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

1144 E Sesame Street Tempe, AZ 85283

$589,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,028 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6716194

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated home featuring 3 Bedrooms + Home Office - where elegance meets functionality. The rich Brazilian Walnut floors create a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. Key Features: Open Floor Plan: The layout has been thoughtfully designed to provide a spacious great room, perfect for an active family and ideal for hosting gatherings. Flexible Space: The home office space can easily be returned to the original 4th bedroom, accommodating your changing needs. Modern Kitchen: The kitchen has been tastefully updated, offering both style and practicality. Bonus Amenities: Enjoy the convenience of an air-conditioned workshop in the backyard, along with a separate storage house. No HOA Hassles: Say goodbye to homeowner association headaches.

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1402 E Briarwood Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85048

$589,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,061 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6726149

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the Augusta gated community, this recently renovated, charming home features newer kitchen with quartz counters and shaker cabinets, master bathroom, tile flooring in the common areas, new interior paint as well as vaulted ceilings creating an open and airy feeling. And not only does it look inviting but renovations also include recent roof underlayment and one AC unit replacement. For those with an electric car, the newly epoxied, three car garage is wired for a car charger. With neighbors on only one side, the private backyard and pool provide an ideal spot for relaxing and entertaining. All this and easy access to the Foothills Golf course and South Mountain hiking trails make this a must see for those looking for a cozy, convenient, and move-in ready home.

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36095 N Desert Tea Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$589,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6585436

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this tastefully decorated and designed property located in the highly desired gated community of Encanterra! Downstairs, this home offers the primary room, a guest bedroom, bathroom and laundry. Upstairs, you're greeted with a cosy loft, two bedrooms and third bath. The kitchen is complete with quartz countertops, modern cabinetry, glass tile backsplash and GE Monogram stainless steel appliances with built in refrigerator, dual ovens and warming drawer. You want it furnished, 'lock & leave' status... Sure! Relax and enjoy yourself under the covered back patio with a built-in BBQ looking out to a large grassy area. Welcome home!

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513 E Angela Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$589,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,308 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6747667

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership is shown in this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath home with custom-like charm! Great curb appeal highlighted by a 2-car garage & a mature landscape w/lush lawns. Fabulous interior showcases tons of natural light, a neutral palette, recessed lighting, & shiny tile floors w/wood-look in bedrooms. You'll love the spacious living room & the open-concept family room! The gourmet kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters & backsplash, oversized island, and a plethora of cabinetry. Cozy dining area w/bay window Double-door main bedroom has a walk-in closet and French doors that open to the ensuite w/dual sinks, jetted tub, & a tiled shower. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard offering a grassy area, covered patio w/extended pergola, & a fenced pool for year-round enjoyment! Just WOW!

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1620 N San Marcos Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$589,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766124

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

WOW! Look at this home, 1820 sq ft and 1758 sq ft garage/workshop. This property is over an acre and has a beautiful view of the Superstition Mountains . Home is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath with a½ bath in the shop. All appliances convey with the purchase, including washer/dryer. The granite countertops are beautiful and the wood look flooring was added in 2023 . The low-e windows were installed in 2023 as well. Home boasts a spacious kitchen, large pantry, pull-out shelves and an island. The master bedroom has an on suite with an oversized shower . The garage is a car buff's and/or handy-person's dream . Large door is 8' and has ample storage above . In the large part of the garage you will find a vehicle lift that can hold up to 9000lbs . Two 50 amp, one 30 amp plugs and a compressor for your toys or whatever you may have. You will see a low maintenance property the desert landscape and gardening shed. Heating and cooling were updated in 2018 in both the home and garage. Solar panels are 1/2 paid for, loan is assumable for the remainder. Keys are ready for a new adventure for you!

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915 E Cobble Stone Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$589,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6716595

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Start enjoying Encanterra today! This spacious resort home is situated on a premium homesite overlooking a walking trail and stunning mountain views. This home offers a bright and open floorplan with 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, den and spacious loft. Step inside and you'll find upgraded tile plank flooring. The kitchen has beautiful maple cabinets and gorgeous quartz countertops and custom backsplash. All the bathrooms are upgraded with tile surrounds and upgraded fixtures. The garage is spotless with an epoxy finish, R/O and soft water system. The home is situated on a premium homesite and steps away from La Casa as well as the new Algarve, adult pool and restaurant. The Resort collection at Encanterra is perfect for the seasonal resident or year-round homeowner!

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2930 E Leland Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$589,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This newly painted home w/garages & parking galore!! NO HOA!! 3 car garage, a 12 ft RV gate, & a 60 ft long by 15 ft wide concrete pad behind the gate. A 46 ft long by 5 ft wide concrete walk leads from the garage walk door to back yard. Front door is under a covered pergola seating space & opens to a large front living room & then into the spacious kitchen, great room & breakfast nook. 42'' wood cabinets glow, accented by the beautiful granite and tile work. Master and 3 bedrooms complete the package. Lg master w/walk door to back patio, walk-in closet & beautiful bath w/custom tiled shower. Newer appliances. Interior just painted/freshened up, as well as exterior and trim painted. Large back yard is an open canvas & sale includes the 10 ft x 8 ft shed. Convenient NE Mesa location

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540 Atchison Lane Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$589,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,780 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756245

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE ADJUSTMENT! What a gorgeous, beautifully remodeled home in desirable Mariposa Heights. Shasta lap pool, fantastic! The kitchen has a soft muted granite, soft close cabinets throughout, LG smokey gray appliances, The flooring is a dream in this home w/ wood look tile planks in all the right places & soft neutral carpet in bedrooms. Primary BD is spacious with slider to the covered patio, large walk-in closet, & fully upgraded bathroom. Guest BA custom vanity & re-glazed large garden tub/shower. Bright Great RM w/ fireplace, perfect for entertaining! Inside laundry rm with storage. Garage is extra deep for large vehicles too! Metal RV/5th wheel cover added. Shasta custom pool was completed in 2021 and you will love it! Fully fenced backyard & Solar too Current seller has added the metal covered RV/5th wheel cover. Garage has one extra deep bay to accommodate a long bed truck. Plenty of room for 2 cars + work area. Backyard also features faux boulders for landscape appeal outside the back west facing fence. Solar lease terms and condition along with SPDS are in the document section of the listing.

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1178 E Sabino Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

Open House

$589,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,239 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687681

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Just steps from the beautiful community pool and Tumbleweed Park and Rec Center. Bright, airy and open is the best description for this home. An island , breakfast bar and large pantry highlight the entertainer's kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances. A sizable walk in closet, large private bath and dual sinks show off the primary bedroom. Located very close to shopping, schools and the freeway access. Lease expired and tenants left.

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3677 E Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$588,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,450 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757367

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in the highly desirable Gilbert neighborhood of Higley Groves! Nestled on a lush tree-lined street across from the local school, this home offers both charm and convenience. Inside, you'll find a beautifully upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a stylish farm sink, abalone backsplash, and refinished cabinets with new hardware. The master suite features double sinks and a walk-in shower, while upgraded tile flooring throughout, 5-inch baseboards, and fresh paint enhance the modern feel throughout the home. New ceiling fans with remotes are hung in every room. Garage floors have beautiful epoxy finish. Wood shelving in garage will convey, however, wood workstation will not convey. Step outside to your backyard oasis with new pavers, a sparkling pool, and a heated Jacuzzi perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Both the pool pump and spa heater were replaced within the last year for worry-free enjoyment. The front courtyard, also with new pavers, offers an inviting space to unwind. Additional newly poured concrete slab in the driveway offers extended parking to the future homeowner. Blackout sunscreens on the windows provide relief from the beautiful Arizona sun when enjoying the calm interior of your new home. This low-maintenance home is ready for you to move in and enjoy! TVs and TV mounts do not convey.

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16532 W Rowel Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$588,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,201 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this beautifully crafted retreat! The modern farmhouse theme brings warmth and style, creating an inviting space with its wood tile floors, wainscoting walls, and barnwood accents. The spacious layout—with five large bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath—offers ample room for family and guests alike. The kitchen, with its granite countertops, white cabinetry, and double ovens, looks out over the oversized great room, making it ideal for socializing while preparing meals. The cozy gas fireplace in the great room adds charm, and the adjacent large den or office with barn doors is perfect for work or relaxation. Upstairs, the loft area and designer closets in each bedroom maximize comfort and organization. The master suite's luxurious bath, featuring a walk-in shower, large tub, and dual vanities, is designed as a serene getaway. The backyard desert oasis is a real showstopper, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, built-in grill and smoker, and ample seating around a firepit. The covered patio, synthetic grass, water feature, and enhanced lighting make this space a perfect retreat for entertaining or unwinding year-round. This home seems thoughtfully designed to blend style, functionality, and relaxation in one gorgeous setting!

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9236 E Sector Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$588,814

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,410 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778595

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE IN READY HOME! This WILSON plan features a Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen with a 36'' gas cooktop and a wall mounted gas range. This home features white cabinets with polished nickel pulls throughout, zinc quartz countertop and Santorini 4x12 backsplash with Oregon Rovere 8x36 wood-tile flooring throughout downstairs. One of the most popular floorplans for a reason, the Wilson is the perfect home for hosting visiting guests in the downstairs bedroom with full bath, have a designated office downstairs and a second living room in the upstairs loft where the rest of the family can hang out!

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