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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

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

1842 N Red Cliff Mesa, AZ 85207

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,379 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783900

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this exceptional 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the exclusive, gated community of Mountain Bridge. Upgraded and fully furnished, this home is the epitome of move-in ready, offering style, elegance and convenience for modern living. As you step inside, you're greeted by an expansive great room featuring soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light pouring in through a glass sliding door. This inviting space seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. From the backyard, you can enjoy sweeping views of the desert wash, offering a private & serene landscape on a premium lot! Ultimate resort-style living at this community offers swimming pools, pickle ball/tennis courts, gym, rec center and so much more

View Property

1724 W Hemingway Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785447

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the desirable Anthem Parkside neighborhood, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Located directly across from a beautiful park, it provides serene views and easy access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. This home has been recently updated with a brand-new AC unit, water heater, and fresh paint throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and a fresh, modern feel. The master bathroom has also been completely renovated, providing a luxurious retreat within the home. With plenty of space for family and guests alike, this home is move-in ready and primed for memorable gatherings and everyday relaxation.

View Property

15625 N Jerry Street Surprise, AZ 85378

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787673

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom single level newer built surprise home. This home has upgrades throughout including marble floor throughout with no carpeting, upgraded baseboards, 9' ceilings and archways throughout, upgraded doors, fixtures window blinds and ceiling fans. This open floor plan home has a large living room and formal dining area with access easy access to the backyard patio. Stunning kitchen features granite countertops, tile backsplash, breakfast bar, upgraded soft-close cabinets, large island, separate walk-in pantry, gas range, dishwasher and refrigerator.

View Property

15013 N Calle Del Prado Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

New

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788902

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

View Property

18531 W Thistle Landing Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tucked within the breathtaking Estrella Mountain Ranch, this Next Gen home seamlessly blends privacy, elegance, and modern living. Situated on a private lot with serene views of a peaceful common area, this home offers a rare opportunity for multigenerational living with two homes under one roof. Thoughtfully designed, this Lennar® Next Gen model includes a separate suite complete with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom—ideal for extended family, guests, or even a private office. The possibilities are limitless! Located in the expansive 20,000-acre master-planned community of Estrella in Goodyear, residents are welcomed into a lifestyle defined by natural beauty and world-class amenities. Estrella features over 500 acres of parks and open space including 72 acres of lakes for boating and fishing. Residents enjoy exclusive access to the Starpointe Residents Club, two fitness centers, a refreshing water park, and miles of scenic hiking trails and bike paths. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. For golf lovers, the nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at The Golf Club of Estrella is a dream come true. And for those seeking relaxation, Estrella's resort-inspired atmosphere, surrounded by the Sierra Estrella Mountains and the Sonoran Desert Valley, offers a peaceful retreat just 17 miles from downtown Phoenix. This home offers more than just a place to liveit opens the door to the unrivaled lifestyle Estrella Mountain Ranch is known for. This community truly has something for everyone.

View Property

28715 N 64th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6784043

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this open airy 3BR, 2BA floorpan with many modern amenities such as upgraded blackout shades throughout entire home. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring elegant white cabinets, a wall oven, microwave, gas stovetop, farmhouse sink, rounded quartz island & quartz countertops with a walk-in pantry. Included are a refrigerator and washer/dryer. Luxuriate in the spa like owners bathroom suite with an oversized tiled walk in shower w/bench, double sinks, and a large closet. Bedrooms are carpeted & tile flooring flows through main areas. A large coat closet & gas tankless water heater complete this inviting home! Enjoy outdoor living with a sliding door leading to a low-maintenance backyard with turf and brick accents, surrounded by mountain views and overlooking a scenic canal

View Property

531 W Silver Creek Road Gilbert, AZ 85233

$570,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,020 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6783620

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ATTENTION: *Potentially* assumable 2.25% VA loan, restrictions apply, must qualify. Nestled in the desirable Madera Park neighborhood, this beautifully remodeled 2 story home offers style and space. This residence offers a thoughtful floorplan including a charming coffee bar and private space under the stairs for littles or pets. Samsung washer/dryer set conveys and features a deep folding shelf of stylish granite. Kitchen equipped with LG fridge, Samsung electric cooktop/oven and built-in micro. Backyard will welcome you all year round with a majestic ficus tree, sandbox play area, a sun-sail over the pebble-tec pool, and there are even producing grape vines! MUST SEE this one ASAP!

View Property

16180 W Glenrosa Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$570,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,066 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651477

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Embrace the beauty of this wonderful 5-bedroom haven in Palm Valley! This home has a split floorplan, spacious primary bedroom with a remodeled walk-in shower, his and hers vanities and a walk-in closet. This home also features a MIL suite with it's own entrance from the courtyard and private bathroom PLUS an extended driveway with an RV Gate. The open-concept kitchen displays recessed lighting, a pantry, staggered cabinetry adorned with crown moulding, granite counters & backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Lastly, the backyard features a covered patio and a shimmering pool, perfect for warm summer days! Hurry! This gem will surely impress you!

View Property

2135 S Bristol -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6709098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of coveted Augusta Ranch, this home epitomizes elevated living. With its spacious open-concept floor plan boasting four bedrooms and three baths, it's an entertainer's dream. The family room and inviting kitchen areas are ideal for hosting gatherings. Enjoy the beautiful low-maintenance backyard, complete with a large pool that can be enjoyed year around thanks to a gas heater addition (2023). Updates like a new roof (2023) and renovated bath fixtures add modern convenience, while the community's amenities, including an executive golf course, bar/grill, abundant events, parks, and a school, ensure a lifestyle of comfort and enjoyment. This home is a must-see!

View Property

18003 N 135th Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,634 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735710

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful,completely remodeled 4 Bedroom/2 Bath home with paid off solar! All of the details have been thought through making it stylish, warm and functional. The home is perfect for entertaining or a quiet night by the cozy, electric fireplace. All work was permitted and completed by licensed contractors. New Wndows, Electrical, Plumbing, Fixtures, Paint, Flooring, ductwork, courtyard tile, Appliances and more. Roof was replaced in 2020 and HVAC in 2019. Seller to pay the $5000 SCW Asset Preservation Fee if COE by 12/31. Enjoy all of the amenities that the 55+ Sun City West provides! The new owner(s) will be able to pick out a backsplash of their choice for the kitchen and it will be installed by close of escrow.

View Property

714 W Mesquite Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,962 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750995

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic opportunity! Welcome to this stunning residence featuring a 3-car garage and a convenient RV gate. Discover a welcoming living room with vaulted ceilings, clerestory windows for natural light, contemporary track lighting, and tile flooring. The great room has a cozy fireplace for quiet evenings. The delightful kitchen boasts a charming breakfast nook, granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry, built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a pantry, and a two-tier island with a breakfast bar. The den is perfect for an office or study. The main bedroom includes French doors leading to the backyard, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. The enchanting backyard displays a covered patio and a sparkling pool for cooling down on warm days. Make this gem yours!

View Property

26028 N 66th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,119 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757394

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, location! Attention: Seller is offering a $10,000 credit at closing towards buyer updating and/or upgrades! This home has energy saving feature upgrades as well with newly installed premium Andersen windows with a transferable warranty and a fully owned 5KW solar system to keep your energy bills low. In demand north Phoenix Eagle Ridge location with mountain views! Homes do not come up for sale frequently in this idyllic neighborhood. Close to shopping, schools, and parks. Multi-level open floor plan with expansive vaults and skylights to let in lots of light. Recently updated primary bath with huge walk in shower. Large yard and covered patio for entertaining. Inviting pebble-tec pool with a removable fence and beautiful water feature will captivate you! The main level has a convenient 4th bedroom for guests or as an in home office. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features multiple pantries with abundant storage and pull out drawers in convenient locations, as well as easy access to both the living room and family room. Newer high efficiency AC and air handler installed by current owner as well as water heater. Durable bamboo and tile flooring in all the high traffic areas of the home as well. Your new home awaits you!

View Property