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

8245 E Quintuplet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,828

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6784443 January 2025 Completion! The Imperial floor plan at Hawes Crossing seamlessly combines functionality and style, thoughtfully designed with modern touches to suit your lifestyle. Step through the inviting front porch into a welcoming foyer, where you'll find a powder room and access to the 2-car garage. From here, ascend to the second floor or move into the heart of the home—an open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen, all connected to a covered outdoor living space ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs, the home features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bath and spacious walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms (two with walk-in closets), a shared bathroom, and an en suite bathroom. This level also boasts a versatile loft and a conveniently located laundry room, making the Imperial both practical and luxuriousyour perfect at-home retreat. Structural options include: gourmet kitchen, paver driveway and walkway.

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21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.

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2030 E Duke Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$577,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,652 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This TEMPE Home is in a GREAT LOCATION, Plus NO HOA! It's a Turnkey home! EVERYTHING has been Remodeled with Modern Up-grades! 3 Bedrooms, 2 beautiful modern primary Bath and Guest bath. Large Gathering Room and Huge kitchen! Your buyer will love the Chef's kitchen, Granite Counter's, Double Oven, and Lot's of kitchen storage. No carpet and new windows have custom blinds and shades! 2 Car Garage with garage and a side Service Door. No maintenance Front and a Huge backyard with a Covered Patio! Close to the 101 and 60 freeways. New Roof, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical,Windows, Doors all done in 2022.

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43227 W Caven Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$577,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,955 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758139

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see this GORGEOUS HACIENDA home located in Pecan Groves, Maricopa's most desirable community! This multi-level floorpan with 5 Beds & 3 Baths + LOFT is accented by soaring ceiling & Travertine Tile! Create an incredible life with this 3,901 Sq ft nestled in the GREAT- The Villages of Rancho El Dorado. CHECK OUT THE SPECTACULAR VIEW of the LAKE and the GREAT AMENITIES as YOU enter the subdivision ! You'll love the beautiful Grand Front Porch! Bright open floor plan w/ separate living room & dining room, Lovely KITCHEN w/ Stunning Granite Counter Tops, S/S Appliances w/ Double Oven, Gas Stove & Dishwasher, S/S French door Refrigerator & Microwave Oven.

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2352 W Willow Breeze Road Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$577,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous home sits on 3.45 acres of fully fenced property offering breathtaking views from your whole property. The large circular driveway offers more than enough room for parking and guests. The interior of the home is elegantly done, with modern finishes including tile throughout, quartz countertops and a butcher block island. Both bathrooms are well finished with tile and upgraded vanities. The large patio is a perfect place for entertaining or just enjoying the amazing views. The property also features is a large detached shop as well as being equipped for horses and other livestock with stables, tack shed and separately fenced portions of the property. Brand new roof!

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3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,466 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748270

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated home + casita w/ full bath surrounded by a private backyard oasis featuring multiple entertaining areas, covered patio & gorgeous water feature. Charming courtyard entrance with pavers. Elegant Great Rm with vaulted ceilings & French doors to patio, game table or dining area & entertainment area with media cabinet. Rich wood cabinets, granite counters, stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances incl gas stove (new in 2012), portable prep-bar, walk in pantry & breakfast bar. The primary suite offers a cozy sitting area, patio access, bathroom with dual sinks, shower & walk-in closet. Addtl guest bdrm, full bath, home office/den. Travertine tile throughout home. Re-imagined laundry/craft room with extra storage. GORGEOUS HOME!

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11938 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$576,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759753

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this dynamic Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered front porch; a quiet study and convenient powder room off the entry; an expansive great room with center-meet patio doors; a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a large island, a walk-in pantry and an adjacent nook; a formal dining room; an eye-catching primary suite offering additional windows, a walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; two secondary bedrooms; a shared hall bath; a convenient laundry and a welcoming covered patio. This home also boasts dramatic 10' ceilings, a tray ceiling at the entry, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

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20923 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$576,490

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new phase!. Our popular Sage plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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19616 N 66th Lane Glendale, AZ 85308

New

$576,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788990

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence boasts a 2-car garage, an RV gate, an inviting porch, and an impeccably designed front landscape. You'll be delighted by the living/dining room with vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, blinds, and a harmonious blend of wood and tile flooring. The family room is perfect for intimate evenings with loved ones. The eat-in kitchen comes with warm wood cabinetry with crown moulding, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a bonus room that provides a versatile space for an office or den. Double doors lead to the main bedroom, offering direct backyard access, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy relaxing outdoor moments in the backyard, which includes a covered patio for al fresco dining, natural turf, a storage shed, and a pool for refreshing dips. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

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823 W Overland Road Payson, AZ 85541

$576,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,806 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779437

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Locating! House is nestled on 0.33A, hidden by beautiful trees and foliage. 1806 sqft, 3BR, 2BA, split floor plan. Vaulted ceilings, living room has gas fireplace. New Vinyl Plank flooring throughout. Awesome kitchen and dining area with newer appliances, double oven -- fit for a cook at heart. Master suite has two walk-in closets. The back yard is a retreat --- so very private. This is a MUST SEE!

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3355 Rising Sun Ridge Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Open House

$575,950

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,543 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing off-the-grid, very well-maintain cozy house, sitting on a premium lot. Features: high tech appliances, walk-in pantry, spacious master bedroom, built-in vacuum system, solar panels with bird proofing, inverter and storage batteries. House has an extended length garage with beautiful epoxy floor and installed shelves on the walls. House stays attached to the grid in order to sell excess electricity to APC. House is energy efficient in many ways. A Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump (20 SEER) with 4-ton Hyperion Air Handler was installed in 2022. In 2023 the complete exterior of the house painted, windows and seams caulked. Deal includes an EZ-GO RXV (golf cart) with replaced batteries.

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13602 S Garnet Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$575,555

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757813

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready custom home sitting on 1.2 acres with huge garage , remodeled primary bath with tiled shower & tub, new vanity, lighting, & fixtures. Nicely remodeled kitchen with QUARTZ counters, tall cabinets, pantry & trash compactor. Breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen + a formal dining room. Living room with cozy fireplace & large bay window seat flows nicely into billiard room, bar, & office. There is a large craft room with outside exit door & an enclosed AZ room off the primary + a nursery & walk-in closet. Vaulted ceilings, fans, plant shelves, french doors with inset blinds, dual pane windows. 3.5 car extra tall garage with plenty of storage, newer water softener. Grass yard, 2 RV gates, fully fenced. And a sun deck to enjoy 300* MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Live Rural with shopping only 4 miles awa

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