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

17052 N 36th Court Phoenix, AZ 85032

$580,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,018 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756073

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2 master bedrooms. HUGE lot, 1/3 of an acre! So much more opportunity with this property. No HOA. Cul-de-sac. RV gate. Pool just re-plastered! 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Double master suites. 2 huge walk-in closets in master suite. Master bathroom upgraded with new shower tile. New floors throughout. The entire house painted inside and out. New quartz countertops in the kitchen. Two large living areas, great space for entertaining and gathering. A must see home!

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4344 E Granada Road Phoenix, AZ 85008

$580,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,108 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754410

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This home is a must see! Well appointed townhouse in gated community in high demand area. Built in 2022 by D.R. Horton. Incredible location, just a 10 minute Uber to Sky Harbor Airport. Easy freeway access and close to everything Arcadia, Biltmore, Tempe, Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix have to offer. 70 walk score and 89 bike score! This is a spacious home with a large loft. It's the largest model offered in the community at 2108 sq ft, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, office and a loft. Tall 10' ceilings and 8' doors. 2 car private garage. Only 2 doors away from a nice community pool. Makes an excellent ''lock and leave'' house with the gated entrance and low maintenance backyard landscaping (artificial turf and pavers)

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12520 E Crystal Forest -- Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$580,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,464 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756661

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll LOVE this beautiful home in Peralta Canyon! Providing 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage, & a low-care landscape. Just off the front entry is the versatile den! Continue onto the spacious open layout paired with elegant light fixtures, tile flooring, designer paint, abundant natural light, and multi-sliding doors to the back. The gourmet kitchen boasts sleek SS appliances, quartz counters, mosaic tile backsplash, ample espresso cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a prep island w/breakfast bar. Berber carpet in the bedrooms! Primary bedroom has an ensuite with two vanities & a walk-in closet. One other bedroom also includes its own bathroom. Discover the charming backyard, offering a covered patio, well-laid pavers, artificial turf, & a fireplace area w/built-in seats.

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4386 E Selena Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$580,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,171 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758795

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasts a bright, open layout. As you enter, you're greeted by a spacious living area that flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen spaces perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms, along with a large flex room—perfect for a home office, playroom, or additional living space. The primary suite is split and offers a private retreat with an ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Located on a picturesque, tree-lined street, the curb appeal is undeniable. The patio is a private oasis, ideal for outdoor dining or simply enjoying the Arizona sunshine. Easy access to local schools, parks, and shopping, don't miss out on this North Phoenix Gem!

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1618 W Maplewood Street Chandler, AZ 85286

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,647 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760343

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Location! Nestled in the prestigious Pecos Ranch in the heart of Chandler, near the Price Corridor and its high-tech companies, this expansive waterfront lot is perfectly situated right by a community park, offering stunning views and direct lake access—ideal for all your favorite water sports and leisure activities. This breathtaking single-level home has been recently remodeled, boasting luxury Vinyl flooring, freshly painted neutral walls, modern quartz kitchen countertops, and contemporary lighting fixtures throughout. French doors in the family room and large windows in the kitchen frame the serene lake views, creating a tranquil living environment. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with direct access to the backyard, perfect for enjoying the peaceful outdoors. With proximity to major freeways like the 101, 202, 60, and I-10, this home offers unparalleled access to Chandler's best schools, top-rated hospitals, and main shopping destinations, including Costco and Chandler Fashion Center. Discover the ease of urban living in a suburban paradise.

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3942 E Cat Balue Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$580,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,583 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772422

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Discover modern living in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom patio home nestled in the sought-after Fireside at Desert Ridge gated community. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan, featuring california shutters, plank tile flooring and an updated kitchen with white cabinetry throughout the home, beautiful quartz counter tops, a farmhouse sink and newer black stainless steel appliances including a gas stove! The primary bedroom features a walk in closet and remodeled walk in shower. Bedroom 2 and 3 are split in close proximity to a full bathroom and brand new carpet throughout the second floor. The cozy outdoor patio is designed for easy maintenance and offers a great space for relaxing or entertaining. Fireside at Desert Ridge community provides residents with access to resort-style amenities including a fitness center, tennis courts, basketball courts, Pickelball courts, resort style pool, lap pool, and scenic walking trails. Conveniently located near top-rated schools, parks, and the Desert Ridge Marketplace for dining and shopping, this updated patio home is move-in ready and waiting for you!

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22456 E Via Del Verde -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,202 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767389

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Hidden gem with 2 dens (home office!) plus the 3 BR's, private pool, tons of garage storage, driveway extension, easy maintenance yard, & gourmet kitchen! The resort style pool has a Baja shelf to relax, travertine, & turf next to the oversized covered patio. Inside has beautiful modern tile, KitchenAid SS appliances, large pantry w/ custom door, 42'' staggered cabinets, & granite eat in island. The large primary has an ensuite with 2 sinks + walk-in shower. Guests will love the Jack-&-Jill bathroom with separate door to shower/tub for privacy. The huge laundry room w/ cabinets has plenty of room for 2nd frig or freezer. Epoxy garage w/ H20 Softener & cabinets is a dream! Exterior painted in 2020. You'll love the community w/ parks, trails, pool, splash pad, garden, volleyball, & more!

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951 N 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$580,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766084

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this ideally located home, nestled next to expansive open space with no neighbors behind or to the side. Enjoy spacious living areas, including a kitchen and family room that offer stunning views of the backyard oasis. The oversized custom pool features a rock waterfall and slide, with ample space for lounging and entertaining. The outdoor area also boasts a built-in BBQ island, a covered patio, and wide side yards. Inside, there's a downstairs den with a full bathroom, while upstairs you'll find three bedrooms and a generously sized primary suite. The three-car garage comes complete with built-in cabinetry, and the home is equipped with OWNED SOLAR!

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27386 W Osprey Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$580,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,557 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6739338

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Why wait to build when you can make this stunning nearly new JOURNEY model yours today! This elegantly appointed 2,557 sqft, 2 beds, 2.5 bath, Den with French doors, Flex space, Great room, charming Courtyard & Golf cart garage home will not disappoint. The Kitchen is an entertainers delight with Granite countertops, sleek back splash, Gas cooktop with DOUBLE ovens, Soft close drawers, Pull out Shelves, Reverse Osmosis, magnificent Executive Island perfect for storing all of the small kitchen appliances and gathering loved ones or friends. Wooden shutters throughout & Media wall in the Great room. Owner's suite bathroom with its modern Tile Walk-in shower, Double sinks & Granite counters. Private walled lot, Extended Travertine Patio, Built-in gas BBQ & low maintenance Turf. See it today!

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17106 E La Pasada Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$580,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,522 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6748601

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This exquisite 4-bdrm residence w/den is situated on a spacious lot in the highly sought-after Fountain Hills community. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully remodeled to offer the perfect blend of modern luxury & timeless charm. Enjoy 4 generously sized bedrooms plus a versatile den, ideal for a hm office/additional living space. Experience contemporary living with high-end finishes, sleek fixtures, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The large lot provides ample space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing; endless possibilities! Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood w/ access to all the amenities that Fountain Hills has to offer, including seasonal art/wine festivals, Fountain park, dining and the iconic Fountain.

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2438 W Clearview Trail Phoenix, AZ 85086

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,338 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762744

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**SELLER HAS 4.99% CONVENTIONAL LOAN THAT IS ASSUMABLE** Home, sweet home! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage and eye-catching stone accents. Discover a spacious living/dining room with 10' ceilings, a soothing palette, classic plantation shutters, sunscreens, recessed lighting, and a blend of wood-look and tile flooring. The kitchen comes with abundant wood cabinetry with crown moulding, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a two-tier peninsula with a breakfast bar for casual dining. You'll also find a versatile bonus room perfect for an office, lounge, or play area. The cozy main bedroom is complete with soft carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a convenient walk-in closet. The enchanting backyard includes a covered patio, pristine artificial turf, and a sparkling pool, built by Presidential Pools, for cooling down on hot days. Make this yours! Whole home water filtration system installed in 2021

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2101 N Normal Avenue Tempe, AZ 85288

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,513 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753795

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Newly remodeled home with fresh interior paint and new front landscaping!Fresh blue exterior paint, dual pane windows, and recent plumbing and electrical updates.Beautiful wood flooring throughout the home, recessed lighting, barn doors, and TWO entertainment rooms await you inside. Large shaker cabinets w/crown molding, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, custom tile backsplash, & a center island w/breakfast bar. The covered patio and fire-pit is the ideal place for all your gatherings under the vast Arizona sky. Located in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, ASU, the Entertainment District! This property qualifies for 1% lender credits available to a qualified buyer! If not already working with another lender, please see the lender flyer in docs tab f

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