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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5153 N Main Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,640 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6690299

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 2.5 acres close to freeway, and surrounded by views, clear skies, city lights and peace and quiet! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has updating and room for the family. Updates include engineered wood flooring, Thermaster energy efficient windows, French doors, beadboard, stainless appliances, new roof and more. The great room is open concept with wood beams and a real wood burning fireplace. Bring your toys and horses as there is room for all! This horse property/mini farm has 2 stalls, a barn or 2 car garage, storage shed and a carport. Home has it's own well. The east 1.25 acres share a well with one other and can be subdivided. Easy to show. This property has something for everyone!

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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!

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2245 Bear Claw Drive Overgaard, AZ 85933

$570,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769611

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in the heart of Heber-Overgaard, this charming log cabin is a true gem in Bear Country Estates. Set on a corner lot within a gated community, it boasts vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan that creates an inviting atmosphere. The interior features stunning knotty pine T&G ceilings and cozy knotty pine wood doors, while a rock-faced wood-burning fireplace adds warmth to the living space. Chalet windows frame the picturesque views of blue spruce trees outside. The modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, and barn doors lead to a convenient laundry area. Upstairs, offers wood-stained interior doors and double doors leading into the master suite and luxurious dual sink master bath, complete with a garden tub/shower. Recent upgrades include a new roof and HVAC.... unit, both replaced within the last two years. The property also includes a detached two-car garage and is conveniently located near local services and forest service access, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. View Today!

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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.

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9322 W Juniper Road Strawberry, AZ 85544

Open House

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,368 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705096

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Welcome to your new haven in Strawberry! This charming home offers the epitome of country living, nestled among majestic oaks and pine trees on a generous .5-acre lot. Step inside to discover a spacious great room with BRAND NEW vinyl floors, a soaring vaulted ceiling, and a recently remodeled kitchen. The kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring a gas range, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, new cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook. Unwind in the luxurious primary retreat, complete with an ensuite bath boasting a soaking tub, dual vanity sinks, and a separate walk-in shower. Additional bedrooms share a beautifully remodeled bathroom, ensuring comfort for the entire family. Outside, revel in breathtaking mountain views from both the front and back of the house. The serene atmosphere is enhanced by the absence of an HOA, allowing you the freedom to bring your horses and embrace your future options. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Strawberry and surrounded by an abundance of riding trails, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this flexible and welcoming property your own slice of paradise. Come see this home today and experience the allure of country living at its finest!

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26218 S Brentwood Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,823 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779857

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this popular Alameda model home, featuring 3 spacious BR and 2 BA in the sought-after Cottonwood Active Adult Community.HVAC replaced Dec 2024 The primary BR boasts an elegant en-suite with an additional expanded walk-in closet, offering ample storage space. Enjoy luxurious travertine flooring throughout with carpet thoughtfully placed for comfort. Vaulted ceilings in the family room enhance the home's style and openness, while most windows have been recently upgraded for improved energy efficiency. The extended garage includes epoxy flooring, workbench, and abundant storage. Situated on a desirable golf course and lake view lot, this home provides stunning scenery to enjoy from your own backyard with balcony too! Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to own a slice of paradise

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5526 S Grenoble Street Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,020 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780096

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller offers 5K towards buyer's Closing costs! The things this home has to offer!!! From the 3 Beds, 2 baths, the Glass Doors Studio/DEN to the Tankless Gas Water Heater, the water Softener and water Filter, to the hidden Safe, extended cabinets at kitchen, the quartz countertops, Murphy Bed for your guests, to the surround system in the great room and the TV on the patio, colorful outdoor Jacuzzi to relax under the pergola, the outdoor lightening, Variety of Fruit Trees, and top it off with the separate doggy play area. Come see it and you will fall in love!

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3956 E Constitution Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$569,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,954 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Segretto- The private and quiet community nestled in the heart of Gilbert- just minutes from the Agritopia Epicenter (home of some of the best dining in Gilbert), San Tan Marketplace and just a mile from the 202 freeway entrance! This adorable home features a bright and open floorplan with an oversized living room perfect for gatherings and entertaining! The gorgeous kitchen features white shaker cabinets, trendy backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island and breakfast bar. All fixtures throughout have been upgraded and updated including toilets, faucets and light fixtures. Don't forget the tankless water heater. This home backs to county island homes for ultimate privacy. Backyard beautifully landscaped with grass and a spacious covered patio!

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2471 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$569,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,121 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6739474

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after community of ADORA TRAILS in Gilbert! This single story home has 4-bedrooms, 3-full baths, a Den/Flex space & sits on a desirable corner lot. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open & inviting floor plan, perfect for modern living & entertaining. The 2nd guest bedroom, full bath & den'/flex space are perfectly appointed off the foyer of the home. The kitchen features granite countertops, ample cabinet space, a kitchen island with pendulum lighting & breakfast bar seating that seamlessly flows into the formal dining area & spacious family room complete with a 12' sliding glass door, overlooking the expanive covered patio. The primary suite has everything you could ask for complete with on on suite bath with dual sinks.... seperate shower/tub, a private toilet room & spacious walk in closet. The 3rd & 4th bedrooms are accompanied by their own full bath, making this home the perfect floorplan for a family, residents that work from home and/or someone who likes to entertain with guests! Outside, the easy maintenance front yard is perfectly designed & the backyard is complete with desert rock & ready for a new owner to create their dream oasis. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Tan Mountains, this family-friendly neighborhood offers the perfect blend of natural beauty & modern convenience. Residents of the master planned community of Adora Trails enjoy access to a wealth of community amenities including: 10-Acre Neighborhood Park, 12 Miles of Walking Trails, 10,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse/Activity Rooms, Fitness Center, Community Swimming Pool, Water Playground, Adora Trails Lake Featuring Fresh Water Fishing, Picnic Tables, Grilling Stations, Shaded Ramadas Playgrounds & Championship Basketball Courts.

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682 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768688

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Almost Complete! This gorgeous Santa Rosa II home offers a beautifully designed split floor plan with 4 bedrooms (in lieu of the home office) and 2.5 bathrooms. The spacious great room and kitchen, highlighted by a stunning vaulted ceiling, create the perfect setting for entertaining. The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring our Loft-inspired ''Looks'' collection with sleek dark blue cabinets, brushed nickel hardware, stylish floating shelves, and sparkling quartz countertops. The luxurious Primary Suite offers a serene retreat, complete with a spa-like bathroom and a generous walk-in closet. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully crafted to create a blend of modern comfort and elegance. Don't miss your opportunity to own this beautiful home—make it yours today! Up to 6% of Loan Amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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31969 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,486 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755500

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Acacia - We're building this home in the beautiful new community of Mystic in Peoria. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds and floor. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Kitchen upgrades include stainless steel gas appliance package with a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Slate (Gray) cabinets with soft close doors & drawers, pull out trash drawer. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops at kitchen. Upgrade flooring includes AZT 12x24 Sand Matte tile in all areas of the home except beds/closets. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3.

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5329 W Rainwater Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$569,990

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,838 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769226

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6769226 Ready Now! The Pinnacle at Tierra Montana Encore presents a stunning two-story design with a spacious primary suite located on the main floor. This suite offers a large shower, soaking tub, dual-sink vanity, and a walk-in closet perfect for year-round storage. The open-concept layout connects the expansive gathering room to the gourmet kitchen and dining area, creating an ideal space for entertaining. Also on the first floor, you'll find a laundry room and a guest bedroom with a full bath, perfect for hosting overnight guests. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a generous loft provide ample space for family living. Structural options include: 5th bedroom and 4th bath in lieu of study and half bath.

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