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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744 E Laddoos Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,855 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772857

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fabulous Alexandria model on large corner lot! Welcome to this beautifully designed home featuring an open and functional floor plan, 10' ceilings perfect for modern living. The expansive great room seamlessly integrates a gourmet kitchen with a large island, a cozy breakfast nook, and a dining area, ideal for both casual meals and formal gatherings. The spacious living room offers ample room for relaxation, while an additional flexible space can serve as a home office, library, or den. The home boasts two generously sized BRs, including a luxurious primary suite complete with double sinks w/new fixtures, and walk-in closet. Cozy rear patio with fireplace, ideal for those cool AZ evenings, allows for outdoor living! All of this plus solar and a 4' extended garage, new paint in and out!

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4340 E Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$569,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,556 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6783894

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the charm of this home in Highland Groves at Morrison Ranch! Step inside to an inviting interior bathed in natural light, featuring two-tone paint, elegant archways, recessed lighting, and a blend of wood and carpeting throughout. The expansive living/dining area flows seamlessly into the cozy family room, complete with a fireplace and a built-in media niche. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, offering stainless steel appliances, sleek granite countertops, a stylish mosaic tile backsplash, a pantry, a central island, and cabinetry with crown molding. A versatile den and a full bath are conveniently located downstairs, while a spacious loft awaits upstairs. The luxurious master suite boasts a spa-like ensuite with dual vanities, a separate tub and shower, and a generous walk-in closet. Step outside to the backyard, where you'll find a covered patio, a putting green, and beautifully arranged pavers for a perfect outdoor retreat.

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17334 E San Marcus Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,354 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769056

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW! Don't miss out on this gorgeous, remodeled 3 bed 2 bath home steps away from Four Peaks Park in Fountain Hills. Walking in, you will be greeted by a fully renovated kitchen & a beautiful open floor plan. Enjoy all new flooring throughout the entire home that creates a perfect flow. Additional updates include; NEW AC, NEW water softener, NEW RO water system, NEW exterior and interior paint, raised ceilings and so much more! In addition to all the interior updates, you will love spending time outside on this oversized private lot that backs to a wash giving added privacy. This backyard has new artificial turf & pavers that allow for a year-round beautiful look, that is conveniently low maintenance. Another amazing feature of the backyard is the RV gate and RV parking with NO HOA

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322 E La Diosa Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,035 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6780028

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful spacious Tempe home with mature trees on a large corner interior lot! Just 1.5 blocks from ASU. This home is ready to become whatever you envision, is livable and could us some serious updates. Larger a/c unit replaced this last June, plumbing work done a few years ago too. Alley entry 2 car garage with extra storage space and a covered space to park out front of the home too. Possibilities are endless and this one won't last long once it goes active.

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22633 W Yellow Bird Lane Wittmann, AZ 85361

$569,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787326

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A true desert dream, with Mountain views of the White Tank from your backyard. Over 52,000 square feet of land, bring your desert toys, this property offers privacy and tranquility.Split designed floor plan, offers four large bedrooms and an oversized walk-in closet in the Master Suite. The guest bathroom features dual sinks and tons of storage. A very welcoming open living area, spacious kitchen, as well as formal dining area, breakfast nook and bar seating. The soaring ceilings and full fresh interior paint create a bright and airy atmosphere with beautiful desert views. You will love the three car garage and additional parking, with plenty of room for all of your vehicles and off-road toys! The additional outdoor shed provides space for tools and storage, and the covered patio in the backyard is the perfect place to relax as the sun goes down. This home also has a brand new roof and no HOA!

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13442 W Blackstone Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$569,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,827 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6624856

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Like NEW 2021 Built '' Vibrant Situated on an OVERSIZED Lot with N/S Exposure in Award Winning Trilogy at Vistancia. TREMENDOUS Curb Appeal with Mature Lush Desert Landscape, Stone Accent and PAVER Driveway. Backyard with Putting Green .Inside includes Neutral Palette , ALL Tile Flooring along with 9FT Ceilings and Window Treatments T/0. Beautiful Kitchen with Large Granite Island , Designer Backsplash. and Rich Dark Cabinetry. Primary BR with LARGE Closet . BR 2 is Split with South Exposure . Bath 2 with Soaking Tub. Gorgeous Den with Built Ins and French Doors - Would make a Great 3rd BR. Backyard with Expanded Covered Patio , Travertine & Putting Green . Smart Space for extra storage or Office. This Home is in Terrific Condition . Sellers are MOTIVATED . Home is available TURNKEY

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34214 W Sahuaro Street Tonopah, AZ 85354

$569,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,336 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672281

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning property is eligible for a 0% down payment with a USDA loan! Sitting on a 2-acre lot, offering endless possibilities for expansion or additional structures such as a second home or workshop. This home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops and open spaces to the living and dining rooms. The master bedroom offers a walk-in shower, private toilet room and a walk-in closet. A beautiful, covered patio and irrigation system was installed on all the plants in the backyard. The house is equipped with ready fast satellite internet. Completely move-in ready. With no HOA restrictions, BRING YOUR HORSES, TOYS, RV'S, ETC!! This home features upgraded foam insulation, Nest smart home thermostat, Trane A/C unit, the 220-volt setup is perfect for a wo

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8304 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,487 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678957

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 spacious bedrooms plus a loft, each equipped with its own walk-in closet for unparalleled storage. Enjoy awesome upgrades throughout, exquisite bathroom vanities and countertops, sleek faucets, a beautifully remodeled master shower, and the added convenience of comfort-height toilets. We continue with the addition of meticulously chosen light fixtures and five stylish ceiling fans, perfectly complementing the tiled flooring and upgraded upstairs baseboards. The kitchen, features refinished cabinets with new hardware, striking granite countertops, and a charming farm sink. Step outside to your own private Pebble Tec pool for endless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. Every room is spacious, separate living room and family room, 2 areas for dining + breakfast bar, granite counter tops and white cabinets, gas cook top, SS appliances. Charming light and bright bay window breakfast nook Amazing walk -in pantry seems endless, with additional storage area. Handy sink in laundry room. So much storage everywhere in this home, with closet after closet, including in loft, and large nicely finished expanded storage closet with light, under the stairs. Sparkling pool makes for at home entertainment and relaxing, easy maintenance back yard with grapefruit and orange trees, and recently replaced drip lines. solar panels for energy savings! So much more!

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1698 N San Gabriel Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$569,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,079 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6748521

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is it! HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! NICELY REMODELED HOME WITH A POOL AND SPA and HEATED AND COOLED 1300 SQ FT WORKHOP in desirable Ranchos Carmela. This split floorplan home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bath, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Formal Dining Room, Breakfast Nook, NEW HVAC and a beautifully updated kitchen. Featuring NEW Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, elegant Quartz countertops and Kitchen Island. Spacious outdoor entertainment area includes a solar heated pool and spa, complete with an automated pool cover and new water filter. This home also features a 10x16 storage shed, an access to a half bath from the pool and a 36x36 workshop, insulated from top to bottom and heated and cooled! Formal dining room can be easily converted into a 4th BR. FEATURES LIST ON PHOTOS

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27413 N 23rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719855

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! This single story home is located in the most sought ever popular Norterra Dynamite Mountain Ranch! Move in ready 3 bedrooms with a sizeable den, 2 bath and 2 car garage. Cozy front porch. Impressive entrance with Vaulted ceiling. Updated wood tile like flooring and newly installed carpet and paint. Center Kitchen island. Freestanding Stainless steel stove, so is the microwave. Neutral kitchen Backsplash to include the tech area. Spacious pantry. Master's bedroom with wide walk-in closet. Large Covered patio. Close to Shopping, Restaurants and Entertainment, and TSMC. Minutes to I-17. A MUST SEE!!!

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11514 E Kiowa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758282

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home offers the ultimate in comfort! Upgraded with attention given to every detail. The home offers a North/South exposure. The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers you a split bedroom design for the ultimate privacy for your guests. The 3rd bedroom is currently being used as a den and is adjacent to the Arizona/hobby room/studio which opens to the back yard. The remodeled kitchen offers alder cabinets, granite counter tops custom lighting and pull out drawers in both the kitchen & the pantry. Large laundry room offers a sink and the washer and dryer. The master bath has been upgraded with a custom walk-in shower with dual shower heads, double grab safety bars, double sinks, two large closets & separate commode room. Three car garage w/mini-split a/c!! This is a very nice home!!! There is a water softener, water distiller, plus a three car garage with epoxied flooring, mini split a/c system and abundant storage and shelving. Outside there is a concrete pad, storage shed, citrus, artificial grass, which is north facing for the best year round exposure. Sunland Springs Village is the east valley's PREMIER Adult Community!! This is an incredible home!!

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2856 N 71st Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,478 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Location! A charming home situated in the Heart of Scottsdale! Close to Old Town, Tempe, shopping, dining, & entertainment. NO HOA! This preferred, split, Great Room floor plan shows very light & bright and exudes a cool vibe. The crown molding is a nice accent! Perfect for entertaining or Family/Friend time. A Guest Bedroom offers a separate entrance. The updated Kitchen features a gas stove, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, and a skylight. French doors lead to a large screened in Arizona Room/Patio. The Primary Bedroom is sizable and offers a walk-in closet. French doors provide an escape to a quaint Private Patio. The Primary Bath boasts a beautiful tiled walk-in shower. NEWER A/C! NO CARPET HERE, just lovely wood-look plank tile floors throughout. Relax in the spacious, private Backyard with mature shade trees & Mountain views. This home is move-in ready and a must-see!

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