac. Inside, a striking tongue-and-groove wood ceiling crowns the open great room, providing an inviting and expansive setting. A dedicated game room, complete with a wet bar, accompanies three fireplaces and two laundry rooms for added convenience. This home boasts a new roof installed in 2016, alongside substantial interior updates completed between 2018 and 2019, including a fully refreshed kitchen, upgraded lighting fixtures throughout, updated bathrooms, newly painted interiors, and HVAC units with added air conditioning. The property also features a reverse osmosis water system in the kitchen, an EV charger in the garage, and multiple outdoor decks for relaxing and entertaining. For an extra touch of adventure, a treehouse hideaway for kids awaits, making this home a truly special retreat. Tucked away amidst 1,100 acres of pristine alpine beauty, Forest Highlands exudes an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and serenity. With two championship golf courses designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, Forest Highlands sets the stage for unforgettable golf experiences. The community offers an array of exceptional amenities, including two clubhouses, multiple dining options, tennis courts, swimming pools, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Forest Highlands is a retreat where luxury meets nature, ensuring a harmonious lifestyle for its residents.

39742 N 103rd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,108 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6755023
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The ultimate in serenity, privacy and exquisite vistas of open desert, sunsets, and city lights in Desert Mountains village of Turquoise Ridge! This lovely home embraces Arizona architecture seamlessly blended with a modern interior. Sited on a cul-de- sac with north/south solar orientation, it overlooks expansive natural open space area offering a slice of paradise with breathtaking views. On approach the lengthy driveway reaches the motor court, 3-car finished garage and gated front courtyard with authentic banco seating, mature vegetation and double arched double door entry. Step into the expansive great room adorned with high white walls, the circular sun ray viga ceiling design and an abundance of picture windows framing the natural Sonoran Desert. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace anchors the space, creating a cozy ambiance complemented by the circular dining room with its chandelier, cove lights and unique niches a perfect setting for intimate dining experiences. Flowing into the streamlined kitchen any chef would be delighted with the spacious island with sink and bar seating, Alder wood cabinets with Quartz counters, high-end appliances, viga ceiling detail, casual dining space and outdoor access. The new spacious walk-in pantry is to die for, the comprehensive laundry and powder with wood plank wall detail provide living necessities first-rate. The refined adjacent den with modern kiva fireplace, banco seating, viga and latilla ceiling detail and large picture window invite casual comfort and leisure. The west side of the home unveils the luxurious Primary suite, boasting viga ceiling details, a modern style kiva fireplace, wide plank wood flooring and newly remodeled bath with a free-standing tub, walk-in steam shower and large designer closet. An adjacent open space with picture windows offers versatility for an office, fitness area or studio.The second Primary bedroom, a unique haven, showcases viga wall decor, wood plank floors, built-in wood desk space and a luxury bath with a double vanity, walk-in shower and soaking tub.The new spacious designer closet provides ample luxury and storage.The third ensuite bedroom on the east side, ensures comfort and privacy, with decorative details and an ensuite bath with granite counter and a whimsical walk-in snail shower. Indulge in the spectacular vistas around the outdoor oasis with a pool, spa, water feature and a spacious covered patio. The negative edge pool and raised spa, accompanied by a boulder water feature, offer hours of enjoyment. Multiple areas for conversation, sunning and dining create the perfect backdrop for intimate gatherings or large get togethers. Wind down the day sitting by the fire pit, appreciating the sunset and night lights magically become the twinkling stars of the dark sky. Located in the prestigious Desert Mountain community, enjoy proximity to the Sonoran Club for pickleball, tennis, fitness classes and more. Explore the seven golf courses and scenic trails bordering the Tonto National Forest. This residence is not just a home; its a lifestyle a harmonious blend of elegance, comfort and the allure of the desert landscape. Welcome to your desert sanctuary.

21330 N 78th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,995,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,089 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763817
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning, fully remodeled home in the prestigious guard gated section of Raptor Retreat in Grayhawk, North Scottsdale. Designed with modern elegance and thoughtful functionality, this residence showcases exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious details throughout.The spacious split floorplan is highlighted by rich European oak wood flooring and abundant natural light streaming through large windows, offering serene views of the open desert landscape. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is a true showpiece, featuring custom flat-panel cabinetry and exquisite Taj Mahal and Panda marble countertops—perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests in style.Every living area is a private retreat, surrounded by lush greenery and backing to a tranquil desert wash. Outside, more The Updated modern pool Outside, the sparkling pool takes center stage, complemented by a harmonious blend of turf and stone walkways, patios, and lounging spaces. Spend your evenings enjoying the firepit or hosting gatherings at the built-in BBQ, creating unforgettable memories in this idyllic setting. Located in a sought-after golf community, this home is just a short walk to top-rated schools, Grayhawk Golf Club, Isabella's and Phil's Grill, parks, and nearby shopping and dining. It's also conveniently close to HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and more. This exceptional property offers the perfect balance of luxury, comfort, and conveniencean ideal retreat in the heart of North Scottsdale.

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