Buying a Home This Summer? Use These Four Tips to Uncover Hidden Flaws and Issues

Buying a Home This Summer? Use These Four Tips to Uncover Hidden Flaws and IssuesIn a hot market it’s easy to be blinded by the competition and succumb to the pressure to make an offer on a home before you’ve adequately assessed it. If you’re looking to buy a home this summer, use these four tips to uncover hidden flaws before you put your offer in.

1) Hire A Pro

One of the most reliable ways to identify potential and existing problems within a property is to hire a professional home inspector to evaluate it. Home inspectors are trained to find issues that the average person may overlook, which can save you from putting in an offer on a money pit.

2) Do It Yourself

If you can’t afford to hire a home inspector, conduct a thorough home evaluation yourself. Ensure that the roof doesn’t have any significant damage or leaks, check window caulking for holes, and scan the basement thoroughly for asbestos and black mold.

Within the house, pay special attention to the bathrooms for leaks around the tubs, showers, and toilets, as this may indicate leaky pipes which can be a costly fix. Likewise, check underneath the kitchen sink and around appliances for leaks, which may also be a sign of a more expensive fix.

Even if you’ve hired a home inspector, always inspect the home yourself to the best of your ability. The more sets of eyes that look over the property the better, and you may find small problems that aren’t considered huge deficiencies to an inspector but may be deal breakers for you, such as peeling paint or cracked tile.

3) Seek Strata Minutes

If the home you are looking at is a condo, ask for copies of the strata minutes. Strata minutes serve as a record of any past issues that the building has had and will include notes on any upcoming costs that are already identified. Take these into consideration when estimating your condo fees and the value of the property.

4) Hire Help

Real estate agents can not only take a lot off of your plate when it comes to buying a home, but they also possess specialized knowledge and experience in uncovering flaws in homes. They know what to look for!

A real estate agent will take care of the property research for you, sifting through past strata notes or pointing out any deficiencies that they can identify when you are considering a home. With a trained professional on your team, you are more likely to find issues that could devalue the property.

Ready to find a home that’s fit for you? Get in contact with me today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

6901 E Restin Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$5,299,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
7,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6708852
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's ALL ABOUT THE VIEWS - The best views in Carefree! Look out over the valley and see The Boulders golf course, Pinnacle Peak and all of the McDowell Mountains and the city lights are unparalleled! Sitting on a 2.5-acre lot this completely remodeled home boasts a large great room with glass walls, an incredible view of the outdoor living space and beyond, a dream kitchen with a wide-open view of the valley. The fresh clean lines give this home a modern look and feel and beautifully landscaped this move-in ready home is ready for you inside and out. With 10 ceiling heaters and a meandering stream, the outdoor patio living-space is a delight in the winter and summer. Featuring stone and wood floors, gas fireplaces inside and out, recessed lighting. This home is an absolute must see!

37200 N School House Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$5,295,400
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,503 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6634118
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
'Pre Construction Offering, a signature 'Mountainside Gated Enclave' of Contemporary Estate Residences by Mosaic Luxury Homes. Pure privacy, nestled into the upslope of Black Mountain at over 2500 elevation, this 4503 sq. ft. Desert Modern Home is architecturally stunning and features over 3200 sq. ft. main level living. Fabulous Great Room with expansive covered veranda, temp controlled glass enclosed wine room, luxurious Owner's Suite, elevator lift and the most incredible 270 degree views. The lower level Guest Home has separate entrance, kitchen living room, large Jr. Suite and charming private patio. Mosaic Luxury Homes offers elegant owners suites, chef inspired kitchens, designer garages, resort outdoor living and superior design and craftsmanship.

9877 E Miramonte Drive Unit 280 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,250,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
5,750 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753464
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Desert Mountain contemporary home on a terrific lot. Built by leading luxury home builder - Black Stone Custom Homes, this gem is located in the 2nd closest village to the front gate of the Desert Mountain community and an easy walk to the brand new Renegade Clubhouse and practice park. Less than one-year new, this home offers a great room floor plan, 5 suites, one of which is a detached casita, outstanding outdoor living space with two fireplaces, fire feature, 7 outdoor Infrateck ceiling heaters and 3.5 car air conditioned garage. Built with outdoor living in mind and to capture the Continental Mountains and sunset views, the retractable walls of glass allow the outdoors in. Some of the updated features include: 1) Crestron automation system throughout the entire home controlling music and lighting, 2) upgraded Awake windows featuring larger glass size, thinner profiles, heavy duty rollers for easy retractable open and close, enhanced R values, 3) entire home water purifying system, 4) additional full size refrigerator in pantry, 4) DCS 48 Evolution Built in Grill, and 5) automated shades throughout the home. This home was designed by one of the leading home designers in Desert Mountain - Graffin Design. See Document tab for Update list

13330 E Jomax Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,250,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,764 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754006
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this prime, 20 acre desert location near Scottsdale's iconic landmarks. Located directly adjacent to the McDowell Mountain Preserve and at the end of a paved, dead end road, you will find this stunning, pristine lot covered with the boulders that make the McDowell mountain park region unique. These formations are part of the broader landscape of the Sonoran Desert, which is known for its dramatic geological features. The combination of the desert environment with these ancient, weathered granite boulders creates a unique ecosystem and visual experience. The proximity to McDowell Mountain Park means that outdoor enthusiasts have direct access to miles of non motorized trails for hiking, biking, and trail riding right from their doorstep. At the heart of this exquisite parcel is a 4,700 square-foot custom home designed to complement the surrounding environment. The home features expansive windows and doors in every room to the outdoor living spaces that takes full advantage of the breathtaking 360' views of the Four Peaks, Granite Mountian, McDowell Mountain Range and the surrounding desert landscape. The architecture includes elements like stone and wood, harmonizing with the natural terrain. The master bedroom, complete with its own fireplace, has its own exit to the pool and spa which overlooks Tom's Thumb while the guest room and attached casita open to the north patio to take in the views of granite mountain. Views are amazing from EVERY room. The great room, chefs kitchen and custom wet bar ensure plenty of space for entertaining or just enjoying the cozy fireplace. Additionally the large and fully equipped attached casita is perfect for family or out of town guests with their own access to enjoy your time with them but allows everyone their own space. Head outside to find the 12 stall mare motel with 60' runs, lights and automatic waterers located right next to the 8 horse Priefert walker. Also noteworthy is the BRAND NEW, high producing well!! The arena is huge at 150 x 300 with new footing and plenty of parking for trailers if your friends come over to rope, trail ride or just hang out. This area is surrounded by upscale communities, with nearby luxury homes and ranch estates that take full advantage of the natural beauty and privacy the desert offers. While the setting provides a peaceful retreat, the property remains conveniently located just minutes away from world-class golf courses like Troon North, Desert Mountain, and Estancia and is just a short drive from Scottsdale's fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions, ensuring that convenience meets tranquility in this desert oasis.

8300 E Dixileta Drive Unit 263 Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$5,250,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772092
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! This remarkable property features the largest lots in Sincudados, with an adjacent acre available for building another home, RV garage, or pickleball court. Perched 600 feet up Lone Mountain on 3.4 acres, this organic Pueblo-style home was designed by architect and Master of the Southwest, Lee Hutchison. The custom home radiates warmth and Southwest charm with its polished concrete floors, viga accent beams, and adobe brick walls. The expansive great room flows seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen, featuring top-of-the-line appliances, including a Viking Professional 6-burner range, a stunning 24K gold farm sink, and hand-painted tile accents. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, complete with separate his and hers areas, a gas fireplace, and electric blinds for added privacy. The spa-like bath boasts a jacuzzi soaking tub with mountain views and a custom tile steam shower...With eight gas fireplaces throughout, the home ensures warmth and comfort in every space. A detached casita offers ultimate privacy for guests while providing expansive city light views. Step outside to discover an outdoor oasis featuring a heated infinity edge pool with a dark pebble finish, a heated jetted spa, and multiple covered flagstone patios. An outdoor kitchen equipped with a Viking BBQ completes this entertaining paradise. The oversized four-car garage includes new epoxy flooring and built-in cabinets, providing ample storage and functionality. Nestled in the vibrant community of Sincuidados, residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including pickleball, tennis, and wine tastings. This exceptional property combines luxury, space, and stunning views, don't miss your chance to make it your own!

10801 E Happy Valley Road Unit 132 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,250,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
7,060 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772486
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is an architectural gem with a truly timeless feel, on the market for the first time since winning the Arizona Home of the Year / Honor Award in 2001. Designed by the renowned architect Gordon Rogers, this estate embodies the best of organic contemporary architecture. This is a rare opportunity to own a masterpiece in the exclusive, guard-gated community of Glenn Moor at Troon Village. Known for creating homes that merge seamlessly with their natural surroundings, Rogers' vision is evident throughout this property, which has been thoughtfully updated by its current owners while preserving its original design integrity. The estate's layout is divided by a natural arroyo, which created the perfect design opportunity to connect the guest house on one side with the main... residence on the other, for an organic flow. The dramatic approach takes guests up broad concrete steps and across a bridge, culminating in a striking 9-foot-wide pivoting entry doora bold first impression. The main house offers 6,030 square feet of meticulously crafted living space, with an additional 1,030 square feet in the detached guest house, bringing the total to 7,060 square feet. Inside, the great room stuns with a soaring ceiling with beautiful tongue and groove wood, supported by four concrete columns and two sculptural steel fins, and is framed by high clerestory glass walls that capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The floating roof, with its cantilevered ends, mirrors the curves of the land and the infinity-edge pool, both of which reflect the natural topography. Hand selected from the quarry, the Utah sandstone found throughout the home blends harmoniously with the desert landscape. The same stone is used for both walls and floors, creating a seamless flow from the interior to the outdoor spaces. A real once-in-a-lifetime estate that truly encompasses architectural feats known only to select residences. Offering a perfect blend of cutting-edge architecture, natural beauty, and modern upgrades, this home is designed for the discerning buyer seeking a uniqueness rarely made available. Most furnishings and accessories available by separate bill of sale.

10284 E Running Deer Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,250,000
4 Beds
6 Baths
6,219 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774364
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning newly built home situated on Troon North Golf course in Estancia. With views of Pinnacle Peak out the front and golf course and mountain views in the back this contemporary home is truly Arizona resort living. Completed in 2020, this single level has an inviting open floor plan. The great room opens up to the perfect indoor/outdoor space with disappearing wall of glass overlooking the pool/spa, outdoor kitchen , dual fire-pits and multiple patio seating areas. all overlooking the golf course ! Inside the chef's kitchen has top of line appliances including walk in butler's pantry with refrigerator , and huge oversized island with double-sided cabinetry. The primary suite has it's own patio and separate exercise room and a redesigned closet of your dreams.

6001 N 44th Street Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,250,000
6 Beds
8 Baths
7,966 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775549
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on over an acre of prime real estate, this extraordinary 7,966 SF custom estate offers breathtaking Camelback Mountain views, framed by walls of retractable glass that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Designed for both grand entertaining and intimate living, this 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom estate includes a 580 SF attached guesthouse, perfect for multigenerational living or a private space for guests, a nanny, or live-in aide. The guesthouse features a kitchenette, full bath, and spacious closet.The private owner's wing is a sanctuary with a sitting area, fireplace, fitness room or secondary office, and direct access to the backyard. The master bath boasts double sinks, a Jacuzzi tub, his-and-her closets, and separate toilet rooms. An entertainer's dream, the estate offers a professional-grade catering kitchen, multiple recreation spaces, and a state-of-the-art theater. Outdoors, a resort-style oasis awaits with a view deck, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, grassy play area, and stunning Camelback views.This rare estate combines luxury, functionality, and unparalleled scenery, making it one of the most coveted properties in the Valley. Other key features include: - High ceilings for a bright, spacious and airy feel. - Motorized sliding doors for seamless indoor-outdoor living. -Custom lighting throughout, including a 250 lb. chandelier at the front entry. -Two family rooms so there are separate entertaining spaces for kids/guests and adults. -Hand painted ceilings and walls

5014 E Desert Park Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,250,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,780 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777608
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Situated behind a canopy of mature trees awaits a serene private mountain view home in the heart of Paradise Valley artfully reimagined in 2022. This Jewel Box Smart Home speaks to those who appreciate quiet luxury with exquisite finishes including Italian finished cabinetry, Italian porcelain and French White Oak flooring, quartzite stone counters, Miele Appliances, and marble spa baths. The open floor plan offers high ceilings ushering light through glass walls and floor to ceiling Pella windows bringing the outdoors in. Entertain seamlessly from the private front courtyard, to a lounge with a stunning bar and wine cellar, into the great room and opening onto a beautiful backyard entertaining space with grill, pizza oven, pool. No detail was left unattended in this like new property.

6921 N Joshua Tree Court Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,250,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
4,927 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785024
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience luxury living in this brand-new contemporary home in Azure. Designed with expansive open spaces, stacking door systems, and rich hardwood flooring, this home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen features premium Gaggenau appliances, a large island, loads of storage and gas cooking, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Primary suite is large, with stacking doors to the backyard, a large bath with quartz counters, separate tub and shower and a huge closet. Entertain in style with a media room and chic bar. The separate guest house is fantastic. Outside is a private oasis with a heated pool, spa, and fire feature. Complete with a 3-car garage, this home offers a lifestyle of sophistication and modern flair perfectly situated in Paradise Valley.

10261 E De La O Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,200,000
5 Beds
6 Baths
5,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761171
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Extraordinary opportunity to skip the wait to build. Just completed Farmhouse Contemporary in the extraordinary private-gated community of Camelot's Skye View w only 21 award winning homes. World class views of Pinnacle Peak & the McDowells in the heart of North Scottsdale's most iconic golf communities. The stunning interior offers wall to wall French Oak floors, Great room with fireplace, Gated courtyard, Separate casita + seamless indoor-outdoor living. The award winning design has a south facing backyard nestled under the majestic McDowell Mountains and tucked into the back of the community offering peace and tranquility. Perfect outdoor living w 2 large sliding doors that open seamlessly onto the courtyard and backyard with generous patios and living spaces. Entertaining perfection is complete with pool, spa and fresh landscaping. Just minutes from Scottsdale's best dining, shopping, hiking, recreation.

4450 E Green Reservoir Road Eloy, AZ 85131

$5,200,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729530
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL TREE LINED ±360 ACRE FARM with AMAZING MOUNTAIN VIEWS, EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES & MULTIPLE HOMES! Currently growing alfalfa & offering farm hand housing, cotton gin building, hay barns, over 50 RV hook ups, over 30 pens, ±30 covered horse stalls, corals, an arena, fenced pastures & riding trails. All the infrastructure was thoughtfully designed to host rodeos & board horses. The main residence has a split great room floor plan with vaulted ceilings, large kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, family room with fireplace, office with separate entrance & full length covered porches. The second residence has been recently renovated with rustic charm & boasts 3 bedrooms with wrap around covered patios.. CAIDD provides water for ±316 farmable irrigated acreage. Owned well sustains 40 acres.

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