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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11490 N 162nd Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$554,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,695 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741317

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to finer living in this beautifully appointed Shea Home. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3 car garage. Equipped with a junior on-suite on the main floor for multigenerational living. Enjoy the well designed high end kitchen with KitchenAid appliances, white quartz countertops, and deluxe high end cabinetry. Formal living and family rooms along with a flex space provides ample space for comfortable living. The upstairs laundry room is convenient next to the large secondary bedrooms and guest bath. Let's not forget the huge owner's suite with super shower and large walk in closet. Fresh turf in the back with a large paver patio make this backyard complete and ready for those sweet backyard gatherings. Check out the mountain view and the convenience to Prasada Shopping!

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1225 E San Angelo Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$554,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736782

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream oasis in the heart of Gilbert with this stunning move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom POOL home, nestled in a serene neighborhood with NO HOA! Step inside and be greeted by a spacious living room, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and oversized windows that bathe the space in natural light. This highly sought-after floor plan boasts a welcoming great room, seamlessly connecting an open kitchen and a cozy family room adorned with a beautiful fireplace—perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Recent updates include fresh interior paint, meticulously manicured landscaping, essential roof repairs, a brand-new stainless steel dishwasher, and a revitalized pool that's been drained, acid-washed, and freshly filled. Don't miss this opportunity to live in a beautifully updated home that effortlessly blends comfort, style, and functionality. Come see it today and let your next chapter begin!

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2830 S Arroyo Court Chandler, AZ 85286

$554,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,833 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully upgraded Clemente Ranch single-level home with bright and open floor plan. Large corner lot home located in a quiet cul-de-sac with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. No carpet! Hardwood floor in rooms! Brand new Quartz counter in kitchen and bathrooms. Newly finished cabinets. Updated lighting. Open spacious kitchen with separate formal and family room. Spacious backyard has an RV gate, extended driveway, covered patio, flagstone, and pebble tec pool, and ample space for your garden and perfect for entertaining. It's close to Intel, Chandler Mall, Wells Fargo, freeways, Ocotillo Village, etc. Perfect family-friendly neighborhood for your client! Walking distance from 2 children's parks: Chuparusa and Dobson Park!

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6516 W Tonto Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$554,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,865 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724766

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Want a 4.25% - 4.99% interest rate? Seller to contribute to a 2-1 RATE BUY-DOWN! Only 5 mins from the new Phoenix Children's Hospital and 101 Fwy. This cute 3 bed/2 bath + den/office home has fresh interior neutral paint and new carpeting in all rooms, features vaulted ceilings, ample amount of cabinets for storage with tons of natural light! Island seating & an eat-in kitchen area for the open concept floorplan. Enjoy cozy evenings by the gas fireplace in the family room with plank wood flooring. Step outside to an extended covered patio overlooking a beautifully mature and tranquil landscaped backyard or enjoy the large front patio. A 2.5 car extended garage includes cabinets on both sides for plenty of storage and organization. Walking distance to Dos Lagos Park and water feature.

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7031 W Morrow Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$554,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759901

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 3-bedroom home with a blue pool in Arrowhead Ranch exudes charm and comfort! A grassy front yard, 2-car garage, brick veneer, and code entry box in the front door are just the beginning. Discover an open layout with all-new double-pane windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, sunny bay windows, and a two-way fireplace. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, plenty of honey oak cabinets, granite counters, and tile backsplash. The main bedroom features backyard access, a fireplace, and a lavish bathroom with a jetted tub, glass enclosure shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. In the backyard, you'll find a swimming pool with a heater and chiller, green grass, two covered patios, and a pool house with a/c. Plus, the roof is only 3 years old! You won't be disappointed!

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21279 E Alyssa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$554,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this 2240sf home is loaded w/ upgrades you're sure to love! New AC w/ 10yr warranty & mnt plan, H2O softener, rev osmosis system & spa-like master shower w/ 2 showerheads (hello luxury!). The spacious, open-concept living area flows into a cozy eat-in kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances & a formal dining area perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your backyard oasis w/ a lg covered patio, misting system (to keep those hot AZ days cool), lush greenery, various trees, a raised garden, twinkling outdoor lights & a cozy fire pit for making s'mores under the stars. An RV gate provides ample space for toys, the ext'd garage w/ finished floor offers xtra storage & a MyQ camera/remote for added convenience. Don't wait, this gem is priced to sell!

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10223 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$554,379

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this GORGEOUS 2024 home in the highly sought-after Medley at Avalon Crossing! Over $83k in UPGRADES! This FANTASTIC home combines modern elegance + thoughtful living spaces! GOURMET kitchen features quartz countertops + Whirlpool stainless appliance suite! The great room is perfect for entertaining, while the upstairs loft offers additional living space. Private primary suite w/ensuite bath! Balcony! Situated in a BEAUTIFUL community, residents can take advantage of wonderful amenities including a heated pool, playgrounds, bocce ball courts, and scenic walking paths lined with trees. Perfectly designed for modern living, this home offers luxury, comfort, and community all in one! WELCOME HOME!

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225 E Mclellan Road Mesa, AZ 85201

$554,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746273

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Do not miss this charming 3-bedroom 2 bath upgraded home. This is one of the best lots in the sub-division. Wonderful corner lot with greenbelt across the street. Your entry leads to a spacious great room with 10-foot ceilings and windows looking out to your resort style backyard. The kitchen has been highly upgraded with beautiful cabinets, massive island and quartz counters. Enjoy a breakfast room as well as a large breakfast bar. Your master suite has a walk-in shower, dble vanity, water closet and a large walk-in closet. Both secondary bedrooms are good sized and share a bathroom. Large backyard with a sparkling Pebble Tech pool and lots of privacy from this corner lot. Whole house filtration system and solar. Custom Wood Blinds Throughout.

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36131 N Desert Tea Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$554,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758359

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

With over $140K in upgrades, this ''Lock and Leave'' home is situated in Encanterra Country Club.. The low-maintenance landscaping is fully handled, allowing you to relax outdoors by the gas firepit and enjoy the soothing sounds of the fountain. The home is light and bright w the primary suite and bedroom 2 downstairs. Custom California Closets and tons of storage space. The second floor offers a separate TV room/loft spacious office, and a third bedroom with a full bathroom. The garage is equipped with a workbench, and features a tankless water heater with a recirculation pump for instant hot water. The backyard is fully fenced and this home is steps away from both clubhouses. Book your tour today and start living the Encanterra life in 2024!

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15016 W Monterey Way Goodyear, AZ 85395

$554,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,104 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765917

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS IS THE ONE! Light & bright Milano model on quiet N/S facing lot w/oversized golf cart garage & expanded covered patio -- perfect for all your entertaining needs. Primary Bedroom, Family Room, Guest Bedroom & Main Garage have ALL been EXTENDED 4-ft at build! Home is move-in ready w/refreshed white cabinetry, complete interior/ exterior painted (2024), & full new roof (2024). Additional updates include new carpet in bedrooms (2024), new light fixtures (2024), & new stainless appliances (2024). Home also features split bed floor plan for guest privacy, vaulted ceilings, intimate front courtyard, separate office/den, formal dining/living room or flex space & large laundry room w/view window. Add this one to your MUST SEE list & start enjoying the incredible PebbleCreek lifestyle today!

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362 Ancora Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$554,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,614 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775129

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Within the highly desirable Old Litchfield Park you will find this tastefully updated 3 bedroom 2 bath home with Pool and No HOA. Upon arrival you will notice the block construction, mature shade trees and large patio/seating area. At entry the vaulted ceilings, wood plank style floor tile and sunlight shining through upgraded dual pane windows with real wood plantation shutters will invite you in. Remodeled kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink and backyard pool view. Owner's suite includes walk-in closet, built in vanity and large slider door with direct backyard access. Other interior features include multiple living areas, neutral paint throughout and inside laundry. Outback you will find a desert oasis ready for relaxation and... entertainment with newly resurfaced pool, refinished cool decking, covered patio, multiple seating areas and plenty of grass for pets or play. Other exterior features include storage shed, on roof solar and north/south exposure. Area features and activities in and around Old Litchfield Park include Wigwam Resort, golf, neighborhood lake, multiple parks with playgrounds, restaurants, tennis courts, basketball courts, library, community pool and recreation center.Welcome Home!

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5522 N 193rd Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$553,954

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,751 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW COMPLETED HOME! SELLER IS OFFERING BELOW MARKET FINANCING! Beautiful open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Flex Room & 2 car garage on an oversized lot. Ceilings are 10' and all interior Doors are 8'! Beautiful Kitchen with Staggered slate cabinets, Stainless Steel appliances w gas, Wood plank tile throughout the home except for the bedrooms. Beautiful Quartz counter tops in the kitchen, walk in tiled Shower in Master with separate his and her vanities. Guest rooms are large, and one has a walk-in closet. Wonderful flex room for that home office or den.

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