5 Major Red Flags to Watch for When You’re Touring an Open House

An open house is one of the best opportunities a potential homeowner will have to take stock of a home and determine if it will work for them. However, it can also be a good opportunity to discover some glaring red flags that might make it a less worthwhile investment. If you’re currently perusing the open houses in your neighborhood, here’s some things you should make sure to watch out for.

A Selling Hot-Spot

It’s well and good if you love the home you visit, but ‘location, location, location’ is a popular phrase for a reason. If you’ve noticed a lot of homes for sale in the area, this could be a sign of neighborhood issues that are less than pleasing.

An Odd Smell

Baked goods or room spray are quite common when it comes to an open house, but it’s possible that they’re masking a less-than pleasant odor. Since this can point to a hard home fix-up, it’s worth checking out the closets or the basement where a strange smell can indicate mildew or mold.

A Bad Paint Job

Paint that’s peeling may mean that a few fresh coats are long overdue, but it can also indicate moisture issues in the home that have gone untreated. As this kind of repair can cost a pretty penny, it’s worth determining if there are sealing issues with windows or doors.

A Few Obvious Fix-Ups

A sticky door or a damaged wall may not seem so bad on their own, but if you notice a few things that need to be fixed around the home, it can be a sign that there’s more afoot. If a homeowner has cared for the property during their ownership, it will likely show in small details like this.

Incomplete Construction

It may seem like a good sign to see a house that’s undergoing a renovation, but it can actually be a risk to invest in a home that’s not complete. Instead of leaving this to chance, you may want to check with the construction contractor to determine the scope of the work and when it will be finished.

An open house may be a good time to decide if you’re interested in a home, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to search for deficiencies that may end up costing you.

If you’re currently in the market for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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1820 E Bernie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$457,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686539

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Exceptional new condo, currently under construction, in the Towns at Annecy. The community features gated access, hiking and biking trails, a community pool and spa, and more! This two story Spanish/Italian style unit offers designer selections throughout including a kitchen with Stainless Electric GE appliances, a Delta Kitchen Faucet, Quartz Countertops, and Espresso Shaker Style Cabinets. Other highlights include wood look flooring, Delta Bath Hardware, two closets in the Primary Suite, ample storage, and north exposure. There is a soft water loop pre-plumbed only. Please note that the interior photos are not from this home, they are a reference from a finished model.

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7479 N 125th Drive Glendale, AZ 85307

$457,500

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,031 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689212

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to one of the most desirable models in Marbella! Equipped with lots of builder upgrades nestled on a larger lot this home has been well loved on by its current owner. Set up for entertaining, this kitchen with large pantry and beautiful cabinets and countertops opens up to a spacious living area. Marbella's prime location offers easy access to a range of activities, including the State Farm AZ Cardinals Football Stadium, Westgate shopping and dining, Luke AFB, and employment opportunities. Additionally, the Marbella community boasts parks and greenbelt areas for your enjoyment.

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3061 N 301st Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$457,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,909 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659163

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEST PRICE for its its size and location! 5 bedrooms / 3.5 bathrooms with solar energy to save $$ and water filtering system. Enter cozy main living room that ushers to the spacious kitchen featuring lots of cabinets, granite countertops and newer stainless steel appliances, including gas stove. Family room and large upstairs loft; main floor master bedroom affords privacy and practicality. 4 spacious bedrooms with larger closets and one of those has its own bathroom! Clean big backyard waiting for your creative landscaping design.

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308 W Nopal Place Chandler, AZ 85225

$457,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690001

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Move in ready, complete top to bottom remodel - soft close shaker cabinets, stunning quartzite stone counters, LVP flooring throughout, both bathrooms new toilet/shower/vanity/lighting, new garage door system, new interior/exterior paint, new dual pane windows, new water heater and more!* Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Chandler! This single-story beauty features 3 beds, 2 baths, and a top-notch renovation. Enjoy the freedom of no HOA, a large backyard with block fence and RV gate. Centrally located, move-in ready—this gem is waiting to welcome you home! This is the one home you've been waiting for so don't wait and come see this home today!

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