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

13532 N 146th Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,743 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Marley Park Beauty - 4 bedrooms 3 bath home that sits on a premium lot next to green belt. Short walk to community pool / Charter School. Shopping & dining + new Costco minutes away. Home has upgraded kitchen & flooring - this to be best home on your tour.

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2118 W Hemingway Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$579,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,120 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779175

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 5-Bedroom Home with Modern Amenities Near Parks and Schools! Welcome to your dream home! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-full-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and style, ideal for families and entertaining alike. Nestled in a friendly neighborhood, you'll enjoy walking distance to parks and schools, making it a convenient choice for active lifestyles. Step inside to discover an updated kitchen that will delight any chef, featuring sleek stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, and ample counter space for meal prep. The open layout flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. The master suite boasts a private bath, providing a serene retreat after a long day. Four additional well-sized bedrooms offer plenty of space for family, guests, or a home office. With three full bathrooms, mornings will be a breeze for everyone! The three-car garage provides ample storage for vehicles and outdoor gear, making it easy to keep everything organized. Outside, the yard offers room for play and relaxation, perfect for enjoying warm evenings or weekend barbecues. Don't miss the chance to make this beautiful home yours and experience all that this wonderful property has to offer!

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12687 W Paradise Lane Surprise, AZ 85378

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,683 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6597550

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful, brand-new custom home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including two master suites ideal for multi-generational living or added privacy. With over 2,600 sqft of well-designed space, this home is built with 2x6 construction for enhanced durability and energy efficiency, paired with a high-efficiency HVAC system to keep you comfortable year-round. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly, offering a large living area, a chef's kitchen with modern appliances, and plenty of natural light. Situated close to top-rated schools, shopping, and entertainment, this home combines luxury and convenience in one stunning package. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity

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20581 N Enchantment Pass Maricopa, AZ 85138

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,528 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650676

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning home located in the highly desirable Province adult community! Original owners who have taken immaculate care of this home. This is a split floor plan and is one of the very few built with a separate entry guest house / casita room. Located across the street from a greenbelt with a beautiful open floor plan and no neighbors behind. Entertainers kitchen with granite countertops and S/S appliances. Home features newly painted inside and out, shutters throughout, upgraded doors, large laundry / utility room, upgraded installation. Home has two large AC units with three zones to control heating and cooling. Backyard is professionally designed with private patio are with pavers, fire pit, beautifully landscaped with a newly private spa - 2 years old.

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1521 W Garfield Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$579,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,059 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6716799

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing 2 bed, 2.5 bath home updated & reimagined by one of the members of its original family! The formal entry opens to an large greatroom. There's a spacious kitchen with 5 burner gas range, upgraded cabinetry, gorgeous granite counters, stainless steel appliances & elegant tile backsplash. A fantastic place to gather & entertain! The ground floor has an owner's suite w/ tiled shower, powder room & large office/utility room. The upstairs was designed as a second owner's suite, complete with its own ensuite & balcony. It's large enough to enclose an additional bedroom or use as a mother-in-law suite. The home has been updated with a reinforced foundation, newer roof & HVAC (mini-splits). Perfect as a SFD or multi-generational home & just minutes from downtown. Welcome home!

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7517 N 86th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

$579,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,628 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718483

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immaculate Reconstructed Home, Fully Upgraded. Come and see this Beautiful Diamond in the heart of Glendale. About 2.7 miles from Cardinal Stadium. Gorgeous Tiled Bathroom Showers, New Bathroom Vanities with Marble Counter tops, New Tiled Floors in the right places, New carpet in the Bedrooms, 2 8x8 Feet Arcadia Doors, Electric Chimney, New Kitchen Cabinets with New Granite Counter Tops, Two New A/C units. New Trusses, New Tiled Roofing, New Insulation, New Drywall and Texture, New Baseboards, New Doors, New Garage Door. New Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances. This is a Must see. Agents Bring Your Buyers, they will not be disappointed.

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298 W Tulsa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$579,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,626 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782769

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully remodeled and permitted home redone from studs, all new underground plumbing, new electrical, new gas lines, new meter, new flooring, new showers, bathrooms tile, new kitchen white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops, guest house features kitchen and bathroom and laundry room, studio apartment can use as a rental and or mother in law suite, this home features a nice backyard with RV gate no HOA, 2 carport, and new ac's and new roof, all new insides paint drywall and many more. Come see this 4 bed 2 bath home and casita before its gone!

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4245 S Boulder Street Gilbert, AZ 85297

$579,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,402 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727334

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 2-story home features new carpet in the bedrooms and fresh interior paint throughout, creating a welcoming ambiance. The open kitchen and living area boast stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, microwave, and range, perfect for modern living. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious loft and additional bedrooms, providing ample space for family and guests.

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7602 E Thomas Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$579,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,628 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728718

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully Remodeled, Move in ready, centrally located. Come see this Charming home, New Roofing, New Laminated Flooring, New Light Fixtures, New Texture, New Doors, New Kitchen Cabinets with Granite Counter Tops, New Bathroom Tiled Showers. New Windows. Agents Bring your buyers they will not be disappointed.

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16951 W Villagio Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,075 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CLEAN & PRISTINE SIERRA THAT BACKS TO COMMON AREA WITH NO BACK TO BACK NEIGHBORS & PRIVATE PATIO. PRE-PAID SOLAR LEASE, COVERAGE UNTIL 5/2044, MONTHLY APS BILLS AVERAGE $55 PER MONTH. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE PLANTATION SHUTTERS, BEAUTIFUL GRANITE & CUSTOM CABINETRY IN KITCHEN, CENTER ISLAND, MASTER & GUEST BATHROOMS. THE LIGHT/BRIGHT KITCHEN IS COMPLETE WITH BUILT-STAINLESS WALL OVEN, MICROWAVE, 5 BURNER GAS COOKTOP & REFRIGERATOR & BRIGHT OFFICE/DEN HAS DOUBLE DOORS. WINDOW WORLD DOUBLE PANE, TRIPLE COATED LOW E WINDOWS HAVE BEEN ADDED THROUGHOUT HOME. EXTENDED GARAGE HAS WORKBENCH, CABINETS, OVERHEAD STORAGE, NEWER HVAC, HOT WATER TANK & HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM. EXPANDED SOUTH FACING, PRIVATE PATIO CREATES THE IDEAL SETTING FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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13965 W Woodbridge Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,645 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730972

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 2650 sq ft single story home located at the end of a quiet culdesac in beatiful Palm Valley. 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms with a den that can be used as a 5th bedroom. Huge main bedroom with walkin closet. Huge granite top kitchen with over plenty of cabinets, walk in pantry and huge island countertop overlooking a huge great room and backyard. Formal dining rm across from kitchen. Full access to Palm Valley comm Rec center huge pool club house basketball etc. This home has been a rental property for many years and owners want to retire. Home is in great shape and may need some tlc. Owner may give some discount or give a cash credit back to buyer at COE for justified tlc. All offers will be reviewed. Seller may carry short term with 10% down with approved application.

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23086 E Thornton Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,116 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744050

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER OFFERING $10,000 CONCESSION!! Rare 5-bedroom home in Barney Farms built in 2021. Enjoy this premier community in a resort setting, with a deep-water lake at the heart of it all. The community center inspires a healthy active lifestyle with an aquatic center, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, and numerous parks, playgrounds, and trails to enjoy. This home has a fun putting green in the backyard for more laid-back leisure and a cozy patio. The front room comes complete with a built-in Murphy bed and shelves to make a perfect office / guest bedroom. A ''collar-controlled'' smart doggie door provides security and convenience for the little loved ones. The best part is a split floorplan perfect for multi-generational living or working at home. You'll love this new home!

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