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

20883 E Cattle Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742557

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will not be disappointed the moment you walk into this 4BR, 3BA, 2CG located in a well developed Queen Creek area. Very spacious with high high ceiling. Large kitchen with high end upgrades such as granite counter, gourmet kitchen, gas cook top, 42 inch upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting. neutral ceramic tile flooring thru out the house. The open floor plan of the family room, kitchen & dining area will give you plenty of room to entertain all of your guests. Large laundry area. Epoxy flooring in Garage and Paver drive-way. Desert landscaping in the front for low maintenance and a beautiful backyard with covered patio for your relaxing and entertainment after long day work, paver, fake grass, with no house in the back. EZ access to freeway. Close to school

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8143 W Salter Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,465 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Freshly painted Ext/Int 5BR, 3BA, 3CG located in well developed Fletcher Heights neighborhood, new stainless steel stove and dishwasher. Very bright and spacious floor plan with high ceiling. Spacious kitchen over look the family room. Laminate flooring thru out the house. Ceiling fan in every room for your comfort. Low maintenance front with desert landscaping. Large backyard with a swimming pool for your family enjoyment in the summer time, low maintenance desert landscaping with artificial grass . Formal dining and living room. Very large Owner bedroom with double sink, separate tub and shower and a large walking closet. Close to shopping, schools, park, restaurant and easy access to loop 101

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4925 W Buffalo Street Chandler, AZ 85226

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,802 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770215

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love to own this incredible 4-bedroom, 2 bath property, now for sale! Charming curb appeal with a low-care front yard and a 2-car garage. The interior features spacious formal living areas perfect for hosting and entertaining. Vaulted ceilings, soothing paint, kitchen is complete with SS appliances, ample counter space, Island and handy pantry. Primary bedroom features a full ensuite, separate tub and shower and a walk-in closet. The backyard invites you to relax and have fun with its covered patio and a fenced pool. Roof is 4 years old and AC unit only 2 years old. Awesome location! Less than a mile away from Intel. Surrounded by shopping, dinning and entertaining. No HOA on this gem! Hurry, this home won't last long

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6012 E Vernon Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,860 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770543

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step outside to panoramic views of the Papago Mountains from your front courtyard and Camelback Mountain as the perfect backdrop from your private back patio. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers privacy along a lush greenbelt and features a BRAND NEW ROOF with all new plywood decking ($44k), w/warranty, and the A/C unit has been replaced so you can chill out. Enjoy an oversized patio and yard, a wood-burning fireplace, and access to a hillside pool. Similar remodeled homes have sold for $800,000—this one is full of potential. Located minutes from Old Town, Tempe, ASU, SkySong, and the airport, it's a hidden gem in the heart of the city.

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16733 E Duane Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773011

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your perfect retreat in the serene Rio Verde Foothills! This stunning home offers mountain views and the freedom of no HOA. The open floor plan features a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic wood-style tile flooring, adding warmth to every space. The expansive backyard, complete with an RV gate and power hookup, is a blank canvas for outdoor projects or relaxation. Customize the property to fit your lifestyle. Nestled in a peaceful location with access to nearby amenities, this home blends style, practicality, and tranquility. Have no worries as this great home is signed up with EPCOR! You won't want to miss this home!

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5428 N 188th Lane Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully appointed home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 3 car tandem garage situated on a premium corner lot with welcoming views of the nearby White Tanks. The well designed split floor plan offers maximum privacy with the primary bedroom separate from the 3 secondary bedrooms. Entire interior freshly painted and thoughtfully designed with wood-look tile, impressive light fixtures and plenty of natural light. Kitchen boasts a large island, stainless steel appliances, gas range, a beverage cooler, quartz counters and modern white cabinets. Step into the oversized low maintenance backyard to find a patio with a large grassy area perfect for entertaining or for kids to play.

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18194 N 59th Lane Glendale, AZ 85308

$560,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,336 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6693069

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA! Welcome home to this tri-level oasis with a private pool and no HOA. Nestled in the heart of North Glendale this home is on an oversized, cul-de-sac lot on the corner, this 4 bedroom 3 bathroom house has it all! Recently added RV gate allows you to store all your toys. The interior offers a tri-level experience with open living spaces for all your needs. There is a full bedroom and recently updated bathroom on the bottom level. In the kitchen you'll find an open concept with granite counter tops and plenty of storage. Step outside into your private backyard retreat and enjoy the sparkling pool perfect for the Arizona heat! Home is located conveniently near all your shopping and restaurant needs as well as close to major freeways. Come see this home before it's gone!

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1821 W Lacewood Place Phoenix, AZ 85045

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,904 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6703351

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll LOVE this beautiful 5-bed, 3-bath home in the peaceful Foothills Club West! Nestled adjacent to a common area, it displays a 2-car garage, well-manicured landscape, & cozy front porch. Welcoming interior features tons of natural light, designer paint, carpet & tile flooring t/out. Perfect for entertaining, this gem boasts a living & dining room combo and an inviting family room that opens to the kitchen! The impressive kitchen has SS appliances, granite counters, recessed lighting, a pantry, espresso cabinetry w/crown molding, and an island w/breakfast bar. Versatile loft upstairs! Large main bedroom features an ensuite dual sinks & a sit-down shower. Outback, you have a covered patio, artificial turf, & well-laid travertine & solar to save! Enjoy the mountain views surrounding it. Home also features leased solar that offsets on average 53% of their utility bill!

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17810 W Summit Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,381 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6722662

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!! Rare opportunity to own one of the few preserve lots in Estrella. Private setting with beautiful views, this premium lot (nearly 13,000 square feet) is a ''ONE OF A KIND''. Well kept home boasting 2381 square feet, 4 bedrooms & 2 baths is nestled by both lakes and all Estrella has to offer! Spacious kitchen opens to your family room with a fireplace & views of your incredible yard. An additional dining & living room or flex space for an office/ den. All the big ticket items have been done for you...NEWER ROOF, NEW PEBBLETEC POOL & TILE , NEW AC PLUS WINDOWS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. Outside enjoy the oversized lot with FANTASTIC VIEWS perfect for entertaining. A refreshing pool, gazebo, BBQ, planter boxes, covered patio & of course the preserve as your neighbor. Buyer to verify info

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706 W Curry Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,208 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6757486

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the sought-after Mission Valley neighborhood of Chandler! This spacious single-level home features a desirable split master bedroom floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile den perfect for an office or guest room. Sitting on an expansive lot, featuring lush, mature landscaping, creating a private oasis complete with a sparkling pool, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The 2.5 car garage provides ample space for storage or a workshop. With its prime location near top-rated schools, parks, and shopping, this home is perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience in a peaceful setting.

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1228 E Wesleyan Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,486 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6758491

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Prime Tempe Location! This stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with 2-car garage is just minutes from ASU and the freeways. The kitchen boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and seamlessly flows into the dining area. Enjoy the additional living space in the separate living room which opens to the backyard. Recently updated with new flooring installed in 2024, this home features a distinctive and modern look. The backyard is perfect for entertaining, with a covered patio, misting system and a refreshing diving pool. The property is situated among single-story homes, offering added privacy. New roof. No HOA. Come see it today!

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6850 N 15th Place Phoenix, AZ 85014

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710157

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming 3-bed, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot with ample storage and an RV gate. The pride of ownership is evident as this home has been with the same family since it was built. Enjoy stunning mountain views from your front porch. Recent updates include a roof replacement just 2 years ago. Don't miss this opportunity!

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