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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

View As: Thumbnails List

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

7413 W Gardenia Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$503,652

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,465 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Alto by K. Hovnanian Homes, this popular Tenor floorplan includes an upgraded 5 bedroom and full bath on the first floor. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with Meridian Grey Quartz counters, White recessed panel Cabinets and GE Stainless-steel appliances. The great room is ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Upstairs includes a large loft with 2 additional bedroom and the Primary Suite. This amazing home will be ready for an August 2024 Move-in! ^^^Up to 4% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. ***Prices subject to change, photos may be of a model home or virtually staged, actual home will vary.

View Property

4164 W Nora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$503,135

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,232 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688576

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 bedroom plus flex room with European kitchen layout, stainless steel appliances. Tile throughout except bedrooms, white cabinets granite counter tops.

View Property

25635 N 185th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$502,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,690 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672296

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this elegant Bronze home, ready for Summer move-in! Included features: a generous great room with center-meet doors leading onto an inviting covered patio; a dining area; an impressive kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, a center island, a walk-in pantry and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range; two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; and a lavish primary suite boasting an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. This home also offers 6'' x 35'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bathroom countertops, ceiling fan prewiring, front yard landscaping and a concrete-paver driveway and walkway

View Property

16802 W Desert Mirage Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$502,935

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,358 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702505

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 2% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. MLS#6702505 September Completion! The Paisley at Paradisi Discovery offers a two-story layout spanning 2,358 square feet, complete with 4 beds, 3 baths, a 2-car garage, and a loft. This stunning home features a first-floor bedroom, ensuring privacy and convenience for guests. The expansive open gathering room, casual dining, and kitchen area with quartz countertops create a spacious environment, complemented by an adjacent outdoor living area for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Upstairs, the loft provides versatility as a play area, study, or secondary living space. The owner's suite boasts a walk-in closet and double sinks, adding a touch of luxury.

View Property

27079 N 167th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$502,801

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,531 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699666

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Can't find what you want on the resale market, look no further. This spacious 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home, featuring an office space, open concept living and dinning room area with beautiful site line views backing the Sonora desert !! If your looking for a tech equipped, spacious, beautifully finished single story home offering 2 non primary rooms that have en suites and a work space this is the home for you !!

View Property

647 S Del Rancho Circle Mesa, AZ 85208

$502,797

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,012 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6603339

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

$17,000 in Builder Incentives (must use Preferred Lender) for a buyer to use on this NOW COMPLETED inventory home!! This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a LOFT home is almost done! White Shaker Cabinets, Beautiful 12X24 Tile Floor on entire first floor, Granite Counters and a 2 car garage. One of the larger lots in the 18 home community AND it has the double extended covered patio! Diamond Court, built by Newmark Homes, is an 18 home community nestled in a prime location in Mesa with lots of new retail/restaurants close by!

View Property

16861 W Fetlock Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$502,396

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,644 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700364

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Can't find what you want on the resale market, look no further. This 4 bed, 3 bath home features a 3 car garage split, loft space, 1 bedroom and bathroom downstairs, a beautiful gourmet kitchen, a study with double doors, perfect for an office and or work space ! And huge backyard ! This house is ready to become your HOME !

View Property

207 S Beaver Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$502,260

1 Bed

1 Bath

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632520

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! This 1-Bedroom Condo has a covered patio's, and is Move-in-ready! This 5-story community was tastefully designed to accentuate the views off each deck of the 32 luxury units! Living the high life at 7000' feet is a breeze at The Views at Butler, just a step from Northern Arizona University & the nightlife in downtown. Watch the sunset reflect off the San Francisco Peaks while BBQ'ing on the oversized Roof-Top View Deck & lounge area. Convenience & ease are built into the community w key fob elevator, a trash shoot on every level & standard A/C. Beyond the aesthetic & downtown life vibe! Location, Convenience, Views & Community. It's the perfect home for you!

View Property

17332 W Corrine Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$501,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,280 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687543

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER IS OFFERING CLOSING COST AND RATE BUYDOWN SPECIALS. This home is on a very deep lot! It is 4 bedrooms, 3 baths plus a loft and a 2-car garage on a large lot. The guest suite is located on the bottom floor and 3 bedrooms plus a loft on the second floor. This home has a beautiful kitchen with an island, Staggered upgraded cabinets, Upper-level Quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen opens up perfectly to the great room and the covered patio. Master suite has a large bedroom, tiled master shower, large walk in closet and double sinks. All interior doors are 8'!

View Property

16745 W Cortez Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$501,251

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6473905

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. MLS#6473905 December Completion! The Sterling offers a single-story design encompassing 2,140 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage. Upon entering through the foyer, you encounter a seamless blend of an open-concept kitchen, casual dining, and gathering room—a perfect setting for entertaining. The outdoor living space enhances the overall livability, allowing you to relish the Arizona sunshine throughout the year. Structural options include: Additional bedroom, study, 8' Interior Doors, Garage Service Door.

View Property

1653 Middle Creek Lane Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$501,051

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,804 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6614413

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New In-Town Community! 1804 sf, 3br/2ba home with 3-car garage on over 1/4 acre in-town lot and walking distance to stores & schools. Kitchen features Off-White painted cabinets with hardware and granite countertops throughout with under cabinet lighting, pendant lights over peninsula island. Bathrooms feature executive height cabinets, tile shower and bath surrounds. Wood look tile throughout with upgraded carpet and pad in the bedrooms. Primary suite has large walk-in closet and double sinks. Pre-wires and bracing for ceiling fans & wall mount tv, plumbed for soft water with fridge/freezer outlet in garage. Front yard irrigation with timer, wide rear patio with gas stub for future outside cooking. Energy Star Certified, HERS Rated & Environments for Living Guaranteed Home.

View Property

12206 W Levi Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

$500,813

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703068

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Agents, please read private remarks* Wonderful new Shea Home in the popular Master Planned Community known as Alamar. This beautiful home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an upstairs laundry room. Upgraded features include Quartz Countertops, Urban White Cabinets, Stainless Steel GAS Appliances, Designer Flooring, Garage Service Door and Front Yard Landscaping. Estimated completion is 30-45 days.

View Property