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

9505 E Cherrywood Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778738

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GORGEOUS Palacia Plus model w/ 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath & DEN in GATED ADULT COMMUNITY of OAKWOOD featuring: 2022 ROOF, 2018 AC, vaulted ceilings, freshly painted interior, SHUTTERS, WOOD-LOOK TILE FLOORS & NEW carpet. Beautiful EAT-IN kitchen has CORIAN counters, professionally painted cabinets, GAS STOVE & is open to the FAMILY ROOM. SPACIOUS MASTER w/ a LARGE WALK-IN CLOSET, double sinks & sliding door to the patio. Two guest bedrooms, DEN & Full guest bathroom. Large, 10,000sf lot w/ expansive PAVER PATIO, ARTIFICIAL TURF & beautifully landscaped yard. EXTRA STORAGE SPACE in the laundry Room & EXTENDED 2-CAR GARAGE. COME ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE IN SUN LAKES w/ community amenities like: Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Pools, Spas, Fitness Center, Clubs, Social Activities & Restaurants!

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6109 S 68th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$549,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,402 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781655

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your new home is waiting for YOU! This well maintained home offers 2 car garage, extended driveway for extra parking, RV gate, and low maintenance front yard. Incredible inside offers plank style laminate and tile, No carpet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal living & dining rooms, den/office that could easily be used as another bedroom, and large loft area can be used for a bonus room or pool table. Chef's kitchen is comprised of Stainless Steel appliances, Gas Stove, island, mosaic backsplash, walk-in pantry, and ample counter/cabinet space. Upstairs master suite includes walk-in closet, full bath, dual sinks, separate tub, and step-in shower. Huge backyard has built-in BBQ & covered patio extended with pavers. The Lot is almost 1/3 Acre! HUGE RV Gate area and plenty of space to use it! 3 Bay Garage/ 2 door entry, tone of extra space. Whole house sprinkler system. Close to Freeways, Sprouts, Home Depot and restaurants. Trailside Point community park features a fishing lake, water splash pad and covered play area. The Laveen Schools are rated A+! Don't miss this opportunity!

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6441 S Roosevelt Street Tempe, AZ 85283

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,797 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

So many upgrades in this beautiful home located in a quiet community with no HOA and walking distance to Celaya Park! Just freshly painted. Pride of ownership. Kitchen remodelled in 2023 with tons of cabinet space, extended island and new flooring; windows and patio door replaced in 2022, newer AC, roof is 10 years old, bamboo flooring in the living room and bedrooms; electrical upgrades including subpanel; new automatic blinds, remodeled bathrooms. Newer patio roof. Pool just got a new liner (July 2024), comes with a warranty! Don't miss out on this amazing home.

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16290 W Mission Cove Lane Surprise, AZ 85374

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,282 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700423

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience elevated living in this exquisite 3 BR stunning Stonecrest home, gracefully set on a large, private, & well landscaped lot. Ideal for hosting with the extended patio, an entertainer's dream, showcasing a full outdoor kitchen with a Big Green Egg, stovetop, and sink. The kitchen is perfect for creating culinary experiences under the stars. Indulge in the Aria Spa, a 5-seat, 42 jet Jacuzzi designed for ultimate relaxation, featuring a refrigerated cooler for the summer or an easy ''summerizing'' option for seasonal residents. Inside you will experience an open floor plan with soaring vaulted ceilings and seamless tile flooring. The great room & kitchen combination is a centerpiece for gatherings, while split bedrooms ensure a serene retreat for you and privacy for your guests.

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7 W Sarah Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$549,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734133

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Warner Ranch Villages, nestled in South Tempe! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a modern aesthetic with stylish finishes throughout. Located within walking distance to the beloved Postino wine café and with convenient canal access, this home offers the best of Tempe living. Families will appreciate the close proximity to the neighborhood elementary school and easy strolls to two nearby parks, perfect for outdoor activities. Kids will also delight in visiting friendly neighborhood horses, making this a unique and memorable place to make your home. HVAC replaced in 2020. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to enjoy both comfort and community!

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1121 E Jahns Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$549,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736963

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Completely updated home with a built in pool and spa and 3 car garage! This spacious home has all new flooring, fresh paint and updated kitchen. Vaulted ceilings for a nice open feel. The kitchen features granite counters, gas stove and a beautiful tile backsplash. Gas fireplace. Both front and back yard are tastefully landscaped with mature plants and turf grass for easy maintenance. Cool off in the beautiful pebble tec pool with water features and a built in spa.

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25226 N 131st Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$549,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,254 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738818

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Incentives available.** Welcome to The Views at Rancho Cabrillo! This is a new build home by Scott Communities. This one is the 4412 plan with 3 bedrooms plus den and 2.5 bathrooms. Includes gourmet kitchen featuring double ovens, microwave drawer, and gas cooktop. Beautiful white shaker cabinets and white quartz countertops. Great room layout with an eat-in kitchen. Large covered patio. Come out and see this home and beautiful north Peoria community!

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2830 S Arroyo Court Chandler, AZ 85286

$549,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,833 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICED TO SELL! 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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8728 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$549,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,105 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749366

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning home in East Mesa, perfectly situated in a prime location on a corner lot with convenient access to freeways, top-notch restaurants, excellent Gilbert schools, and a variety of shopping options. This home has a just be given a fresh coat of interior paint and new carpet. The Primary Bathroom has been completely remodeled from top to bottom and is absolutely gorgeous with walk in shower! This home has a great floor plan with large open kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and massive living/dining room. There is also a surveillance system with a monitor that conveys.

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1904 S Dexter -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW ROOF SEPT 2024! Amazing floor plan with great flow, 3 huge bedrooms plus over-sized den can easily convert and 2 full baths. Immense primary suite and all secondary bedrooms and den are much larger than the norm. No carpet in the home. Washer/Dryer &Refrigerator convey. Storage galore, neutral interior walls, and large lot with producing Citrus trees. Access to the Community Pool and Tennis Courts is exclusive to Sierra Ranch II residents. Home has been lightly updated and is priced to reflect. New Exterior Paint 2021, Patio Resealed 2021, Carrier R410a Refrigerant HVAC regularly maintained, Newer Water Heater and Soft Water System. Well Maintained Home in a highly desirable community with easy access to the 202 and US 60. Great schools and plenty of shopping just around the corner.

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2517 E Highland Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,872 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

No HOA Neighborhood. Convenient Mesa Location. This home has been Updated/Upgraded. New ROOF. POOL! New Carpet in the bedrooms. Home Features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms & a Den! Kitchen and bathrooms have been updated. Main Bath has a door leading out to the backyard. The large Eat In Kitchen has Granite Counter Tops and plenty of cabinets. Family Room right off the kitchen which leads out to the covered patio and POOL. Formal Living room. Separate Laundry Room. Backyard has an RV gate and pad to park toys. Two car garage. Seller is offering $5000 in concessions. Walking Distance to schools. Close to the 202, 60 and 101. Close to Sky Harbor, ASU, Golf, Hiking, Tempe Marketplace, Mesa Riverview, dining, shopping, Cubs spring training. Must See Today.

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2171 S Portland Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761929

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home with the ideal combination of space, convenience, and community! This stunning single-story gem, perfectly situated on a corner lot, offers both privacy and prime location. With quick highway access, your daily commute or weekend adventures are a breeze. You'll love being just steps away from a beautiful park and the refreshing community pool—ideal for family gatherings or a peaceful escape. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms, there's room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Plus, the roof is less than a year old, providing long-term peace of mind. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood, this home has everything you're looking for. Make it yours today! 🏡✨

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