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

In 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

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

22408 N Las Vegas Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$559,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,033 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745215

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step inside this beautifully updated 2-bedroom plus a den, home in the sought-after Sun City West community. Freshly painted throughout & featuring brand-new wood-look tile flooring in the main living areas. The kitchen is showcasing sleek quartz countertops, white wood shaker cabinetry, chic shiplap backsplash & stainless steel appliances. The primary suite is boasting a generous walk-in closet & plush new carpet. The bathroom features unique mosaic tile, a black vanity, & a quartz countertop, creating a sophisticated & spa-like environment. The spacious 2 car garage is equipped w/ ample storage cabinets. The backyard has a covered patio, ideal for relaxing & enjoying the beautiful desert landscaping that surrounds it. To top it all off, this home also features a brand-new roof & HVAC.

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10129 S 43rd Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$559,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,539 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752936

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom home in the gated community of Vaquero Estates with mountain views & breathtaking sunsets! Light & bright open concept floor plan features soaring ceilings, well-maintained tile flooring & carpeting in all the right places. The chef's kitchen boasts granite counters, an island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, reverse osmosis, & opens to the family room - ideal for entertaining. Primary retreat is split from guest bedrooms for ultimate privacy. Impressive bath has dual sinks, free standing tub, & walk in shower. Enjoy the AZ heat in your incredible backyard with a large covered patio (35' x 12'), turf, & mature landscaping. Also featured, a 2-car garage. You'll love this private community with an amazing central location minutes to schools, shopping, dining, & more!

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7032 S 38 Place Phoenix, AZ 85042

$559,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757238

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's an opportunity to live in the charming, gated golf course community of The Pines at the Raven. Breathtaking golf course & mountain views. This single level home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a desirable split floorplan, is located in a cul-de-sac backing to beautiful golf course. Chef's kitchen is open to the family room. Ceramic tile in the entire house. Fireplace in the great room and much more! Community Amenities Include Pool/Spa. Close to Restaurants, Shops, Golf, freeways and Airport,

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11520 E Kiva Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$559,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,993 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the highly desirable Adult Community of Sunland Spring Village, where your retirement home becomes a reality! Discover this gorgeous home, boasting stone accents, a desert front yard, a 2-car plus a golf cart garage, and an inviting front patio. The lovely interior impresses you with a spacious living/dining room, vaulted ceilings, designer paint, a kitchen hutch, and wood-look tile flooring. Kitchen is fully equipped with ample counter space, panel lighting, wood cabinetry, and a breakfast nook with a bay window. The primary retreat has tray ceilings, plush carpeting, an immaculate ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Attached workshop for your creativity! Unwind under the covered patio in the tranquil backyard with artificial turf and colorful vegetation. Act NOW!!

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21955 S 219th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,429 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6696421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

$35,000 UNDER APPRAISED VALUE. Oversized private lot. Come see this well-maintained original owner home in Crismon Heights that sits on a premium oversized homesite with no backyard neighbors! This floor plan offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths in 2429 SqFt with an open great room layout. The kitchen features staggered white cabinets with crown molding and a built-in desk, granite counters, tile backsplash, stainless appliances including a gas range with double ovens, a walk-in pantry, an island with breakfast bar, and a spacious dining area with new large picture windows overlooking the backyard. Glass French doors in the great room let in tons of natural light and lead out to the covered patio and beautifully landscaped backyard. The extensive paver patio provides lots of room for entertaining, and the backyard also has grass for kids and pets to play on, a tranquil fountain, and side yard with lemon and lime trees and a double gate. The primary bedroom has a charming window seat, and a private en-suite bath with dual sink vanity with granite countertop, separate tub & shower, and a big walk-in closet. Other features include a spacious laundry room with upper/lower cabinets & sink; tile, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring throughout (no carpet!), vaulted ceilings, and an oversized 3 car tandem garage with service door. Great location close to parks and trails within the community, and just a short bike ride to the upcoming Queen Creek Aquatic center opening soon!

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9812 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$559,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,472 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6752414

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 5 bedroom single level home is ready for new owners! With an oversized guest quarters/living space this property is perfect for multi generational living or an oversized office/game room. Equipped with NEW AC Units and a bright open floor plan you will love the layout of this well cared for home. The kitchen has a large island, tons of cabinet space and a large dining table for gathering. With a walk in pantry and oversized laundry there's plenty of room for storage. The oversized 3 car garage is air conditioned and has plenty of room for a workshop or gym. In the backyard you'll find a covered patio, garden with citrus and pomegranates, a water retention system and irrigation, as well as chicken coop! With quick freeway access you will love this location!

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20713 N 59th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

Open House

$559,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,854 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745509

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, well kept home conveniently located in the Tuscany Point neighborhood in Arrowhead Ranch. This home has mountain and lake views and sits near the golf course! The home has been updated over the years with too many upgrades to list! An open concept kitchen, grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wood like tile, and a newly remodeled master bathroom (2021) that includes a walk in shower and a free standing tub! The paved backyard has a sparkling play pool (resurfaced in 2020) with a waterfall and room to entertain! Owned soft water system (2023) and leased Solar panel with fixed rate! Lots of easy to maintain landscape and great neighborhood! Schedule a showing today!

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22510 E Via Las Brisas -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

$559,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,202 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775767

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage, tasteful brick accents, and a welcoming front porch. Has both an office and team room. Discover a spacious great room with high ceilings, Brand new carpet and paint throughout. Kitchen comes with granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry with crown molding, pendant/recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual meals. You'll also find a cozy den ideal for an office or lounge. The primary bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy outdoor moments in the quaint backyard, showcasing a covered patio, pristine artificial turf, and a refreshing pool.

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13029 W Campbell Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$559,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,779 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your beautiful 5 bedroom, 3-bathroom home awaits you in the sought after Wigwam Creek South neighborhood! The inviting courtyard is perfect for sitting outside on those cooler AZ nights. When entering the home, you walk into the formal living room & dining room great for holiday gatherings. Step inside to an open-concept layout, where a bright great room flows into a lovely kitchen with stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinets, Corian countertops, an island perfect for entertaining & porcelain sink with window above looking out to the backyard. The bedroom downstairs with a full bath is perfect for guests. The laundry room is downstairs with cabinets & attached countertop space. Going up the beautiful wood banister stairs you will find 4 more bedrooms including the owner's suite. The spacious owner's suite includes a living/sitting room, walk-in closet and an en-suite bath with a soaking tub and large walk-in shower with sitting area. Loft/landing area upstairs makes for a great desk station Outside, enjoy a landscaped backyard with a covered patio, grass and raised flower beds, ideal for relaxation. Bring your toys there is plenty of space with the RV gate and 3 car garage. This home is located near top-rated schools, freeways, parks, shopping & dining.

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9006 W Luke Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

$559,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,725 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777178

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEST HOUSE ON TOUR! Stunning, brand new on corner lot, lightly lived in, 4 bed/2 bath/2 car garage, fully furnished gem in the highly sought after StoneHaven community. Inside, feel the bright and welcoming atmosphere of the open concept, split floor plan. Everything in this house is brand new. Kitchen boasts a center island, granite countertops, deep/wide ss sink, gas stove, Frigidaire double doors top/freezer bottom refrig, W/I pantry, Whirlpool dishwasher and built in microwave. The LR has big screen TV, projector w/hide away screen and an electric fireplace. The primary suite has double sinks, granite countertops, W/I closet, W/I shower, private toilet and linen closets. Garage has a Nordic Track workout center, Echelon stationary bike, tankless Rheem hot water heater & is equipped w/EV charging plug. Full house sec syst included. Community offers a pool, walking/biking paths, parks, playgrounds etc. Minutes away from Westgate Entertainment Center, State Farm Stadium, shopping, restaurants etc.... This house is a must see; don't miss it. HAVE YOUR AGENT REACH OUT FOR INFORMATION ON $7500 IN PREFERRED LENDER CREDITS ON THIS HOME.

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7835 E Lakeview Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$559,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,946 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, check; Views, check! 2 bed/2 bath golf home with 2023 roof located a short walk to the restaurant, Pro Shop and community amenities. Watch the golfers on Hole No. 1, wind down the day with views of community ponds, or sip coffee as the sun rises over the Superstition Mtns. The original owners created unique customizations including custom wood valences over several windows, built-in Mahogany china hutch in formal dining room, Mahogany shelving surrounding the family room's electric fireplace, oak plank flooring with accents, plantation shutters, unique attic feature, extended garage and many more. As you enter from the extended north-facing covered patio and through the stained-glass windowed front door, you're greeted by a vaulted living room which gives access to the central formal dining room with striking views of the golf course. The kitchen, which provides plenty of counter & cabinet space, is brightened from the south-facing golf course window. Entertain for any occasion, whether it's BBQing in the backyard, unwinding at the high-top table overlooking golf course, casual meal at the eat-in kitchen area, or a beautiful dinner in the formal dining room. The spacious primary bedroom with south-facing windows provides space for a king bed & multiple dressers including the private bathroom featuring dual sink vanity, private room with marble walk-in shower and stool as well as extra-large walk-in closet. Visiting guests will appreciate the privacy of the guest bedroom split from the primary bedroom and the guest bathroom featuring tub/shower combo is right next door. Just off the kitchen is the spacious laundry room featuring cabinets and counterspace for home office, craft or sewing room. The south-facing back covered patio features beautiful golf course views as well as the community ponds with color changing lighted water fountains. The extended double garage features cabinets and closet. Make this home your own and start enjoying the benefits of living on SVE's beautiful golf course. The saying there is something for everyone is true in this 55+ amenity-packed community. The community also has a public golf course, restaurant, pickleball courts, tennis courts, state-of-the-art gym, beautiful woodshop, library, computer club, stitcher's room, two swimming pools and a lap pool, two hot-tubs and Clubs for all interest and hobbies.

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9660 S Centennial Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$559,490

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786636

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created. A copy of the public report can be found on the AZ Dept of Real Estate's website.

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