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

16143 W Charlotte Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$555,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,160 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752054

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

his brand new Fulton home, known for its quality and stunning designs, is ready for move-in! Featuring over $75K in premium upgrades, this bright and spacious great room plan includes 3 bedrooms, a den, and 3 bathrooms. Enjoy 9' ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, and a custom backsplash. The split floor plan includes a large primary bedroom with a luxurious spa super shower in the primary bath, and elegant wood-look tile flooring throughout. Additional features include 2'' white blinds, ceiling fans, fully landscaped front and backyards, and a 3-car tandem garage. Situated in front of the park with a paver entry. his Energy Star certified home with Indoor airPLUS certification is conveniently close to the community pool, picnic area, tot lots, basketball and pickleball courts, and more. See Document for all upgrades.

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20712 W Medlock Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$555,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,882 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770305

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful David Weekley contemporary home in the only GATED community in Victory, Mountainside. This unique Pathfinder floorplan showcases this open-concept floorplan and this particular elevation has 12' ceiling in the great room, emphasized by more windows! You'll love the gorgeous & functional kitchen featuring a huge island, granite counters, plenty of cabinets. Stunning First Impressions entry door, neutral tile THROUGHOUT, immaculate condition. Generous master bedroom with spa-like ensuite bath & walk-in closet. Guest bedroom and separate den with French Doors and guest bath at front of house. This location in Mountainside is ideal - one side neighbor, facing green space & adjacent to guest parking. Mountainside has private pool & social area for residents. A great place to live!

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1205 W Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85013

$555,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

1,143 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770320

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Melrose! Completely remodeled by owner, this centrally located gem in Melrose district is walking distance to some of the top restaurants in Phoenix. Everything in this home has been meticulously thought out and upgraded by current owner. Beautiful tile through the entire home, large kitchen island and upgraded appliances including tankless water heater. Gated parking for multiple vehicles and rear rv gate for alley entry. Plenty of room in back yard for detached garage or ADU to be built. Bathroom has been completely re-done and boasts beautiful tile shower/tub and contemporary look. Covered back patio for entertaining and self watering landscaping. Owner will provide detailed list of upgrades. Great starter home or potential airbnb!

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2308 E Loyola Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$555,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,631 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781434

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom split floor plan home featuring a versatile office/den, wood and tile flooring, and a 2-car garage. Entertain effortlessly with a dedicated coffee/bar area complete with a mini fridge, wine rack, and wine fridge. The kitchen boasts a gas stove and recent updates include a new AC unit, newer water heater, and recently replaced main sewer/water line. Outdoors you can relax on the patio with a mount waiting for your TV and a charming planter area. Enjoy a private pool with a safety fence, and a shed for extra storage. Close proximity to ASU, shopping, and restaurants with quick access to the 101, it makes getting around so easy. Come take a look, this home has it all!

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1 E Lexington Avenue Unit 410 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$555,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,169 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783887

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Low Down Payment Seller Financing! Premier mid-town urban living! This corner unit enjoys spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and city center. Spacious floorplan boasts a well equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, sleek soft close cabinetry, Quartz counters, stylish back splash & convenient pantry. Espresso plank wood floors with neutral tile in kitchen & baths, and plush carpet in the bedrooms. Beautifully appointed primary suite w/shower, soaking tub, dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Split bedrooms for convenience. Washer/Dryer in the unit. Shades for privacy throughout. 2 covered parking spaces plus storage. Desirable community with gym & pool, several common spaces and rec room. Ideal location near light rail, Downtown, Midtown and Uptown businesses, activities, restaurants, cultural events, public transportation just outside your door. Available with Seller carry financing ONLY. 10% down 6.5% rate on 30 year amortization with 5 year balloon payment Credit qualified within verifiable adequate income and 650+ credit score

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1859 N Morris -- Mesa, AZ 85201

$555,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,627 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783437

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new home! This exceptional home has two large, professionally built additions and recent, high-quality updates throughout. The upgraded kitchen includes top-of-the-line appliances, like a steam/convection oven, white shaker cabinets, and granite countertops. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, featuring artificial turf surrounding a propane-heated pool, an outdoor shower, 4-6 person hot tub, and ample seating areas. The primary suite offers a spacious walk-in shower with a dedicated drying area, double granite-topped sinks, a separate toilet, and a bidet. Both bathrooms include additional bidet upgrades. Elegant imported Italian tile throughout the home complements its modern style. Situated on a large, 1/4-acre+ cul-de-sac corner lot, this property features an RV gate, 30-amp breaker for RVs or equipment, gravel covering on the north side, and an outdoor two-hole putting green. Perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or accommodating an RV lifestyle!

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5849 W Monte Cristo Avenue Glendale, AZ 85306

$555,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,839 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the highly desirable Sunburst Farms of Glendale, this expansive **.37-acre property** offers the perfect blend of rural charm and modern convenience. Ideal for horse enthusiasts, the property features a **horse trail directly behind** and plenty of space for equestrian needs. The **3-bedroom, 2-bath home** has been beautifully remodeled with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Step inside to discover a bright, open floor plan featuring **bamboo flooring**, **new butcher block countertops**, and freshly painted interiors. The **master bedroom** boasts luxurious Venetian plaster walls, while both bathrooms have been completely updated with new tile and vanities. A spacious living room, dining area, and cozy family room provide ample space for entertaining, complemented by a **large laundry room** with a convenient side exit to the yard. Outside, you'll find a true **backyard oasis**, complete with a **newly plastered sparkling pool**, a covered patio, and lush privacy provided by **mature mulberry and tangelo trees**. Two sheds, a **gated work area**, and **dual RV gates** offer plenty of storage and room for all your toys. The carport is thoughtfully tucked behind an RV gate, maximizing the backyard's usability. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Sunburst Farmsa property that seamlessly combines country living with modern amenities!

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3650 E Quenton Drive Unit 6 Mesa, AZ 85215

$555,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,900 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784952

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing Views !!!! Located in Val Vista estates, community pool, large common area, rv/boat parking, 3 bed 2 ½ bath, third can also serve as office. be can also Large back porch, new roof & hot water heater in 21, new A/C in 2000, new fridge & dishwasher in 23.

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10133 E Chestnut Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$555,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,886 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786631

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful LAKE VIEW home located in a highly sought-after Adult community of Cottonwood at Sun Lakes. The community offers a unique blend of luxurious tranquility and classic charm that is loaded with numerous amenities including Golf Courses, Tennis, Pickle Ball, Racquetball, Swimming Pools, a Library, Fitness Center, Fishing Lake, and Restaurants along with tons of activities, events, and clubs such as concerts, walking, dancing, cooking classes, etc. The home features 2 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS, and a LARGE DEN. There is a BEDROOM and a FULL BATH ROOM DOWNSTAIRS. 2 ENCLOSED PATIOS (One of the patios has its own AC unit). Marble kitchen countertop. Home is well maintained with newer exterior paint, HVAC, and Water Heater. Don't wait to make this gem yours!

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628 W El Pajarito Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$555,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,824 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6633676

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Build right in the heart of Wickenburg. Only 3 Existing masonry walls remain from existing home, and everything else is brand new. All new electric, plumbing, and sewer throughout. pebble-tech Pool and all new pool equipment. Includes new Built-in BBQ area in back yard. New Roof and New HVAC unit - 4 ton package heat pump, 15 seer dual stage by Trane w/ Ecobee Thermostat controls. Home is spray foam insulated in all walls and ceilings, including the garage. Smart TV's and apple TV modules in every room. 2-channel amplifier, 8'' sub-woofer, and in ceiling speakers in Master Bedroom and Living room. House includes 16-zone security and surveillance system with push button key-pad. Ring exterior video doorbell, exterior video camera on back of house included

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20998 W Edith Way Buckeye, AZ 85396

$555,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,465 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687452

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new retreat in the heart of Buckeye! This modern haven boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a cozy, family-oriented living room seamlessly connected to a versatile den/playroom. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances and an inviting color scheme, perfect for culinary adventures and gatherings with loved ones. Nestled in a lush, family-friendly neighborhood, this vibrant home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. With 2-year-old HVAC units and a newly upgraded garage opener, convenience and peace of mind are ensured. Step into the enchanting backyard oasis, complete with ample patio space for hosting get-togethers and creating cherished memories under the open skies. Thoughtfully designed for modern living, this home boasts bedrooms on the second floor for privacy and tranquility, while the main floor serves as a hub for entertainment and socializing. Located in a thriving community known for its quaint charm and family-oriented atmosphere, this Verrado gem invites you to experience the ultimate in comfort, style, and relaxation. Don't miss your chance to make this exceptional residence your own and embark on a journey of inspired living in one of Arizona's most coveted neighborhoods.

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17473 W Elizabeth Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$555,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,549 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717971

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a deal! PAID OFF SOLAR PANELS!! and one of the bedrooms located on the first floor for guests or mother in law. Resort like backyard and beautiful balcony that overlooks the pool! This 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms home has it all from soaring ceilings, spacious family room, 3 car garage and much more! Don´t miss out this opportunity and make this home yours today!

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