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

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

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

11110 N 165th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the best properties in Surprise with an opportunity to assume a low interest rate! With a huge chef's kitchen and open floor plan, this home is perfect for entertaining. This home will make you feel like you are on vacation all year. This home has no neighbors behind or to the east, making this home feel like it is the only home in the neighborhood. The backyard is a desert paradise with a luxury pool, an above ground spa and a built-in gas fire-pit. This home is move-in ready and offered turn-key.

View Property

41209 N Laurel Valley Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$549,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778775

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The location is perfect with panoramic views of Ironwood golf course and features one of Anthem's best floor plans. It's open and welcoming but gives a sense of separation as well. This home is just the right size for full-time residents or winter visitors, featuring 2 bedrooms, office/bonus room, laundry room and a 2 car garage. The large great room/dining room combination feels spacious with many furniture placement options. Lovely 3 sided fireplace and media wall separates this area from the kitchen/family room that also features a nice breakfast nook right off the kitchen with glorious views of the large patio and golf course. With plenty of cabinets, this kitchen features a large island, granite slab counters, SS appliances, gas cooktop and is convenient with easy access to the to the to the patio for outside entertaining. Primary bedroom/bath offers double sinks, walk-in shower, soaking tub and a large walk in closet. Second guest bedroom/bath feels like a private ensuite, located at the other end of the home. Large extended patio with pavers and views of the golf course along with mature landscaping make this a peaceful and tranquil backyard setting. New HVAC 8/21, Dishwasher 2/24, garbage disposal 11/23 & hot water heater 2023. Other upgrades include Soft water, R/O & garage cabinets. Come and enjoy all that the Anthem Country Club has to offer today.

View Property

6229 E Pinchot Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$549,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,658 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767757

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover this rare 2-bedroom, 2-bath mid-century townhome in Scottsdale's iconic Golden Keys community! Ideally situated near the pool and clubhouse designed by Ralph Haver, this gem welcomes you with a bright entry and a cozy living area featuring classic tongue-and-groove ceilings—perfect for entertaining. The second bedroom boasts a built-in office, bookshelves, and twin hideaway beds for guests or workspace. Enjoy the updated dining area and kitchen, along with well-maintained plumbing and mechanics. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, showcasing spacious covered patio space, flagstone-like flooring, Tuff Turf, and a soothing water feature. This home offers the perfect blend of seclusion and central convenience—don't let this opportunity slip away! The updated dining area and kitchen are complemented by well-maintained plumbing and mechanics, ensuring a move-in ready experience. Step outside to a private backyard oasis that embodies Arizona Living, featuring a spacious covered patio, flagstone-like flooring, Tuff Turf, and a tranquil water feature. This home offers an exceptional balance of seclusion and central accessibility. Seize this opportunity today!

View Property

2664 E Sherri Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$549,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749540

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the allure of this immaculate 4 bed 3 bath two-story home now available in Greenfield Lakes! ! It has been fully remodeled with a pleasing color palette and is ready for you! You'll love the generous living room enhanced with soaring vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, freshly painted walls throughout, expansive windows, and wood-style flooring. The gourmet eat-in kitchen features sleek new stainless appliances, recessed lighting, quartz counters, and white cabinetry. Guest baths have new vanities, mirrors and fixtures. Venture upstairs to find the grand main suite offering soft carpeting, dual walk-in closets and a pristine ensuite with dual sinks and a glass tile shower. New fixtures as well in the main suite. The tranquil backyard invites you to relax and have fun with a covered patio and a refreshing pool. New Pebble sheen finish and new pool equipment. The front of the home displays stone accents, a 2-car garage, and an extended driveway. Don't let this one get away! This gem is move-in ready

View Property

2791 S Sailors Way Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,314 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762368

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous upgraded home has 4bd, 2.5bath's and offers an amazing split floorplan with the master suite, guest bath, laundry, living and dinning rooms on the lower level. Upstairs is 3 bedrooms and 1 bath plus large loft/game room area. The renovations include upgraded bathrooms, kitchen, ceramic plank tile floor, carpet, fixtures throughout, window coverings, sunscreens, interior / exterior paint, garage storage, epoxy flooring, AC units and whole house water filtration system. The backyard has an extended paver deck leading to a firepit and grass area. The home is in a great location no neighbors on 3 sides, next to a green belt and close to the community center with park, playground, tennis/pickleball and basketball courts . Close to San Tan village for dinning and entertainment. The sellers are related to the listing agent.

View Property

14263 N 138th Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

Open House

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,036 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778339

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your personal paradise! This magnificent home boasts a resort-style backyard that will take your breath away the moment you step outside. Set on an oversized, 10,180 square foot private cul-de-sac lot, this tropical oasis has everything for your relaxation and entertainment needs. The stunning backyard is thoughtfully designed with lush landscaping, palm trees, fruit trees, and an inviting heated pool featuring a beautiful rock waterfall. Enjoy the heated spa, expansive covered patio, and spacious open deck perfect for lounging or hosting gatherings. The built-in BBQ and extensive cool decking make this space ideal for outdoor entertaining. Inside, the open, versatile floor plan includes a great room and split layout, with a kitchen designed to impress. Modern updates include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry with convenient pull-outs. Smart home features like Nest controls, a smart door lock, and pool automation make life easy, while surround sound speakers inside and out enhance the ambiance. Practical updates like a newer water heater, 2.5-car garage with cabinetry, and all appliances included ensure convenience and comfort. Plus, the community offers volleyball, basketball, and playground areas for added recreation. This is not just a home - it's a luxurious lifestyle waiting for you!

View Property

3061 N Platina Circle Mesa, AZ 85215

New

$548,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,694 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788797

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come home to this spacious, easy living home, pool, spa & landscaping! Open floorplan with vaulted ceilings, 3-bdrms + den/office/study & 2 full baths. Easy care porcelin, wood grain style flooring & ceramic tile thruout. Interior laundry room for washer & dryer. Nice sized corner lot with easy care landscaping, salt water pool & spa with solar heated water system & Pentair Control System for easy maintenance. Just relax & enjoy! Near Desert Trails Park + easy 202 freeway access.

View Property

1618 E Greenway Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$548,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,326 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741820

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home features a complete remodel with raised ceilings, newer wood-look tile flooring, and an open floor plan. NO HOA. The home boasts two fireplaces, adding warmth and charm. The kitchen offers a timeless and clean look with white cabinets and butcher block countertops, while a custom kitchen island adds valuable counter space and storage. Recent upgrades include a new roof, HVAC duct work, and new windows, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency. New driveways and walkways enhance curb appeal and accessibility. An additional driveway with an RV gate provides easy access to the huge backyard, perfect for recreational vehicles or additional parking. This opens up possibilities for outdoor activities. With a sparkling pool and a new oversized custom pergola.

View Property

5533 N 193rd Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$548,160

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,617 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753529

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMPLETED QUICK MOVE IN HOME! SELLER IS OFFERING BELOW MARKET FINANCING! Beautiful open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Flex Room & 3 car tandem garage on an oversized lot. Ceilings are 10' and all interior Doors are 8'! Beautiful Kitchen with Staggered Painted Kitchen cabinets, Stainless Steel appliances w gas, Wood plank tile throughout the home except for the bedrooms. Beautiful Quartz counter tops in the kitchen, walk in tiled Shower in Master with separate his and her vanities. Guest rooms are large, and one has a walk-in closet. Wonderful flex room for that home office or den. Come make this home yours.

View Property

4330 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$548,131

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,507 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770319

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the beautiful Thrive floor plan, featuring 2 beds, 2 baths, a versatile office space, nestled in the tranquil Homestead neighborhood. With 1,507 sq ft of open living, this Shea Designer Home boasts stunning features curated by an expert interior design team. Highlights include a stainless steel gas cooktop, quartz countertops, custom mosaic tile in the kitchen & primary bath, soft-close drawers, 42'' cabinets, & a 15-ft sliding glass wall in the living room. Enjoy extended outdoor living with an upgraded patio, custom landscaping, tile flooring, & 2-tone paint. Additional features include prewired ceiling fans, audio/video sleeves, under-cabinet lighting, & a 250-gallon underground propane tank. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

View Property

12043 N 46th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85304

$548,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,737 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777837

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on a 14,588 sqft lot and nearly 1800 sqft of living space, this STUNNING re-model is perfect for a family, or an incredible investment opportunity - with an ASSUMABLE LOAN! - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with a gold detail kitchen perfect for meal prep, the home has been meticulously maintained, and is everyone's dream. Hardwood flooring throughout, fireplace, and modern updates all around. Step outside to your BEAUTIFUL yard with a diving pool, fire pit, and real grass landscaping, complete with a full size RV gate. Reach out today to make your dreams, your reality!

View Property

8326 N 54th Lane Glendale, AZ 85302

$547,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware, quartz countertops, 2x8 backsplash, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; ; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

View Property