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

An 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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

514 E Orion Street Tempe, AZ 85283

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,032 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767891

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand New Full remodel! 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Tempe area with a private pool! This property features a brand new kitchen with a huge kitchen island that will keep everyone in together, perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests. All of the ceilings have been raised with new flush mount LED ceiling lights, Brand new doors and hardware, Brand New Windows, Brand New bathrooms with New vanities! The additional extension of the back of the house with a corner made of glass keeps you cool while enjoying full view of those in the pool! The outdoor space boasts beautifully updated low water landscaping, providing a serene setting for relaxation by the pool. Keep your cars out of the heat with the two car garage. It also has a very large laundry/craft room. Don't miss out

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6846 E Grandview Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,229 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6770436

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the charm of this fantastic 3-bed, 2-bath home minutes away from Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter! Starting with a 2-car garage and a manicured landscape w/natural grass & shade trees. Interior features plantation shutters, neutral paint, vaulted ceilings, and tile flooring w/plush carpet in bedrooms. You'll love the large living & dining room combo, paired with French doors! The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, butcher block counters, subway tile backsplash, two-tone cabinetry, track lighting, a walk-in pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook w/bay window. Enter the main bedroom to find backyard access & a full bathroom for added comfort. Check out the tranquil backyard, offering an extended covered patio & a built-in BBQ! Don't miss this opportunity to own in 85254 with no HOA!

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6027 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

Open House

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

he perfect lock up and go home tucked into the perfect location. If you like to travel or just don't want the hassle of yard maintenance, this home has it all; a two car secure garage, a generous rear patio, remodeled to perfection kitchen - and a primary suite that is truly dreamy with a walk in closet and secondary closet, and private remodeled bath. With two more bedrooms and a remodeled hall bath, new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, ample storage, gorgeous brick wood burning fireplace, and no HOA all within 20 minutes of Phoenix Sky Harbor and 5 minutes to the 51, making any commute a breeze. With lots of shops and restaurants nearby, it's easy living.

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1448 W Shellfish Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,171 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780572

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in a community that blends beauty, convenience, and comfort. This beautifully maintained home, featuring a brand-new roof, seamlessly combines modern upgrades with low-maintenance living. Step outside to your serene backyard, thoughtfully designed with artificial turf and a private gate that opens directly to a lush greenbelt—just steps from the sparkling community pool. Enjoy the luxury of poolside living without the upkeep! Inside, the primary suite is nothing short of a sanctuary. Vaulted ceilings w/ open feel while the en suite bath offers a spa-like experience with double vanities, a separate soaking tub, & a walk-in shower. Unwind on your private balcony, where peaceful greenbelt views ensure ultimate privacy & relaxation. Catch and release fishing permit $10/per year for residents Watercraft $25/per lifetime of watercraft The Islands Community offers a wealth of amenities, including: 74 acres of lakes (North Lake: 25 acres, Mid Lake: 18.73 acres, South Lake: 30.55 acres) 30 acres of lush grass Basketball court Sand volleyball court Bocce ball court Playground Facility rental options Community dock Special events Full-size exercise track (4 laps = 1 mile) Shaded ramadas with picnic tables and charcoal grills

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26020 N 138th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$584,999

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,282 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728614

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 3-bed / 3-bath home with a large den nestled in a quiet community with mountain views! Better than new, this residence sits on an expansive lot and boasts a generous 2,282 sq/ft of living space. The open and split floor plan features a den, great room, and 9+ ceilings. The spacious kitchen is a chef's dream with a large island overlooking the family room and a walk-in pantry. Multi-sliding glass doors lead to a beautifully landscaped backyard, perfect for entertaining. Additional highlights include a 3-car garage with an RV gate, dual pane windows, and neutral two-tone paint throughout. This home offers luxury, space, and beautiful views - your perfect retreat!

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602 E Amarillo Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$584,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,452 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765626

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is located in a serene and peaceful community, perfect for anyone seeking a quiet retreat. The house boasts a brand-new roof, ensuring years of worry-free living. The spacious interior includes a potential rental unit downstairs, ideal for additional income or guest accommodations. The fenced-in yard offers privacy and ample space for outdoor activities, gardening, or pets. With its thoughtful layout and tranquil surroundings, this home provides both comfort and opportunity in a highly desirable neighborhood.

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4628 E Monte Vista Road Phoenix, AZ 85008

$584,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,569 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775224

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow! COMPLETELY REMODELED 1 year ago. NEW EVERYTHING! Bright, Open Floorplan ARCADIA! New Kitchen w/ quartz counters! backsplash! New cabinets! w/ handles! New S/S appliances! Big island w/ bfast bar! Pendant lighting! Recessed lighting everywhere! New Vinyl/Dual Pane windows everywhere! New doors! New handles/hinges! New fans! New bathrooms! Quartz! Vanities! Shower/tub surrounds! New roof! New plank flooring everywhere! New baseboards everywhere! new Interior/Exterior Paint. HUGE BACKYARD! New landscaping in front and back yard! Big cov'd patio w/ firepit! Big Laundry w/ Workshop/Storage area! Do NOT Disturb OCCUPANTS! (appt only) Seconds away from Pierce Park w/ Lighted courts & fields for basketball, PICKLEBALL! / tennis, softball, volleyball, plus a playground, restrooms and POOL!

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2234 N Winthrop Circle Mesa, AZ 85213

$584,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,096 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781239

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come check out this amazing home in a large lot no HOA neighborhood of north Mesa. Just 3 minuets from the 202. This is your blank slate to have an amazing corner lot remodeled home in an extremely quiet neighborhood. Home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Large primary bedroom with sliding doors to your exterior covered patio. Exterior has a large covered patio with even more wood slatted covering for great indoor outdoor living. Spacious 3 car garage. Some large upgrades were done including the windows, sliding doors and water softener. There are vaulted ceilings in most rooms of the home. Come see it before its gone!

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17632 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$584,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766476

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. In addition to a lavish owner's suite— with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for MULTI-generational living. For a more complete secondary residence, in addition to a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator and cabinets. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with an adjacent covered patio—featuring optional center-meet or multi-slide doors—and an inviting kitchen with a generous island, built-in pantry, dining nook and optional gourmet features. This new addition to the sought-after Desert Oasis masterplan in Surprise offers five impressive ranch plans, including some with UltraGarage® attached RV/boat garages! The beautiful masterplan also boasts an onsite K-8 school, community pool, parks, basketball, trails and open space, as well as easy access to nearby shopping, dining and recreation.

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23964 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$584,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720282

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ease and elegant design blend beautifully in the ranch-style Pomona plan. An inviting great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a dining nook and a kitchen showcasing a pantry and a center island. Aspiring top chef? This home has gourmet kitchen features! The impressive owner's suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bath with a deluxe, large walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms, a central study and a laundry round out the floor plan, which includes a covered patio, a 2-car garage and a 1-car side-turn garage. This home features 10 ft ceilings, paver driveway, Wood look tile flooring, Quartz countertops, Super shower with an additional rainfall shower head & many more upgrades.

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698 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$584,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788103

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-In Ready! Located just south of AZ-24, this home is perfect for commuters and adventurers alike. The popular Warren plan offers 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a media room! Enjoy the open gourmet kitchen, dining area, and great room with mulit-slide door, that flow seamlessly to the patio—perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen stuns with dark blue cabinets, brushed nickel hardware, floating shelves, white quartz countertops, and a spacious island. The media room is perfect for movie nights or relaxing. The split floor plan ensures privacy in the Primary Suite with its large walk-in closet and spa-like bath. Stylish wood-look tile, cozy bedroom carpet, and designer touches throughout complete this exceptional home. Ready now!

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4353 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$584,990

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,670 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736276

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is our Gorgeous Bernstein plan! Designed with our Loft 'Looks' selections providing a curated interior offering stunning finishes. Your spacious kitchen features an oversized island, quartz counters, 42 '' upper cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. The open great room with coffered ceilings is perfect for entertaining. A bonus room is ideal for relaxing, working from home or as an additional bedroom. The primary suite includes resort like bath with no-step shower and walk-in closet. Plan you visit today! ^^Short/long term interest rate buydowns available when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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