Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it, and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come.

Fixing A Toilet

It’s not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don’t be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in unused rooms, like the guest bathroom, to keep the pipes clear and functioning.

Dealing With Animals

Sometimes your animal neighbors invite themselves in. While it’s always better to use professionals if you have a large-scale or persistent pest problem, there are steps you can take to minimize animal visitors before it comes to that. Check for termites by looking for raised, hollow tubes along the wood (tubes filled with bugs). If you have mice, and know how they’re getting in, block their holes with steel wool and set friendly traps ones that capture instead of kill. But make sure to release the captives far from your home.

Electricity and Water Awareness

Know how to shut off your electricity and water, just in case. Find the shut-offs when you first move in. And take the time then to test the breakers and label them, clearly, directly, with permanent marker. That way there is no confusion if one gets tripped.

A Regular Deep Clean

On a regular basis, give your house a deep clean. Scrub the bathrooms, clean the kitchen appliances and floors/walls. Doing this will not only prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime, which could lead to bigger problems later on, but will also give you a chance to do a run-down of your house and see what needs fixing/updating/replacing.

Be Prepared

Gather your home maintenance kit (Home Maintenance for Dummies has examples) before you need it, and keep it up if you use all the nails, replace them. It’s also a good idea to make a maintenance calendar with notes on what needs to be done when this makes it easy for the homeowner, and anyone they need to step in. Finally, in being prepared, don’t forget to maintain your fire and carbon monoxide detectors with regular checks and battery changes (suggested every six months, regardless of battery life).

Your first step in preparation is to contact me to find you the perfect home – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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

17025 E De Anza Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,868 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784186

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring your best ideas to make this home yours. Excellent floor plan with an A/C vented Arizona Room. Double Door Entry leads to Living and Dining Rooms with vaulted ceilings and a view of the well vegetated & enticing back yard. Your choice, to bedrooms on the right or the Kitchen activity area on the left. A spacious open kitchen/breakfast space/family room with fireplace will be your family gathering place. Laundry & 2 car garage (w/Evap cabinets & exterior door) complete the busy side of the home. From the entry to the right will find a spacious main bedroom with walk-in closet & bath with double sinks, separate shower/ tub and private toilet area. BD 2 offers its own door to the guest bath. BD 3 is located at the front of home. Corner lot, front steps w/ rail + handicap acces

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9845 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,170 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784380

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on an interior n/s lot featuring 4 bedrooms with separate living, family, and formal dining rooms, brand new interior accent paint throughout, updated fans, fixtures and door hardware, Vaulted Ceilings, New Carpet/Pad and Lots of Laminate flooring. Spacious kitchen features an island/breakfast bar, solid surface counter tops, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. Reverse osmosis. Additional cabinets in laundry room. Large owners suite with vaulted ceilings and separate exit to patio. Oversized secondary bedrooms. Step outback to the extended covered patio overlooking a large backyard with pebble-tec pool with new Kool decking, citrus trees and synthetic grass area. RV Gate and 3 car garage with service door. Clean and move-in ready. Elementary school in subdivision.

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7216 W Judy Lynn Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,287 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772487

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home features recent updates and owned solar with loan assumption! With a family room, great room, and loft, this 2,287 sqft home offers ample living space. Updates include a fully remodeled kitchen in 2024, new flooring in 2021, new A/C and water heater unit in 2022, and fresh exterior paint in 2022, ensuring a move-in-ready experience. The bright and airy interior features tall ceilings and dual-pane windows. The split primary bedroom is conveniently located downstairs and includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, stunning quartz countertops and an island with a breakfast bar. The backyard has been transformed into an outdoor oasis, complete with a newly built BBQ with a bar, and a gorgeous pool with a waterfall feature and new pool equipment including pool filter (2020), pool pump (2020) and pool vacuum (2021). Don't miss out on this impeccable home!

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6027 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

New

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

he perfect lock up and go home tucked into the perfect location. If you like to travel or just don't want the hassle of yard maintenance, this home has it all; a two car secure garage, a generous rear patio, remodeled to perfection kitchen - and a primary suite that is truly dreamy with a walk in closet and secondary closet, and private remodeled bath. With two more bedrooms and a remodeled hall bath, new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, ample storage, gorgeous brick wood burning fireplace, and no HOA all within 20 minutes of Phoenix Sky Harbor and 5 minutes to the 51, making any commute a breeze. With lots of shops and restaurants nearby, it's easy living.

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18479 W College Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,414 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765364

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully designed property, featuring an array of modern amenities. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with a center island, accent backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary with a spacious walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that includes double sinks and a separate tub and shower. Outside, enjoy the covered patio overlooking a fenced backyard with low-maintenance landscaping. This property is a true gem, blending comfort and convenience. Don't miss the chance to make it your dream home!

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8310 E Greenview Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

New

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,406 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780410

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream retreat on the 12th hole of Gold Canyon Golf Course, offering breathtaking views of the Superstition and Dinosaur Mountains. This home boasts Arizona's natural beauty from nearly every room, including the great room, living room, first master suite, and patio. The kitchen is equipped with elegant granite countertops, a center island, and a breakfast bar for easy entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of dual master suites and an oversized laundry room with custom cabinetry. Relax on the extended covered flagstone patio with ideal north-south orientation. Situated in Mountainbrook Village, you'll have access to a range of community amenities, including pools, a spa, golf course, tennis courts, and scenic biking and walking paths.

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11980 N Brewer Road Maricopa, AZ 85139

New

$585,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787645

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Business Meets Horse Property. 2,000+ sq ft home on 3.3 acres, blending modern living and equestrian convenience. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a business-ready property, this one has it all! Featuring a spacious, open floor plan with 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a separate laundry area. Every detail has been updated, including brand-new tile flooring, paint, plumbing, cabinets, lighting, and appliances. Step outside onto the back porch, where you can take in stunning mountain views while relaxing in your private bar. 2 additional outdoor guest bedrooms and a bathroom, perfect for hosting visitors. 5 large, shaded horse pens, a hay shed, RV hookup with 30-amp service, irrigation, and crossed fencing for horses and arena. *Cash/private financing only

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3525 N Carlton Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786767

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome Home!! This Shea Villa property is tucked away in its own private luxury gated community within Verrado, giving you access to the amenities of both Vallarta and Verrado the walking paths from the house are amazing. Upon arrival you will notice the paved driveway and well-kept landscaping in the front... the backyard is a view lot giving a sense of relaxation, after a long day! As you enter the private courtyard with a custom glass/door, opening to the great room & gourmet kitchen. Featuring multi-slider doors to bring in lots' of natural lighting, custom cabinets, oversized kitchen island for entertaining, all stainless steel appliance this kitchen is a chef's dream! The owners suite was recently updated with new low maintenance flooring, spa shower as well as lot's of storage

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16331 W Sentinal Rock Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$585,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,470 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781817

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Estate model Ashbury home centrally located in The Grand. Home with 20'' neutral tiling in all common areas has 2 en suites, guest half bath, an office, great room with dining and a very generous sized kitchen. For the chefs amongst us, this model is known for its large kitchen with plenty of counter/storage and a center island with additional storage. Eating area is large enough to accommodate a table of 8 or more. Newer stainless appliances, gas cooktop, wall oven and mocha maple cabinetry. Primary suite which opens to rear patio features shower w/ separate tub, double vanities and a spacious walk-in closet. Rear patio has great protection from elements with lattice covering and a water feature to relax by. Home has a golf cart garage, garage built in cabinets and 2 NEW HVAC systems.

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337 N Redrock Street Gilbert, AZ 85234

$585,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,494 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782724

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in Before the Holidays! Welcome to this fantastic tri-level home with versatile living spaces, ideal for multi-generational needs. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there's room for everyone. Enjoy the front patio by the fire pit, a perfect spot to unwind. Step inside to freshly painted walls, newer carpet, a welcoming eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, and new appliances. Newer water heater and an AC unit that's only a few years old. The lower level features a bedroom, office or yoga studio. A full bathroom, and a huge flex space, ideal as a mother-in-law or teen suite, playroom, or second family room. Enjoy the backyard with a sparkling diving pool and spa. Outdoor enthusiast will appreciate the Western Canal path offering a multi-use trail, perfect for biking, jogging& dog walks Prime Location: Minutes from Downtown Gilbert and an array of fantastic shopping and dining options. Ample Parking: Includes a two-car garage and a widened driveway with extra space for 3 cars.

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18225 W Mackenzie Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$585,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,625 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694848

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Welcome home to this fantastic Sedella beauty! Sparkling pebble-tec play pool with waterfall. Professionally landscaped backyard with tons of pavers & large covered patio. Open & spacious floorplan. Formal entry. Living room. Formal Dining. Huge rear family room opens into spacious eat-in kitchen. Raised panel cabinets, granite counters w/ tile backsplash, huge island, upgraded stainless appliances. & huge walk-in pantry. Office/Den. Upstairs has large open loft. Master suite has his/her closets, garden tub & walk in shower. Two bedrms w/ Jack/Jill bath, 4th bedroom & another full bath. Upstairs laundry. Located on almost 1/4 acre lot. Room for RV gate and HOA allows RV Parking! This home is beautiful & located near tot lot & community park.

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28016 N 251st Avenue Wittmann, AZ 85361

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,654 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667989

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This luxurious mini mansion on over an acre of land in the roping capital of the world is a haven for horse enthusiasts, boasting a private arena and covered stalls on-site, alongside ride-in, ride-out desert access and close proximity to major roping events. The property's circular drive, low-maintenance desert landscaping, and shared well guarantee pristine surroundings and water quality. Inside, the open floor plan facilitates seamless entertaining, complemented by a spacious kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and tile countertops. With no restrictions, enjoy the freedom to park your camper on-site, striking a perfect balance between privacy and convenience.

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