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

5831 W Pine Cove Prescott, AZ 86305

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,057 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772452

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked away on a serene, pine-covered .93 acre lot in Highland Pines. Offering 2,057 sq. ft. of living space, this mountain retreat features a great room with soaring ceilings, rustic wood accents, and a cozy wood-burning stove. The dining room's wall of windows provides breathtaking views of the surrounding pines. Step outside onto the deck to take in the panoramic scenery. Additional amenities include a one-car garage, asphalt driveway, brick paver paths, and a fenced dog run. This home is truly a peaceful getaway in the Pines with modern comforts!

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1354 W Nido Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769367

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in sought after community of Dobson Ranch!! This beautifully designed 4-bedroom residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, ideal for those seeking spacious living with community amenities. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings and entertaining. This home provides trending designs with remodeled bathrooms, remodeled kitchen, and new LVP flooring throughout the home. Dobson Ranch is a sought after Southeast Valley community boasting 1 of the best municipal golf clubs in the City and this home Just doors away from the Dobson Community La Casita rec Center. HVAC 2023, Roof 2010.

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2544 W Knowles Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$585,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771836

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Dobson Ranch! This beautifully updated residence is ready for its new owners & features an impressive backyard oasis, complete with a lush ficus hedge, low maintenance turf, and a delicious orange tree. Step inside to discover a versatile den that serves as the perfect flex space—ideal for a craft room, office, media room, utility area, or guest room. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, completely remodeled in 2018 to create an open floor plan that doubled its size. Enjoy modern conveniences, including motion-detected under-cabinet lighting that illuminates your space as you descend the stairs. Recent upgrades include a complete ductwork overhaul in 2024, ensuring optimal airflow throughout the home. Nestled on an oversized lot in a peaceful half cul-de-sac, this property features RV gates on both sides, leading to two large concrete pads-perfect for storage, parking, or additional outdoor activities. The driveway also accommodates a third slab, complemented by a charming paver walkway. The extended-length garage provides direct access to the side yard. Dive into relaxation with the large diving pool, and enjoy evenings on the covered patio overlooking the north-facing yard, where you can gather around the firepit. Pool equipment is discreetly stored in the side yard for your convenience. Experience the vibrant Dobson Ranch community, complete with miles of scenic walking paths along the lake and golf course; 3 community pools, and engaging events throughout the year. Enjoy tennis & pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a rec room available for private rental. Explore a variety of clubs for hobbies ranging from dance and writing to hiking and cards-there's something for everyone! For more information, visit Dobson Ranch HOA for community publications like the Ranchers' Roundup. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the recent upgrades at Dobson Ranch Golf Course, including a cutting-edge Inrange ball tracking driving range, on-course food ordering, a 9-hole putt-putt course which is free for kids, a restaurant and bar, and numerous leagues and clinics.

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3609 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773988

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Location* Location* Right off the 51 freeway and Thunderbird Rd., this home will not disappoint! Fully remodeled down to the drywall finish this home has endless new features such as low maintenance landscape with new synthetic grass, new flooring throughout, full bathroom remodel, complete kitchen remodel, low energy LED lighting throughout, double pane windows, and new appliances!! Don't hesitate, don't delay, seller is ready to sell!

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10952 W Tropicana Circle Sun City, AZ 85351

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,196 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776995

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Golf course lot! Completely renovated and move-in ready. Open floor plan with formal dining room, spacious kitchen open to great room, 3 bedrooms plus den, 3 baths, 2 car garage. Highly upgraded with plank tile flooring t/o, carpet in bedrooms, custom cabinets, Quartz counter tops, Stainless steel appliances including fridge, and wine fridge, breakfast bar, pendent lights, tile back splash. New light and plumbing fixtures, new interior and exterior paint, dual pane windows. Master suite offers his and hers walk-in closets, double sinks. Inside laundry, oversized utility room with golf cart parking, epoxy garage flooring, new garage door, new gas water heater, roof 2008, HVAC 2012. Home warranty!

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5434 W Parsons Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779298

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCED! Entertain friends or sit and read in the front room with its soaring ceilings. The great room is the natural setting for watching tv or hanging out. The kitchen is stunning with a tile backsplash, granite countertops, staggered cupboards, large walk-in pantry, SS appliances, gas stove, and a breakfast bar. There is new carpet throughout that complements the tile. Notice the closets everywhere! Just past the kitchen is a full bathroom and 4th bedroom/office, a perfect guest suite or work area. Dining area. Epoxied garage floor. Upstairs find 3 bedrooms and a loft area perfect for a play area, tv area, or work space. The huge primary bedroom with 2 walkin closets is separated from bedroom 2 &3 by the loft and upstairs laundry. Artificial turf & pavers in yard. Great location

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2704 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom home in the sought-after Biltmore/Arcadia Lite area! This move-in ready home features a new roof, HVAC, water heater, and stylish Vinyl Lux flooring. The remodeled kitchen and wet bar are perfect for entertaining, with farm doors adding charm. The large lot with no HOA includes a backyard with alley access and a detached garage, ideal for a workshop or potential ADU for rental income or extra space. Minutes from top dining and shopping, this home offers modern living and endless possibilities.

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4906 S Bannock Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$585,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,946 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6705022

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is it! Come home from a long day to this incredible property with million dollar mountain views and breathtaking sunsets! Far enough out of town to enjoy peace but with easy access to downtown Sierra Vista. Two of the bedrooms are easily used as a separate studio with its own kitchenette and entrance if desired. The peaceful koi pond features several large koi. The backyard patio comes with the inground pool we all crave during hot summer BBQ. Enjoy bird watching, hiking, views of the famous Carr Canyon waterfall & the nighttime sky! Bonus detached workshop! Whether it's peace, creativity or practicality you crave, this house has it all, it is so unique that you'll really have to come see the character and comfort that it offers! Welcome home.

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9409 E Nacoma Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,443 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership is apparent in this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in the gated active adult community of Oakwood CC. The casita with separate entrance provides flexibility for guests, a home office or exercise studio. Entertain in the great room or family room with adjacent kitchen and breakfast nook. Granite counters, SS appliances, newer paint and hardware with loads of cupboard space. Retire to the primary suite with patio access, walk in closet, dual split sinks and separate shower and tub. Guests will appreciate the spacious bedroom with walk in closet and nearby bath. New AC in 2021. Newer wood look tile flooring with some carpeted areas. You'll love the large picture windows and slider leading to the backyard with expanded covered patio and lush landscaping. See upgrade list.

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893 W Chilton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,702 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774136

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning remodeled home located just a short walk from downtown Gilbert! This exceptional property, remodeled within the last year, sits on a corner lot next to a prestigious multi-million dollar residential community. Step into the backyard and experience your own private oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, tranquil waterfall, enchanting string lighting, a cozy propane fire pit, and breathtaking views. With neighbors on only two sides, you'll enjoy a remarkable level of privacy. The home features a spacious kitchen with an inviting island and top-of-the-line appliances. Throughout the kitchen, dining, and family rooms, you'll find soaring vaulted ceilings that create an open and airy ambiance.

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7807 E Mckinley Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768199

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's just a short drive to Old Town, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside this beautifully decorated home featuring wood-look floors and an inviting great room bathed in natural light. The sleek kitchen is a culinary delight, with abundant cabinets, stainless appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, ample counter space, and a convenient breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, which offers direct access to the serene backyard, a private bathroom with stylish tiles, and a spacious walk-in closet. The backyard offers a covered patio, artificial turf, and plenty of space for fun barbecues and gatherings. Within walking distance of the Salt Cellar, McKellips Lake, and Scottsdale parks. Don't miss this opportunity! Make it yours today!

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514 E Orion Street Tempe, AZ 85283

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,032 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767891

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand New Full remodel! 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Tempe area with a private pool! This property features a brand new kitchen with a huge kitchen island that will keep everyone in together, perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests. All of the ceilings have been raised with new flush mount LED ceiling lights, Brand new doors and hardware, Brand New Windows, Brand New bathrooms with New vanities! The additional extension of the back of the house with a corner made of glass keeps you cool while enjoying full view of those in the pool! The outdoor space boasts beautifully updated low water landscaping, providing a serene setting for relaxation by the pool. Keep your cars out of the heat with the two car garage. It also has a very large laundry/craft room. Don't miss out

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