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

8320 E Paloma Avenue Mesa, AZ 85207

$560,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,246 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781572

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen cabinets and quartz countertops. Super luxury 7 x 22 plank tile flooring. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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5030 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,490

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776913

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new energy efficient home! This plan is where perfect blend of functionality and elegance comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, ensuring room for everyone! A standout features of the Avery is a private bath in one of the bedrooms that could be used for an in-law. The heart of the home is the kitchen, where the island takes center stage, as a practical social hub where family and friends can gather. The kitchen boasts White shaker style cabinets, granite counter tops and a generous amount of tile that overlooks the great room, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each of our spray foam insulated homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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12308 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$560,378

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,238 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782961

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy oversized living spaces and abundant energy efficient windows in this 3-bedroom 2.5-bathroom home that boasts 10 foot ceilings, 8 foot interior doors and a 3 car garage. Designer finishes throughout make this home as beautiful as it is functional. The gourmet kitchen features an oversized island, upgraded countertops and cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances. You will love the finishes throughout the home including designer selected tile flooring, upgraded carpet and pad in all bedrooms and gorgeous backsplash in the kitchen and Owner's Bath. Find time for yourself in your huge Owner's Retreat with a large bathroom featuring a Super Shower with tile surrounds and oversized walk in closet. This home also boasts a large covered patio and oversized backyard; 2X6 CONSTRUCTION

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13342 N 173rd Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,774 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783711

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fabulous home in the growing Aria Ranch at Surprise! This two-story residence is in like-new condition, showcasing a great curb appeal with a desert landscape & a 3 car tandem garage. The functional interior boasts soft paint, wood-look tile flooring, a den, a formal dining room, and a living room open to the kitchen for easy entertaining. This open layout is made bright & airy by tall ceilings that promote a sleek design & a modern feel! The immaculate white kitchen features shaker cabinetry with crown moulding, herringbone subway tile backsplash, quartz counters, SS appliances, gas cooktop, and an island with breakfast bar. You'll also find a walk-in pantry & a mud room. Plush carpet throughout the second floor. The loft is perfect for a secondary family room, come see it today!!! The large owner's suite hosts a pristine ensuite with an oversized dual vanity, a tiled shower, and a bountiful walk-in closet. The expansive backyard offers a covered patio & endless potential to be customized. Close to shopping, major roads, and easy access to Loop 303. Hurry to see, this beauty will sell fast!

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15775 E Us 60 Highway Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$560,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6559727

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for horse property that is fenced with covered stalls and an arena already to go? This property has just that. There are 3 parcels being sold as one that equals just over 4 acres, includes access road. The home was built in 1954, it has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The back entrance has a covered patio area. There are several out-buildings on the property including a tack room, tool shop, outdoor bbq area, and trailer home. The property backs up to State Trust Land, saddle up your horses and ride for miles. There is a well on the property currently serving the property to the north, but the line has a separate shut off. Pinal County shows the address in Apache Junction - but the property is east of Gold Canyon on US 60. Buyer to verify all facts and information important to them.

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17470 E Hiding Horse Lane Dewey, AZ 86327

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6624342

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Privacy Parcel and a Very Well Built Brand New sitebuilt House on Over 2 Pristine Acres! Awesome Granite Kitchen! House is Stucco with the Color throughout. Acres of Room for Your Big Shop or RV Garage! Primary Bedroom Fits King Bed! Primary Bathroom has Dual Sink/luxury Vanity, Dual Medicine Cabinets, and Primary bathroom connects to the Walk in Closet. Primary Shower is Walk-In and Tiled Floor to Ceiling (Desirable Pebble Shower Floor) w/ Glass Shower Doors Shampoo Shelf and Window all wrapped in tile! House and Even the Entire Over Sized 2 Car Garage is Spray Foam(a high Insulation Factor/Superb R-Value) . Big Slider to the Massive Exterior Covered Concrete Porch Features a Designer Pine Ceiling. Area for BBQ and Outdoor Living with Great Temps here! State Land Near By! This is It!!!

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4833 W Dublin Court Chandler, AZ 85226

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,860 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763069

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic location for this cozy 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the heart of Chandler! The spacious formal living and dining greet you upon entry and the kitchen is conveniently open to the family room with the breakfast nook overlooking the sparking pool in the back yard. A cute powder room and the laundry room complete the downstairs living. Upstairs you will find a nicely appointed primary suite at the back of the home complete with a luxurious primary bath, including separate vanities, potty closet and generously sized walk in closet. Three more bedrooms and a wonderful secondary bathroom with a tub/shower combo round out this thoughtfully designed abode ! Come see your next home today!

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7832 E Osage Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious family home features four large bedrooms and two bathrooms within 2,313 square feet, including a front living room and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen. The eat-in kitchen boasts ample oak cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, a center island, and a sizable walk-in pantry. Sliding doors open to the covered patio and expansive backyard, which includes a private pool and the privacy of no neighbors behind. The generous primary bedroom offers a double door entry, a private backyard exit, and an en-suite bathroom with a dual sink vanity and a shower. Additional highlights include tile and laminate floors, vaulted ceilings, water softening and reverse osmosis systems, and a two-car garage with cabinets.

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3240 W Black Oak Loop Show Low, AZ 85901

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677802

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Move in ready, lock and leave golf villa in Torreon now on the market. This villa provides 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, detached 1 car garage and views of the tremendous tall pines that surround the villa for privacy. Upon walking in you'll love the simplicity of the décor and the cozy feel in the atmosphere. Open/split floor plan offers a spacious and private space for friends and family to enjoy. The covered deck and patio add the perfect areas for relaxing and taking in the fresh mountain air. This one of a kind villa needs to be on your list as it won't last long.

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15035 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Estrella Mountain at Vidrio by Landsea. This High Performance Home offers breathtaking mountain views and a chef's kitchen with endless counter space, walk-in pantry, 42'' Dusk shaker cabinets, hexagon backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white quartz countertops. With 9ft ceilings and plenty of windows, the home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Modern design touches and the latest in-home technology ensure a stylish and efficient living experience. Don't miss out - this gem won't be on the market for long!

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33376 N Jamie Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,251 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766205

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-story home in a vibrant community offering breathtaking mountain views! With 3,251 sq. ft. of expansive living space, this home features a den, loft, and plenty of room for everyone. The airy and bright interior boasts tall ceilings, neutral paint, and huge low-e dual-pane windows that flood the space with natural light. The upstairs primary suite includes a full bathroom. The kitchen features granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, a kitchen island, formal dining space, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered patio, is perfect for unwinding as you overlook the sparkling saltwater heated pool, grassy backyard and stunning mountain scenery. The community offers fantastic amenities, including a playground, clubhouse, pool, and more

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22459 E Calle De Flores -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Perfectly situated in the highly sought after family friendly community of Meridian in Queen Creek, you'll find this stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath home which boasts luxurious upgrades and amenities. This home features an open layout, perfect for entertaining, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light streaming in from the three sliding glass doors leading in the beautiful backyard with your own pool, citrus trees, & view fence, with no neighbors directly behind! Inside, enjoy the gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk in pantry and convenient island/breakfast bar. The primary suite features upgraded bathroom with a walk in shower and a comfortable soaking tub. The remaining bedrooms are spacious and inviting with a shared bathroom

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