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
242 S 165th Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$554,990
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,229
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739790
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the stunning Crimson floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath. Large storage area in garage. 12'x8' sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and canopy hood. Barnette Maple slate (Gray) cabinets throughout the home. AZT Della Terra quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. White single bowl undermount sink in kitchen. Satin nickel hardware. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 in all areas of the home except for beds/closets. Dual sinks in bath 2. Soft water loop, 8' tall garage door opener with two remotes and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!
31381 N 130th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85383
$554,990
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,958
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745460
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Kendrick features a quaint, covered front porch ideal for welcoming guests. Walk through the spacious foyer and gallery hall to the grand open concept dining and great room ideal for hosting and entertaining. A centralized laundry room makes access easy from any room in the home. While a dedicated office is perfect for students and hybrid workers. A back covered patio perfect for taking in the surrounding Peoria mountains and Southwest landscape is the cherry on top! Located in the highly desirable Vistancia masterplan, resident will enjoy access to the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, and two state of the art recreation centers.
1024 N Moccasin Trail
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$554,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,063
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6731571
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Make your home in the heart of Gilbert! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home on a premium lot is looking for only it's second owner. A newly painted exterior, manicured front yard, a 2-car garage with built-in cabinets, and a welcoming porch are just the beginning. Inside you will find large dining & living areas w/newly installed wood-look flooring in all the right places, vaulted ceilings w/skylight, and a neutral palette w/fresh interior paint. The kitchen is comprised of white cabinetry, ample counter space, a prep island, a large pantry, and recessed lighting. Enjoy brand-new stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances including a gas range. Soak in the sun or enjoy entertaining on cooler evenings with a backyard that includes a covered patio, extended seating areas w/pavers, a lovely gazebo, and mature citrus trees. Finally, end your busy day in the primary bedroom with a charming bay window, a walk-in closet, and a full bath with dual sink. Near every amenity the Valley has to offer, is it time for you to discover the joy of Gilbert living?
16572 W Lincoln Street
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$554,900
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,452
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725169
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2-story home in a prime, strategic location. Boasting a massive 3,452 sqft of living space. This residence is filled with natural light, creating an airy, bright, and cozy atmosphere. The kitchen is a chef's dream with a double wall oven, granite countertops, and a spacious island. Step outside to the covered patio overlooking a private play pool, pavers, a charming gazebo, and a meticulously maintained backyard with trees and shrubs. Enjoy easy access to the 303 and I-10, and the convenience of being within walking distance to schools and abundant shopping. The community also features beautiful parks, perfect for outdoor activities!
8448 E Cambridge Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$554,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,020
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6726694
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WOW! This home has recently been remodeled by a licensed contractor. The home features new front half of roof, fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures throughout. Walk in to a spacious living room filled with natural light. The kitchen has been completely redone with new white cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and new hardware. Both bedrooms boast new carpet, fresh paint, and new light fixtures. Both bathrooms have been updated with new vanities, counter tops, tiled showers, and fixtures. The backyard has a large covered patio and easy maintenance landscaping! No HOA!
15971 N 91st Drive
Peoria, AZ 85382
$554,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,310
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6739323
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Single Level Home Located in Desired Arrowhead Horizons area. This home features, a Formal Living & Dining Room w/Vaulted Ceilings, Open Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, Appliances Included & Eat-In Dining Room w/4 Bedroom, 2 Bath. Spacious Family Room, Master Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Split Floor Plan, Wood Shutters Throughout, Covered Backyard Patio, Sparkling Swimming Pool, 2 Car Garage, RV Gate w/RV PARKING, NO HOA. Walking Distance to Desert Harbor Elementary & Within minutes to Centennial High School. Close to Loop 101, Arrowhead Mall and the Phoenix Cardinals Stadium and much, much more
21667 S 225th Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$554,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,832
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748269
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Motivated sellers here!!!!Sellers just replaced majority carpeting for tile!!!! This stunning 3-bedroom home with an office, separate tech center, and teen room features seller-owned solar installed in October 2021 for over $40k. Say goodbye to high summer electric bills without the hassle of a lease. Step inside to discover the modern elegance of wood plank tile flooring in the main living areas and baths, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample storage space. The master suite is a very spacious and. complete with a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring dual sinks, a soaking tub , and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms offer plenty of space, while the office and tech center provide ideal spaces for remote work or study. Outside, the beautifully landscaped backyard is a tranquil retreat, featuring synthetic grass for easy maintenance and a covered patio for outdoor dining and relaxation. Why wait to build when you can move right into this almost new home? Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a home that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Come check this out today and make this energy-efficient oasis your own!
11490 N 162nd Lane
Surprise, AZ 85379
$554,900
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,695
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741317
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to finer living in this beautifully appointed Shea Home. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3 car garage. Equipped with a junior on-suite on the main floor for multigenerational living. Enjoy the well designed high end kitchen with KitchenAid appliances, white quartz countertops, and deluxe high end cabinetry. Formal living and family rooms along with a flex space provides ample space for comfortable living. The upstairs laundry room is convenient next to the large secondary bedrooms and guest bath. Let's not forget the huge owner's suite with super shower and large walk in closet. Fresh turf in the back with a large paver patio make this backyard complete and ready for those sweet backyard gatherings. Check out the mountain view and the convenience to Prasada Shopping!
1225 E San Angelo Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$554,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,846
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6736782
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream oasis in the heart of Gilbert with this stunning move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom POOL home, nestled in a serene neighborhood with NO HOA! Step inside and be greeted by a spacious living room, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and oversized windows that bathe the space in natural light. This highly sought-after floor plan boasts a welcoming great room, seamlessly connecting an open kitchen and a cozy family room adorned with a beautiful fireplace—perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Recent updates include fresh interior paint, meticulously manicured landscaping, essential roof repairs, a brand-new stainless steel dishwasher, and a revitalized pool that's been drained, acid-washed, and freshly filled. Don't miss this opportunity to live in a beautifully updated home that effortlessly blends comfort, style, and functionality. Come see it today and let your next chapter begin!
7031 W Morrow Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$554,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759901
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 3-bedroom home with a blue pool in Arrowhead Ranch exudes charm and comfort! A grassy front yard, 2-car garage, brick veneer, and code entry box in the front door are just the beginning. Discover an open layout with all-new double-pane windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, sunny bay windows, and a two-way fireplace. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, plenty of honey oak cabinets, granite counters, and tile backsplash. The main bedroom features backyard access, a fireplace, and a lavish bathroom with a jetted tub, glass enclosure shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. In the backyard, you'll find a swimming pool with a heater and chiller, green grass, two covered patios, and a pool house with a/c. Plus, the roof is only 3 years old! You won't be disappointed!
6516 W Tonto Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308
$554,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,865
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6724766
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Want a 4.25% - 4.99% interest rate? Seller to contribute to a 2-1 RATE BUY-DOWN! Only 5 mins from the new Phoenix Children's Hospital and 101 Fwy. This cute 3 bed/2 bath + den/office home has fresh interior neutral paint and new carpeting in all rooms, features vaulted ceilings, ample amount of cabinets for storage with tons of natural light! Island seating & an eat-in kitchen area for the open concept floorplan. Enjoy cozy evenings by the gas fireplace in the family room with plank wood flooring. Step outside to an extended covered patio overlooking a beautifully mature and tranquil landscaped backyard or enjoy the large front patio. A 2.5 car extended garage includes cabinets on both sides for plenty of storage and organization. Walking distance to Dos Lagos Park and water feature.
21279 E Alyssa Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$554,500
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,240
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742196
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this 2240sf home is loaded w/ upgrades you're sure to love! New AC w/ 10yr warranty & mnt plan, H2O softener, rev osmosis system & spa-like master shower w/ 2 showerheads (hello luxury!). The spacious, open-concept living area flows into a cozy eat-in kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances & a formal dining area perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your backyard oasis w/ a lg covered patio, misting system (to keep those hot AZ days cool), lush greenery, various trees, a raised garden, twinkling outdoor lights & a cozy fire pit for making s'mores under the stars. An RV gate provides ample space for toys, the ext'd garage w/ finished floor offers xtra storage & a MyQ camera/remote for added convenience. Don't wait, this gem is priced to sell!