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
2801 N 10th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,100
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6670011
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Absolutely a Historic Value!!! This fabulous Bungalow is nestled within the sought-after Historic Community of Country Club Park, this immaculate home awaits you! Step into a space where brand new LV flooring graces every corner, complemented by fresh interior and exterior paint. Enjoy the elegance of Onyx countertops, stainless steel appliances, and bespoke cabinets. With three generous bedrooms, two baths, and a sprawling yard complete with patio and a two-car garage, this residence offers ample space for comfort and relaxation. Conveniently located near top-notch restaurants, recreational activities, major highways, and the airport, it promises a lifestyle of ease and convenience.
8016 E Medina Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85209
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,172
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750548
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
You'll appreciate the central location of this 3-bedroom golf course home in the amenity-packed community of SVE, convenient to the restaurant, pool complexes, workout facilities, golf course and all Clubs/amenities. This well-taken care of home is ready to move in, so you don't delay the upcoming season of fun. There are many features unique to this home including a 9' x 8' bonus room in double garage to park your golf cart or motorcycle or utilize for extra storage or workshop as well as the electronic security shutters that enclose the covered back patio. With over 2,100 sq. ft., this floorplan provides two additional bedrooms creating ample space for visitors. Other features include a vaulted living room, family room with views to the golf course, and a formal dining room that could be converted to an office, craft or sewing room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered patio watching golfers attempt a birdie putt on Hole No. 7 with the Superstition Mountains in the background. Enter the home from the expanded south-facing front patio and your eyes will go right to the view of the golf course. You'll notice the abundant amount of light in the tiled kitchen coming from the sliding glass door in the dine-in area, with the kitchen providing beautiful cabinets with pull-out shelves. The large family room creates that extra space for entertaining as it includes a wet bar as well as access to the golf course patio. A primary bedroom allows the south sun to brighten the room and provides a private bathroom and walk in closet. The guest bathroom with tub/shower combo is centrally located between the second and third bedroom. The guest bedroom with north-window overlooking golf course is an expanded bedroom with his/her closets. If you didn't need a third bedroom, you could use the extra space for an office, sewing room or craft/hobby room. The garage features built in cabinets, a work bench, an exterior service door, and the bonus room. Sunland Village East is a community that provides an amenity for everyone's interests while still maintaining low annual HOA fees.
25413 W Pueblo Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,747
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6697259
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover comfort and opportunity with this charming 3 bed, 2 bath home in Northwood Park. On a spacious 1-acre lot, this property offers endless possibilities for building a pool, keeping horses, and storing all your toys and RVs. The cozy dining and living area features wood-look tile flooring, high ceilings, and a neutral palette. The practical kitchen provides ample cabinet and counter space, a pantry, and stainless steel appliances. Unwind in the comfortable primary bedroom with soft carpet, a bay window, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite with dual sinks. The expansive backyard has irrigation rights, to ensure a reliable source of water for landscaping, gardening, and any agricultural activities, even in dry seasons.
10223 W Raymond Street
Tolleson, AZ 85353
$559,000
9
Beds
3
Baths
3,420
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784133
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
HOUSE WAS COMPLETELY REMODELED IN NOVEMBER 2023 AND SHOULD BE LARGELY MAINTENANCE FREE FOR THE NEAR FUTURE. IT IS CURRENTLY CONFIGURED AS A 9 BED 3 BATH SO ITS PERFECT. IT COULD EASILY BE MODIFIED BACK TO 7 BEDROOMS IF THAT IS THE INTEREST OF THE BUYER, WHICH WOULD RESTORE THE DINING ROOM. GREAT DEAL FOR LARGE GROUPS.
1408 W 7th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
$559,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,755
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6717564
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your beautiful Tempe Oasis! This stunning home minutes from ASU offers modern ambiance with lots of natural light. The functional layout boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms perfect for a growing family or investment property! Currently a profitable Airbnb. Luxury wood floors throughout. Can use the 5th room as an office or separate living area if desired (there is a locking door that leads to the exterior). The true highlight is the resort-style backyard which is perfect for entertaining or enjoying the Arizona sunshine! New artificial turf, mini-split A/C units and NEST thermostats installed in 2022. Conveniently located near Mill Avenue, Sky Harbor Airport (3 miles) & a short drive to South Mountain Preserve, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility!
9818 W Pontiac Drive
Peoria, AZ 85382
$559,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,045
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6730793
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful home in stunning northern Peoria checks ALL the boxes! Completely REMODELED and offering an incredible open and bright floorplan with vaulted ceilings featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and 2045 square feet to enjoy. Stunning open-concept chef's island kitchen with shaker-style soft close designer cabinets with gorgeous quartz counters, upgraded high-end stainless-steel appliances including a NEW smooth-gas cook top, double wall oven, refrigerator and dishwasher. Custom interior paint, new flooring, newer water heater & A/C. Incredible private pool newly treated and with new sand filter pump 2024.This remarkable neighborhood location provides convenient access to Parkridge dog and children's parks, mountain preserves, outstanding schools, and easy freeway access!
14108 W Lisbon Lane
Surprise, AZ 85379
$559,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,675
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6742027
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this HUGE beautifully remodeled 5 bed 3 bath gem nestled in the heart of Surprise. As you pull up, you'll notice a 3 car garage with extra parking in front of a RV gate that has a gigantic concrete pad that extends to the back of the property. There, you'll find a HUGE covered patio, tastefully designed low maintenance yard and a gas stub for your future BBQ. As you step inside you'll be greeted by a great room that seamlessly connects to a beautifully updated kitchen, huge family room with surround sound and a bathroom and bedroom that would be perfect for a mother-in-law setup or office. Upstairs, you'll find an oversized loft perfect for family or game nights, HUGE master bedroom with a HUGE walk in closet, 3 other bedrooms with walk in closets and a bathroom Recent updates include new interior and exterior paint, new flooring, new quartz countertops, new baseboards, tile backsplash in the kitchen, ceiling fans, fixtures, etc.. With all the space and parking, this home would make a great multi-generation setup or a perfect Family forever home. Come take a look before it's gone!
13215 N 30th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,017
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741305
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful updated single level with diving pool is ready for a new owner. Nice open floorplan with formal living room, formal dining room, large great room with wood burning fireplace and a chefs delight for a kitchen. Newer rich wood grain cabinets, granite counters, center island,self closing drawers, and stainless appliances. The primary suite features remodeled bath and separate entrance to the pool out back. good size bedrooms- *3rd bedroom was designed to be two separate bedrooms, so double the size. AC was replaced in 2016, and a complete new roof (tear-off and extra sheathing) in July of 2024, newer double pane windows with blinds. Great location to Hwy 51/101 and shops/theaters close by.
1867 S Seton Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$559,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,085
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760671
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home! Beautiful single story turn key home sits on a corner lot in much sought after Lyon's Gate. NEW 2023 A/C UNIT ! Fabulous floor plan invites spacious living w/ 4 bed/2 bath, family, & living & dining rooms. 18'' Tile in all the right places. Brand new carpet in the bedrooms & lots of natural light. The family room opens to the kitchen & allows conversation easily among family & friends. Kitchen boasts SS appliances & generous amount of gorgeous upgraded cherry cabinets, granite counters, & breakfast bar. Primary bedroom has ensuite w/ dbl sinks, a large closet, separate toilet room, a walk-in shower, & deep soaking tub. Extended double car garage. Covered patio & brand new turf so no watering required ! Community pools, basketball, tennis courts and club house !
1656 N Ventura Lane
Tempe, AZ 85288
$559,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,528
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766827
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
****Beautifully Remodeled 3-Bedroom,2.5-Bathroom Home in Prime Tempe Location***Offers a comfortable living space, nestled just 2.5 miles from Old town Scottsdale and adjacent to the beautiful Papago Mountains. This home offers convenience and beauty in one of the most desirable areas in Tempe. This bright and spacious home features modern finishes throughout, including an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Porcelain tile flooring with oak wood design, the large living area offers a cozy family room with an updated fireplace. The upstairs houses generously sized bedrooms. Two car garage with additional storage space, and newly installed Polyaspartic flooring. This home also offers easy access to Sky Harbor Airport, major highways, restaurants & shopping. **Community amenities**Enjoy access to a community pool, bike/jog paths, and a well maintained common area. Come see it today!
820 W 19th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,574
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768660
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A great opportunity to own this perfect home in Tempe close to ASU. 3/2 with an extra bonus room (Arizona Room) AND a 220 sq ft detached workshop/shed with AC/Heat and running water. This can easily be converted to a guest suite, 4th bedroom, tiny house, man cave, she shed etc. Possibilites are endless! This home really has it all. Backyard features a RV gate that is custom double wide, pavers, artificial grass, patio etc. Must see! North/South exposure. Kitchen has granite countertops, kitchen island, and stainless appliances. About a block away is Clark Park in Tempe which is newly renovated and has a playground, community center, dog park, community garden, and a heated public pool! Come see this property - you will not be dissappointed!
9196 E Mogollon Trail
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$559,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,525
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774647
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This exceptional, move-in ready home is fully upgraded awaiting new owners! Highlights include a new air conditioning system, new bluet tooth water softener, a large spacious lot,& and a three-car garage. The beautifully designed kitchen features elegant cabinetry, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances. With a split-bedroom layout for added privacy, the home boasts seamless tile and laminate flooring throughout. The primary bedroom is a showstopper with a charming bay window, vaulted ceilings, and an airy atmosphere. The remodeled bathroom is equally impressive, with a custom barn door, upgraded mirrors and lighting, a separate tub and shower with clear glass doors, and elegant upgraded tile. Add linen closet for extra storage. Step outside to your expansive back yard - It features an extended patio, a putting green, a pool & spa w/newer pool heater, Bluetooth-controlled pool automation, new pumps, a spa blower, and a new paper filter. An RV gate and paved slab provide additional parking space. Rentals are permitted. Furnishings are also available for purchase under a separate bill of sale. LOW HOA only $54 a year!!!This home is a true gem and sure to impress. Don't miss your chance to see this remarkable property!