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

27386 W Osprey Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$580,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,557 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6739338

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Why wait to build when you can make this stunning nearly new JOURNEY model yours today! This elegantly appointed 2,557 sqft, 2 beds, 2.5 bath, Den with French doors, Flex space, Great room, charming Courtyard & Golf cart garage home will not disappoint. The Kitchen is an entertainers delight with Granite countertops, sleek back splash, Gas cooktop with DOUBLE ovens, Soft close drawers, Pull out Shelves, Reverse Osmosis, magnificent Executive Island perfect for storing all of the small kitchen appliances and gathering loved ones or friends. Wooden shutters throughout & Media wall in the Great room. Owner's suite bathroom with its modern Tile Walk-in shower, Double sinks & Granite counters. Private walled lot, Extended Travertine Patio, Built-in gas BBQ & low maintenance Turf. See it today!

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17106 E La Pasada Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$580,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,522 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6748601

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This exquisite 4-bdrm residence w/den is situated on a spacious lot in the highly sought-after Fountain Hills community. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully remodeled to offer the perfect blend of modern luxury & timeless charm. Enjoy 4 generously sized bedrooms plus a versatile den, ideal for a hm office/additional living space. Experience contemporary living with high-end finishes, sleek fixtures, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The large lot provides ample space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing; endless possibilities! Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood w/ access to all the amenities that Fountain Hills has to offer, including seasonal art/wine festivals, Fountain park, dining and the iconic Fountain.

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18610 W Alice Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

Open House

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,131 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Owner/Agent. This stunning 3 bed, 2 bath, +den, single story home offers high-end features and a spacious lot with your own desert oasis to enjoy gorgeous MOUNTAIN VIEWS. Located 3 miles from the incredible White Tank Mountain Regional park with extensive Sonoran Desert TRAILS, nature center, and library with picturesque views, you can truly experience the beauty of the southwest only minutes away while still having easy access to Loop 303 freeway, as well as premier entertainment and dining. Featuring a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home, the open living space includes a great room, kitchen, and dining room overlooking the extended, covered back patio. Low maintenance landscaping, complete with a custom pergola and crystal blue POOL with water features provide the perfect outdoor retreat. The custom RV GATE makes projects from front to back a breeze. Your modern, light and bright kitchen features quartz countertops, pendant lighting, and a large island with farmhouse sink & breakfast bar. You're sure to appreciate the gas cooktop and upgraded cabinets with under and over cabinet lighting and a walk in pantry. Relax in the primary suite with oversized, custom tiled shower, dual vanity/sinks, and a large walk-in closet. Expansive wood look tile flooring compliments most of the home and in the bedrooms, find newly installed luxury carpet with transferable lifetime warranty. Windows throughout have beautiful custom shutters, and the multi-panel 9-foot sliding door has custom shades for full sunlight or privacy when you need it. You'll love the home's ENERGY SAVING features and a healthier and quieter lifestyle. The 3-CAR GARAGE is insulated and complete with a mini split heating/cooling unit, professionally installed for year-round comfort. White Tank Foothills is a short 10 mile drive from the Westgate Entertainment District and 5 miles south of Prasada Shopping and Dining, close to numerous employers, and top-rated schools, including AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY less than 2 miles from home. Come see why this is the home you've been looking for!

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5132 W Lydia Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

Open House

$580,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FORMER Kinkade model over 140k in upgrades! This two-story home features 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths, plenty of room for your needs. The home sits on large, fully landscaped home site, close to playground and walking paths. The spacious open floor plan including large gourmet eat in kitchen, Formal Dining room, Surround sound throughout, Bedroom on 1st floor w/full bath, upstairs loft. The feature list includes hardwood floors downstairs, all new LVP flooring upstairs, slab granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, 12-foot multi slide glass door in Great Room, designer wall treatments, custom subway tile kitchen backsplash, wifi-enabled front and back security cameras. Backyard gate leads to walking and biking trail, no homes behind you. Located within 2 miles of 202 freeway.

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10323 E Durant Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

Open House

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,764 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769379

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new oasis in the vibrant Eastmark community! This beautifully maintained single-story home features 3 bed, 2 bath, all situated on a spacious corner lot with a fantastic pool-perfect for relaxation & entertaining. Enjoy bright, open living spaces with tile flooring throughout, complemented by a large glass slider that floods the area with natural light. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, ideal for family gatherings. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet & an ensuite bath, providing a serene retreat. Step outside to your expansive backyard, perfect for sunny days and backyard barbecues. Extensive community ammenities include: pool, walking paths, the Mark(community ctr), numerous play areas and more. Close to the 202 and shopping/dining.

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10080 E Mountain View Lake Drive Unit 327 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$579,999

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749762

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Welcome to this Scottsdale Bay Club penthouse condo, recently renovated in 2024 with elegant quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets, sleek tile showers, and luxury vinyl flooring. This end unit offers privacy with no neighbors above and serene pool views from a private balcony. Enjoy direct access to the community pool, clubhouse, and gym. The gated community features a spa, fitness center, recreation room, Koi pond, and boat docks. Located next to Scottsdale Ranch Park, amenities include lighted tennis, racquetball, and sand volleyball courts, plus more. Close to Mercado Shopping Center and the 101 freeway.

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9016 W Tony Court Peoria, AZ 85382

$579,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779455

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE REDUCTION 40,000... NO HOA NONE.!!!!! .BRING YOUR BOATS AND TRAILERS YOU CAN PARK THEM HERE AT YOUR NEW HOUSE. RV GATE WIDE ENOUGH FOR A PONTOON.THERES A PLAY POOL , HALF BASKETBALL COURT AND A HALF LEMON/ORANGE TREE OUT BACK .INSIDE THE PLACE IS SPOTLESS NEW PAINT,THAT TIES THE GENTLY USED CARPET AND TAUPE AND BROWN TILE TOGETHER DOWNSTAIRS .THERES NEW HARDWARE THROUGH OUT. LIVE IN IT WHILE YOU MAKE THOSE LITTLE TWEEKS .THERES A LIVING ROOM ,DINING COMBO AND GREAT BIG FAMILY ROOM WITH A FIREPLACE .SNUGGLE UP WAITING FOR SANTA .QUARTER BATH DOWNSTAIRS AS WELL. ALL 4 HUGE BEDROOMS AND DEN CAN BE FOUND UPSTAIRS THERE ARE LARGE WALK IN CLOSETS IN THE BEDROOMS.LARGE LINEN,SEPERATE MASTER TUB AND SHOWER. 2YR OLD AC UNITS (2). LOTS OF GARAGE STORAGE..CLEAN CARPETS DOWN.ALLOWANCE UPSTAI

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3028 E Friess Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$579,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

-HOA- GREAT LOCATION. This home is located in a highly desirable neighborhood that offers numerous amenities for its residents. 3 bedrooms 2 &1/2 baths and a loft that opens to a balcony with views of a spacious yard and pebble tec pool. The North/South exposure provides ample natural light, and the home boasts a large family room with a fireplace, separate living and dining areas, and a kitchen with big windows and NEW appliances! The balcony has recently been updated with a new coating. The backyard is perfect for play, with a grass area, covered patio, and a beautiful pebble tec pool. Conveniently located near the 51 and 101 freeways, this home has NO HOA and is a short walk from the highly acclaimed Great Hearts Public Charter School K-12.

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4387 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$579,990

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,670 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786187

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Victory at Verrado! The spacious Bernstein floorplan greets you with a grand 12-foot entry and 10-foot ceilings throughout. The kitchen shines with white stacked glass cabinets, Quartz counters, a subway tile backsplash, a large island, and GE Profile stainless steel appliances, including a wall oven. Entertain in the coffered-ceiling great room, dining area, or on the covered patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The private home office offers a quiet retreat, while the luxurious primary suite boasts a spa-like bath, a large shower with a bench, and a walk-in closet. Additional highlights include pendant lighting, ceiling fans, window blinds, and owned solar. Perfect for your vibrant lifestyle! Up to $20K can be applied towards closing cost OR short / long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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22685 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740903

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**This is a TO-BE-BUILT LISTING, this home is ready for personalization and can be built on your choice of homesite. This is an advertisement of our base price for this elevation and lot premiums may apply** Welcome to Ashton Woods newest community in Queen Creek - Madera Marquis - which features outstanding community amenities and convenient access to the 24 freeway and shopping. The open concept Topaz plan is highly sought after and is the decorated model floorplan with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Options for structural upgrades include adding a butler's pantry, teen room, 12'' sliding glass door and so much more. This home includes an open concept kitchen with granite countertops, 42'' upper cabinets, and stainless steel appliances . Amazing spa like primary suite with dual vanities, ample linen storage and separate tub and shower. This floorplan is accompanied by an oversized den and sizable secondary bedrooms. This home comes standard with 10' ceilings, front yard landscaping, paver driveway, and much more! ~There is a minimum option spend requirement on new build homes, please reach out to the sales office for additional details.~

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29317 N 31st Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$579,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746684

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-story home features ample space for growing families. Four bedrooms are lined up in a neat row, including the owner's suite, while an additional bedroom near the entry offers an ideal space for overnight guests. An open floorplan hosts the kitchen, dining room and Great Room with a spacious covered patio attached. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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32405 N 122nd Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$579,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6748747~January Completion! The Erikson floor plan at Mystic Discovery exemplifies open concept living and is perfect for entertaining on both floors! The first floor is the heart of the home, with an open main living area that holds a spacious gathering room with a casual dining area and an open kitchen. The designer kitchen features a large island and step-in pantry. A downstairs guest bedroom is located at the front of the home which is perfect for overnight guests. Upstairs, the owner's suite features a garden tub and shower and a spacious walk-in closet. A loft and two additional bedrooms and the laundry room round out this lovely home. Structural options include: paver front porch, 2' garage extension, super shower at owner's bath, and soft water loop.

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