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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4617 E Abraham Lane Phoenix, AZ 85050

New

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,540 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788727

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the highly coveted Desert Ridge community. Perfectly situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers a serene retreat while being just moments away from the convenience of the 51 and 101 freeways. Designed with a desirable split floor plan, it provides both privacy and functionality for modern living. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated with stylish finishes, and the paid-off solar panels offer significant energy savings. This is a rare opportunity to own a turnkey home in one of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods.

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11915 E Magma Road Florence, AZ 85132

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,705 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763508

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring horses, RV, toys, & build your dream 1500 sq. ft. workshop on the 30' x 50' poured concrete pad! Huge 1.248-acre lot, No HOA, custom fencing, 3 car 800 sq. ft. open fully insulated garage with its OWN AC, wash sink, & 220V outlets. Completed in 2022 with 2x6 construction & modern design. Super bright kitchen featuring quartz, vaulted ceiling, and plenty of storage in the island & 42'' uppers. Elegant touches are prominent throughout the home with a barn door in primary, custom closet, modern lighting, & beautiful plank tile flooring. The home has been professionally sealed for efficiency & to keep out those pesky desert bugs. Front & back irrigation includes smart timer, valve box, & easily located expansion ends. Home warranty transfers through 7/25! 100% USDA financing eligible!

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4602 E Monte Way Phoenix, AZ 85044

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682751

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Price Reduction!!! Excellent Golf Course Lot has the views but far enough away to be private & very few if any golf balls*Corner lot*Mountain Views*Home is a block away from South Mtn Park*Private In Ground Heated Spa*Multiple Patio Areas*Wood Shutters*Tile Floors Through-out*Vaulted Ceilings*Newer Heat Pump*Split Bdrm Plan*3rd Bdrm Can be Den or Bdrm*Nicely landscaped*Community pools & spas*

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20038 N 21st Street Phoenix, AZ 85024

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,784 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful 4 bedroom, single level home with a pool in a quiet hidden alcove neighborhood in north Phoenix. This home features: plank tile flooring, quartz countertops in the kitchen, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, full length rear covered patio, pebble tec swimming pool, ceiling fans throughout, newer windows, updated fixtures throughout, dual sinks in both bathrooms, a nice open & flowing floor plan, vaulted ceilings, & brand new hot water tank (2024). This neighborhood is extremely quiet, with gorgeous mountain views, easy access to the 101, & has a lot of great restaurants and shopping close by (Costco is up the street, multiple public parks, Desert Ridge shopping & restaurants). Also close by is the Arrowhead Mall area, Westgate shopping & Arizona Cardinals stadium. NO HOA!!

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11667 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$589,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,937 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741312

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore Alamar! A community where neighbors become friends & friends become family! Downstairs you will find 2 primary bdrms w/walk in closets & private baths. Main primary has generous custom closet space. Flex room w/built in desks for everything from homework to zoom meetings! Chef's kitchen features built in gas oven, 36'' cooktop & generous center island. The view through the 16' glass doors brings you a yard w/entertaining in mind. 2 gas stubs to add a BBQ & fire feature. Solar has offered savings on the electricity. Alamar features well thought out parks for grilling & playing-4 around this home alone. Enjoy the community pool & BBQ ramada at Haymoon Park. Head to Alamar park for pickleball, fishing, outdoor exercise area, splash pad & 2 dog parks. Come live in ALAMAR!

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12826 N 29th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,545 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a meticulously renovated sprawling ranch home where no detail has been overlooked. This home has undergone a comprehensive transformation! Upon entry, you're greeted by new waterproof flooring that extends throughout. Natural light floods the interior through newly installed energy efficient dual pane windows. New custom windows & coverings combined style w/ functionality. The fully remodeled kitchen, featuring new custom Thomasville shaker cabinets, Quartz countertops & designer backsplash. Equipped w/ top-of-the-line LG appliances including a fridge, stove, dishwasher, & in-drawer microwave. The primary bath has been completely reimagined to offer a luxurious retreat, while an additional bath off the hallway is also fully renovated. Private pool just in time for summer!

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13333 W Chapala Court Sun City West, AZ 85375

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,143 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6764055

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular Encanto Model with foyer and large great room. Beautiful granite and stainless steel kitchen. 3'' wood shutters throughout. Extended den with closet and door. Extended depth garage. Oversized fully landscaped and irrigated lot. Corte Bella offers a relaxed, luxury feel including newly renovated restaurant, complete athletic facility including day spa and huge community pool. Come live the Corte Bella lifestyle!

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4941 Saddle Blanket Circle Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,531 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Are you ready to escape the heat and bring your horses with? This is the home for you. Almost an acre and a half with great corrals, tack shed ,horse wash area, and so much more. This beautiful log sided cabin/home is decorated for the horse lover and comes completely furnished. It has been taken care of and is filled with love , perfect for a permanent home or weekend or summer home. Get your horses out of the heat, take them for some amazing forest rides with our great riding group up here. This is a must see ''mini ranch''. 3 bedroom/2bath cozy but with enough room for your guests. Come see it now. Sit in your front yard and watch the elk graze on the beautiful grass or sit in the back barbuque area and watch as your horses play.in the 60 x 120' ft corrals. Must see in person.

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6812 W Firebird Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$589,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,328 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the coveted Arrowhead Ranch - Sierra Verde community! This stunning property offers 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, all situated on a desirable corner lot that ensures added privacy. Step inside, you'll be greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings + a well-designed N/S exposure that bathes the home in natural light. Beautiful luxury vinyl flooring throughout (no carpet). The chef's kitchen boasts updated cabinets, ample counter space, + an ideal layout for entertaining guests. The primary bedroom offers high ceilings + a luxurious ensuite bath w/ 2 walk-in closets, separate soaking tub/shower, + dual sinks. The backyard is a private oasis with an extended covered patio, mature trees, and a grassy area. Enjoy lakes, trails, parks, dining, and shopping just steps away!

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2300 E Campbell Avenue Unit 314 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Open House

$589,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,345 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764225

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Luxurious living awaits in this Exclusive Biltmore condo with sweeping pool deck views.An expansive open floor plan boasts engineered wood in living areas and tile in bedrooms, blending elegance and practicality. Modern comforts include a Jack and Jill bathroom, a glass shower with seating, Nest thermostat, and electric roller shades. Culinary excellence meets design with Bosch appliances and a KitchenAid fridge. Savor sunset views from the patio, or unwind in serene, concrete-walled rooms. With 5 owned parking spaces (perfect for a truck parking or rental income), an electric charging station, and the largest private storage unit fully enclosed, this residence delivers unmatched convenience. Concierge service and upscale amenities complete this refined lifestyle at Biltmore Contour Condo

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2547 E Corrine Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,600

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Price reduced, buy while the market favors you! Floorplan has been opened up and feels like a modern great room layout inside mixed with the charm and uniqueness of a non HOA neighborhood close to the 51, mountain preserve and more. The remodel was done in 2020 with new flooring and layout changes. Kitchen boasts Stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, granite countertops 4 bedrooms give you options for either a guest room or office. Out back there is a covered patio, relaxing pool, real grass, and the RV gate access via the side of the lot. The 2 car garage and paver slab parking add to the appeal if you have lots of cars or other toys. 30 amp car charger/RV plug for charging EV's. Located close to the 51, PMP and minutes from shopping and nightlife.

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15935 W Montana De Oro Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,595

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,165 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764951

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY!! Brand New Home! This 4br, 3ba., 3 car garage home has all the designer touches. Truly move in ready. Features include, 2'' blinds on all the windows, SS appliances,, upgraded kitchen cabinets, deco tile back splash, Plank floor tile, fans in all the rooms, 16' atrium doors, front yard landscaping plus so many more exciting included features - 10' ceilings, 8' doors, granite tops in the kitchen, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, and so much more.

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