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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27280 S State Route 89 Highway Congress, AZ 85332

$550,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a versatile property with two parcels, totaling 1.13 acres. This unique offering features a vintage 2,735 sq ft home, once a charming restaurant. Inside, you'll find new flooring, beautiful wood-beamed ceilings, vintage posts, corbels, and period-style light fixtures, adding character to every corner. The property boasts two separate living quarters, and a guest studio making it perfect for multi-family living or rental opportunities. In addition, there's a spacious 2,100 sq ft detached metal building, ideal for vehicles, equipment, or storage. With a 30x70 ft garage door for easy access, this building offers endless possibilities. The property benefits from prime frontage on Hwy 89 and offers ample parking, making it perfect for a business venture or investment. While the main building has vintage charm and may need some TLC, it's brimming with potential. Whether you're looking for a rental income opportunity or a unique home, this property is full of possibilities!

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20034 N 273rd Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,478 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765303

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ENDEAVOR MODEL WITH A SPOOL ON A LARGE CORNER LOT! 2,478 sq. ft. of living space. 3 Bedroom, Flex Room, & 2.5 bath. Main living areas feature wood floors! Great Room fireplace, floor outlet, & SS speakers. Kitchen w\ Quartz counters, soft close drawers & cabinets, glide-out shelves, center island, large walk-in pantry, & R.O. system. Owners' Suite w\door to patio, power blinds, low threshold tiled shower w\glass door & seat, dual sinks, toilet room & large walk-in closet. 2 Guest bedrooms are adjoined by a Jack & Jill bathroom, w/a tiled shower & seat, perfect for guests! Hallway bath w/pedestal sink. Laundry room with sink. 4 ft Extended Garage with water softener & overhead storage. Private walled backyard w\ext Kool Deck & paver patio, spool w\water feature, roller shades & SS speaker

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2130 Remington Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,247 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764103

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bed, 2-bath home! This spacious home features a semi-open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. The home includes large energy efficient windows allowing plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and a center island, perfect for gatherings. The master suite offers a tranquil retreat including an en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. Step outside to your private oasis! Enjoy your own sparkling in-ground pool and spa, perfect for year-round fun. Relax under the covered patio which features two automated shades. The backyard includes low maintenance lush landscaping and lawn all completely irrigated.

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16222 N 161st Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Cul de sac home, updated from top to bottom, including the heated pool. On top of that, an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven! Backyard paradise with fruit trees, grape vines, hydroponic system and huge covered patio. Sunny kitchen eat-in kitchen is open to family/great room and has beautiful granite counters, island, an added coffee bar, lots of cabinets, counter space and pantry. Large living/dining room with flex space, a guest bedroom, full bath and laundry room round out the lower level. Upstairs, a large primary suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, separate tub and shower. Two ample bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath. Solar system with low monthly loan payment means low energy costs overall. Close to great shopping, dining, spring training and Loop 303. This home has everything!

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560 S 197th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence combines rustic charm with modern luxury. With captivating beamed ceilings and breathtaking mountain views, you'll experience tranquility just minutes from major retail areas. The four well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests, each with large windows that let in plenty of light The spacious gourmet kitchen features a high-end gas range and elegant tile floors. Cozy evenings await in the living room, where large windows flood the space with natural light. This home offers a paid off solar system and great savings. Step outside to a covered patio perfect for entertaining, complete with a gas fire pit for cozy nights. Golf enthusiasts will love the three mini putting greens.

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2423 E Pony Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.

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47435 N Meander Road New River, AZ 85087

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767323

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HORSE PROPERTY: This unique New River property offers 98% usable flat land and is one of the best horse properties in the area. Offering a 96x48 ft lasered sand TURNOUT with a 16 ft swing gate, a second TURNOUT 48x48, a 48x-16 shed row stall covered with water and fans, a 12x10 tack room with exterior power, water, and plenty of room for additional stalls. Bridle paths/recreational trails are just steps away. The property is a quarter mile from Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. Welcome to Country Living, just outside of the city limits. Fall in love with the interior Country-Western motif, with wood-like tile and high-end laminate flooring throughout. There is a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, a cozy kitchen with ample cabinets, counter space, a gas stove a beautiful copper farmhouse sink. 3 Large bedrooms w/walk-in closets, updated bathrooms and indoor laundry room offering tons of storage and a large sink. Covered back patio and a 32x15 cement patio, covered dog run that is snake and critter proof. 2 car garage with AC, Property is a quarter mile off of Asphalt with easy in and out access roads. NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE!!!

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11352 E Starkey Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,234 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769404

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 3 bedroom home presents wonderful curb appeal with paver walkway and meticulous landscaping and 2 car garage. Front room offers a formal living room and a seating area for relaxing. Great room layout encompasses the family room with gas fireplace, kitchen and dining area. Open chef's kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, pantry, tons of cabinet/counter space and a breakfast bar. Escape to the master suite featuring large window seat and walk-in close. Spa like master bathroom boasts dual vanities, large garden tub, tiled walk-in shower with a seat and a second walk-in closet. Step out back onto the extended covered, paver patio to enjoy the beautiful, tropical-like backyard featuring artificial grass and lush landscaping providing extra shade. A true oasis!

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11083 W Burnett Road Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,034 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**HUGE PRIVATE RESORT STYLE BACKYARD** WITH STUNNING **SALTWATER POOL** GAZEBO** THIS ONE HAS IT ALL** BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED** WOOD LOOK TILE FLOORING** UPGRADES EVERYWHERE** NEW APPLIANCES** GAS STOVE** NEW WINDOWS** NEW AC-2 years** PLANTATION SHUTTERS** WATER SOFTENER** MURPHY BED IN GUEST ROOM** NEWER WATER HEATER **GIGANTIC SUN ROOM WITH AC NOT INCLUDED IN SQ FOOTAGE **OWNED SOLAR MEANS NEXT TO NOTHING UTILITY BILLS**HIGHLY ACCLAIMED 55+ COMMUNITY **WITH 30 ACRES OF WINDING FULLY STOCKED LAKES** NON-MOTORIZED BOAT RECREATION **FOUR CLUBHOUSES **COMMUNITY POOLS **PLETHORA OF CLUBS AND GROUPS** SPORT COURTS **MOVE RIGHT IN AND LIVE THE LIFE YOU HAVE DREAMED!**

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18429 W Robin Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774539

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bed + den, 2.5 bath RV GARAGE home in Surprise's North Copper Canyon. The original owners upgraded just about everything, including extending the attached RV garage to 48 FEET! The designer kitchen includes upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an apron sink, a giant island with loads of storage, and a walk-in pantry! Wood-look tile floors flow throughout the open floor plan, with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The primary bathroom includes double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. RV garage is 48 feet long, 14' Tall Front door and includes a 10' garage door leading to the backyard. There is also an RV gate for additional toy parking! The backyard has a gorgeous fully covered pergola with cafe lights perfect for entertaining!

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2978 Glenview Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774663

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a beautifully remodeled home in Winterhaven that is totally handicap accessible to include zero entry, pocket doors, special shower with seat and high toilet, and tile floors throughout the home. The completely remodeled kitchen includes a counter with sink that raises and lowers by motor and makes the perfect prep station. You'll find all new tile floors, new windows, remodeled kitchen custom cherry cabinets and granite counters, along with high end appliances, automated window coverings, new HVAC, water treatment system, new tile roof and owned solar system. There's a water feature out back along with a covered patio, built in grill, astroturf for the puppies to play, established landscaping and an awesome view of both the golf course and Huachuca Mtns. This is a Beauty!

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2303 S 337th Avenue Tonopah, AZ 85354

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming Soon! A stunning, to-be-built home awaits! This brand-new 4 bed, 3 bath residence features not one but two master bedrooms and comes complete with an RV garage . Set on over an acre of horse property, this split-floor plan gem offers a perfect blend of modern upgrades and convenience, all just 7 minutes from the freeway. NO HOA.

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