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

4565 S Merriman Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,793 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747135

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 4565 S Merriman Way, a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering an inviting living space. The open-concept kitchen features modern appliances, a spacious island, and ample cabinetry. Relax in the elegant master suite with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. The highlight of this home is the entertainer's dream backyard, complete with an outdoor BBQ kitchen, gazebo, fridge, and sink. Enjoy community amenities such as playgrounds, walking paths and tennis courts. Conveniently located near shopping, schools and major highways.

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30061 N 70th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748482

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your DREAM home is here in Sonoran Mountain Ranch! Backing the mountain preserve, this beauty offers privacy & serene views. Providing 4 beds, 3 baths, 2-car garage, & a low-care landscape. Home exudes refined style, showcasing an open layout paired with a fireplace, designer paint, archways, & wood-look tile flooring in all the right places. The impressive kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters, a double-door pantry, two-tone cabinetry, tile backsplash, & a 2-tier island. The den can be an office or play area! Main bedroom has a double-door entry, outdoor access, and an ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. If entertaining is on your mind, the backyard awaits you! With a covered patio, artificial turf, & refreshing pool, this space promises year-round enjoyment. Move-in ready!

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18001 N 46th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,620 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751622

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful 4bed / 2.5 bath home located in the Belair neighborhood on the golf course! Take in the beautiful scenery in your own private pool - You've gotta see this one!

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4449 W Keating Circle Glendale, AZ 85308

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,038 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6744003

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here is your chance to own a GORGEOUS home completely renovated in 2024. Located in Bellair, one of Glendale's most desirable communities, on a large premium Cul-de-sac lot (over 1/4 acre), this beautiful single-level home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & over 2000sf of living space. Updated with luxurious finishes - You will not find a more stylish home in a great neighborhood under $600k. Entering through a covered entry highlighted with large wooden double doors, you'll notice the brand new floors across this open floorplan. Your eye is drawn across the great room to the tastefully remodeled kitchen featuring stunning quartz countertops, marble backsplash, new stainless appliances and new cabinets. Roomy master suite has walk in closet and bathroom that exudes modern luxury... The bathroom is equipped with attractive subway tile, quartz counters, modern black hardware and bluetooth-enabled speakers. Down the hall you'll find three spacious guest rooms, with private closets, and sharing an upgraded guest bathroom featuring the same amenities as the master aside from the walk-in shower. The home also offers a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace, and an open family room tucked in its own corner of the house. The home has a 2-car garage, plus RV gate on the side. A large covered patio with built-in storage overlooks the expansive backyard - graded and ready to be made into your private oasis. Incredible neighborhood with frequent community events - the home is situated within walking distance from the Golf Course and clubhouse, pool, and pickleball. Don't miss the opportunity to make this home your own!

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1036 E Sahuaro Drive Phoenix, AZ 85020

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760943

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the heart of Phoenix. This 3 bedroom 2 bath open floor plan is nestled in the desirable Pointe Tapatio community. Once inside you are greeted with a sunken seating area with a large fireplace. Gaze up to the vaulted ceilings with windows that provide ample natural light. The spotless kitchen has numerous cabinets for storage and a new marble backsplash to complement the granite counter tops. Double doors open to the master bedroom with a California walk in closet and dual sink vanity. Relax in the spectacular backyard with your private pool and covered patio. Multiple recent upgrades: paved front patio, front & back yard timed watering system with all new pipes and drips, new kitchen appliances, backsplash, extra plush carpet and MORE. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME

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2405 E Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763280

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This attractive home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and NO HOA! The seller has made significant updates, including removing a wall to transform the sunken living room into an open floor plan with a fireplace. The kitchen features modern grey cabinets, exquisite granite countertops, a black stone backsplash, black stainless-steel refrigerator and gas stove. The secondary bathroom has been renovated with a new tiled shower and a vanity topped with granite and a glass sink. The house has an expansive covered patio stretching from the side to the back, alongside a sizeable storage shed. The spacious diving pool has been renovated with Pebble Tec and outfitted with a new variable-speed pump, along with additional blocks added to the fence for enhanced privacy. Further upgrades consist of an AC unit that is only three years old, an attic fully insulated with blown-in material for greater energy efficiency, and a garage floor coated with epoxy. The front yard is landscaped with xeriscaping for low maintenance. The pool table is included if the Buyer wishes. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and freeways.

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2362 N Kachina Lane Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,687 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764850

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a spacious 1.5-acre lot in beautiful Chino Valley! Imagine unwinding on the large front porch, taking in breathtaking sunsets, or enjoying your morning coffee on the expansive back deck while watching the sunrise over stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The home's prime location offers a scenic view of the Mignus Mountains & tree farm. Inside, you'll find a newly updated kitchen and bathrooms, adding modern comfort and style. The living room is bright and inviting with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and abundant natural light. Two of the guest bedrooms feature unique storage lofts, perfect for added space and character. Brand new roof updated in 2023. Just 30 minutes from Prescott and close to Watson Lake, you can easily enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking the beautiful granite mountains. With ample room for animals, toys, or simply enjoying the mild four seasons, this property offers a blend of space, comfort, and rural charm. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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1036 W Tepee Street Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$550,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767747

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Nestled on a spacious 1.25-acre corner lot, this charming property offers a unique blend of comfort and functionality! The city water and septic are already in place, plus the option to easily connect to the sewer within 100 feet. Enter to find a fully furnished interior with a bright great room, a large family room, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a bonus room that can easily be used as the 3rd bedroom or an office, and an attached workshop. The kitchen has all appliances included, ample counters, and wood cabinets. Recent upgrades have given this home a fresh feel, with the floors redone in 2023, the walls refreshed in the same year, and a steel and foam roof redone with two coats in September 2024! Discover a main bedroom boasting a walk-in closet and a private bath with a jetted tub. Oversized laundry room features washer, dryer, utility sink, and ceiling fan. Outside, the flat lot is highly functional, free from washes, with impressive mountain views and lots of space for storage.This lot is completely flat with no washes running through it. Equestrian enthusiasts will appreciate the 5 fully shaded 20x20 stalls with water and electric connections, plus 2 turnout areas. Additionally, there's a 30 & 50-amp RV hookup with water, making it ideal for visitors or long-term RV parking. Excellent property with room to grow and a well-prepared space for horses!

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6504 W Behrend Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in Ready! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Arrowhead Subdivision. Features an open concept kitchen to great room, fresh interior paint, and a prime location in Glendale with easy access to the Loop 101. Ideal for comfortable living!

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1100 W 9th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a rare two-car garage, located in the heart of Tempe! It features modern updates throughout, including a beautifully upgraded kitchen with ceiling-height cabinetry, Quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite offers a bonus space perfect for a home office or an extra room, plus a large Arizona room ideal for a second living area or game room. The home boasts energy-efficient windows, a brand new 2024 HVAC system, and stylish tile flooring in the main living areas. The large backyard includes a covered patio with elegant tile, a ceiling fan, and a refreshing diving pool to cool off in the Arizona heat. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an investment property, this home is truly move-in ready! Just minutes from ASU, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and downtown Tempe's many amenities. Don't miss out on this one!

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640 N Nevada Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,847 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768547

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Cayman Square neighborhood of Gilbert. This home has some appealing features, including owned solar 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances white washer and dryer included. Master bedroom with an exit door to the backyard, master bathroom with an expanded shower, oversized second and third bedrooms. Separate formal dining, living room and family room. Whole house anti-scale water system, a fantastic feature for protecting plumbing and appliances from hard water buildup. 3-car garage with cabinets and oversized driveway. Backyard oasis a perfect space for relaxation, featuring an extended covered patio, artificial turf a gated private PebbleTec pool, palm trees giving you that tropical feeling! Convenient location: Close to freeways entertainment, and shopping, adding to the convenience of the property. This home will bring the new owner years of happiness and enjoyment!

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1607 W Shangri La Road Phoenix, AZ 85029

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771002

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a detached 4 car garage. 2 dwellings attached with 2 separate entrances. Total square footage of both dwellings is 2073. Guest home is 853sqft. Guest home is 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom and its own kitchen. Main home offers large laundry room/storage room, open eat in kitchen. Main living area has vaulted ceilings. Home has both an A/C , Heat and Evaporative system. 4 car detached garage is 30x21 with a front and back garage door and extra concrete in front and rear. Garage slab was poured extra thick for a car lift. Garage does have water, power, sewer, vacuum and cooling system. Property is completely fenced in on large corner lot. No HOA with amazing mountain views and hiking trails. Single family home but zoned for multi family use. Zoned R3.

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