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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3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,466 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748270

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated home + casita w/ full bath surrounded by a private backyard oasis featuring multiple entertaining areas, covered patio & gorgeous water feature. Charming courtyard entrance with pavers. Elegant Great Rm with vaulted ceilings & French doors to patio, game table or dining area & entertainment area with media cabinet. Rich wood cabinets, granite counters, stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances incl gas stove (new in 2012), portable prep-bar, walk in pantry & breakfast bar. The primary suite offers a cozy sitting area, patio access, bathroom with dual sinks, shower & walk-in closet. Addtl guest bdrm, full bath, home office/den. Travertine tile throughout home. Re-imagined laundry/craft room with extra storage. GORGEOUS HOME!

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11938 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$576,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759753

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this dynamic Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered front porch; a quiet study and convenient powder room off the entry; an expansive great room with center-meet patio doors; a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a large island, a walk-in pantry and an adjacent nook; a formal dining room; an eye-catching primary suite offering additional windows, a walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; two secondary bedrooms; a shared hall bath; a convenient laundry and a welcoming covered patio. This home also boasts dramatic 10' ceilings, a tray ceiling at the entry, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

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20923 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$576,490

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new phase!. Our popular Sage plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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823 W Overland Road Payson, AZ 85541

$576,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,806 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779437

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Locating! House is nestled on 0.33A, hidden by beautiful trees and foliage. 1806 sqft, 3BR, 2BA, split floor plan. Vaulted ceilings, living room has gas fireplace. New Vinyl Plank flooring throughout. Awesome kitchen and dining area with newer appliances, double oven -- fit for a cook at heart. Master suite has two walk-in closets. The back yard is a retreat --- so very private. This is a MUST SEE!

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19616 N 66th Lane Glendale, AZ 85308

New

$576,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788990

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence boasts a 2-car garage, an RV gate, an inviting porch, and an impeccably designed front landscape. You'll be delighted by the living/dining room with vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, blinds, and a harmonious blend of wood and tile flooring. The family room is perfect for intimate evenings with loved ones. The eat-in kitchen comes with warm wood cabinetry with crown moulding, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a bonus room that provides a versatile space for an office or den. Double doors lead to the main bedroom, offering direct backyard access, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy relaxing outdoor moments in the backyard, which includes a covered patio for al fresco dining, natural turf, a storage shed, and a pool for refreshing dips. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

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3355 Rising Sun Ridge Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Open House

$575,950

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,543 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing off-the-grid, very well-maintain cozy house, sitting on a premium lot. Features: high tech appliances, walk-in pantry, spacious master bedroom, built-in vacuum system, solar panels with bird proofing, inverter and storage batteries. House has an extended length garage with beautiful epoxy floor and installed shelves on the walls. House stays attached to the grid in order to sell excess electricity to APC. House is energy efficient in many ways. A Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump (20 SEER) with 4-ton Hyperion Air Handler was installed in 2022. In 2023 the complete exterior of the house painted, windows and seams caulked. Deal includes an EZ-GO RXV (golf cart) with replaced batteries.

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13602 S Garnet Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$575,555

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757813

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready custom home sitting on 1.2 acres with huge garage , remodeled primary bath with tiled shower & tub, new vanity, lighting, & fixtures. Nicely remodeled kitchen with QUARTZ counters, tall cabinets, pantry & trash compactor. Breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen + a formal dining room. Living room with cozy fireplace & large bay window seat flows nicely into billiard room, bar, & office. There is a large craft room with outside exit door & an enclosed AZ room off the primary + a nursery & walk-in closet. Vaulted ceilings, fans, plant shelves, french doors with inset blinds, dual pane windows. 3.5 car extra tall garage with plenty of storage, newer water softener. Grass yard, 2 RV gates, fully fenced. And a sun deck to enjoy 300* MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Live Rural with shopping only 4 miles awa

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8552 W Sierra Street Peoria, AZ 85345

$575,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,228 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6727723

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**BUYER FINANCING HELP AVAILABLE**Step into this freshly painted home featuring a spacious living and dining area that provides ample space for entertainment. The large kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island, extended cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and opens to a huge family room with a cozy fireplace. The expansive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath. Three additional bedrooms share a well-appointed bathroom. Outside, enjoy a perfect backyard oasis complete with a heated pool featuring a soothing waterfall. Situated on a huge lot ideal for entertaining or personal enjoyment, the property includes a gazebo and storage shed for added convenience. RV gate and ample parking space, plus a three-car garage and new AC unit

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10262 W Columbus Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$575,279

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,587 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6761862 November Completion! Welcome to the 45-3 at Parkside Almeria, a spacious single-story home spanning 2,567 square feet with 4 bedrooms. The heart of the home is the expansive great room, effortlessly blending with the dining area to create an open, inviting space perfect for gatherings. The primary suite offers a private retreat with plenty of space to unwind. The smart floorplan also includes a flexible room, ideal for a home office, creative space, or even an additional bedroom. The primary bathroom adds a touch of luxury with its super shower, transforming daily routines into spa-like experiences. This home combines thoughtful design with luxurious living for ultimate comfort and style. Structural options include: soft water loop, gas line outdoor kitchen, garage service door, and paver porch and walkway.

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16029 E Rancho Laredo Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,795 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to your brand new 4 bedroom 2 bath 2024 new build! This spit open floor plan features quartz countertops, wood cabinets, custom tile showers and synthetic stucco finish. With NO HOA and an acre of land, your backyard is a blank canvas for outdoor serenity. This home is signed up with Epcor for water to ease your mind. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

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31344 S Eastview Road Marana, AZ 85658

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787390

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home on 10 acres of land! This rare find is remote, yet very nicely finished. At 1,959 sqft, this 3 bed, 2 bath 2014 custom build has plenty of space. It is entirely off-grid, with a private well and solar power with battery bank. The mountain views are breathtaking, and can be seen from nearly every window and both balconies. The lot is also uniquely situated with enough room for another dwelling. Enjoy the views and abundant wildlife during the day, and the fireplace, outdoor firepit, and stars in the evenings. This home is in a private, gated, and fenced community with very few neighbors, lots of space, and no HOA. The home is down a long dirt road, and downtown Marana and the comforts of city living are about 35-45 minutes away, making this a true getaway.

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35938 N 138th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,138 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on a spacious 1.25-acre lot, this charming 2,138-square-foot home offers the perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by natural beauty, the property provides ample space for relaxation and recreation, while being just moments away from scenic hiking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes. The home's inviting floor plan features generous living spaces with large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding countryside and sky. Whether you're enjoying the crisp air from the patio, stargazing under the expansive night sky, or exploring the nearby trails, you'll feel a sense of peace and connection with nature at every turn.

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