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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3864 E Fruitvale Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,692 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666977

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely single story home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths with an additional den (including a closet!) that could easily be converted into a 4th bedroom. The home is located in the quiet community of Coronado Ranch with beautiful tree-lined streets, affordable HOA fees, and close proximity to Gilbert Regional Park. Coronado Ranch is a ''buy and hold'' community and homes like this don't come up on the market often especially at this price. With the right offer, the seller will also include the washer, dryer, and refrigerator. Come see this gem for yourself!

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7606 S Lone Pine Place Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668598

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home in PERALTA Canyon**This well cared for home shows like a model home backing up to the desert & no home in front of you. As you enter in thru the custom iron security door, the home has 9' ceilings and a beautiful entry to display your art. Open Kitchen & Great Room w/ multi-sliding door to ENJOY the AZ Weather & Sunsets. Kitchen has white Shaker cabinets, quartz counter tops, gas range, stainless steel appliances & pantry. Primary Bedroom has walk in closet & beautiful En-suite w/ dual sinks, large shower & separate toilet room. Home also features crown molding, plank tile floors t/o, soft water system, tankless hot water, 3 car garage, expoxy garage floors, extended patio, view fencing, gas stub for BBQ grill plus much more! Hurry before this home is go

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17398 W Superior Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$500,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,525 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669321

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single-story home with a pool, view fence, 3-car tandem garage and solar! This floor plan creates an open living concept, with a large living room tying into a gourmet eat-in kitchen with double wall ovens, granite countertops, a farmhouse sink and gas stove. The primary bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a large soaking tub, separate shower and dual sinks. There are also 3 additional bedrooms, a den, full bathroom with tub/shower, as well as a half bath for the main living area, or your guests. Close proximity to shopping, dining, schools, freeway access and more!

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3809 W Misty Willow Lane Glendale, AZ 85310

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, come expecting and be amazed! Starting with gorgeous curb appeal, lush grass, curbing, and mature landscaping. Upon entering the living room, you'll be in awe with the huge, vaulted ceilings, new carpet, custom paint, wood shutters & updated lighting. To the open kitchen, you'll see new cabinets, granite counter tops, granite sink, plus updated black stainless appliances. You'll love the inviting family room with a built-in fireplace and a custom glass slider to view the enormous backyard & extended covered patio set up for entertaining. The oversized owner's suite has vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, dual sinks, & remodeled shower. This home has a full 3 car garage, loads of storage space, new roof underlayment 2022, with solar purchase assumable, Come & see today!

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606 S Fountaine Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$500,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming fixer-upper with endless potential, sold ''AS IS'' for your creative vision to flourish right next to Northern Arizona University. This come has a comfortable living space that would be ideal for students or professionals. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

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3761 E Thornton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,647 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688799

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare opportunity to own in Coronado Ranch. Located in 85297 near Gilbert Regional Park, this 4 bed 2 bath 1647 sqft home has vaulted ceiling and spacious back yard, great for gardening and entertaining. Neighborhood is family friendly, has two parks, and a splash pad. Built in 2001 this home has only had 2 owners. Grocery, gas, pharmacy, and other shopping all within 1-2 miles. In 2023 Higley Unified School District rated ''A'' by AZ Dept of Education. Owner/agent listing Home is being sold AS-IS.

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1920 N 140th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,931 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691390

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegant, Modern & Energy Efficient. 2021 New, 1 Level, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage home with over $50K in builder upgrades! Located a mile north of i10, in the 'The Vistas' a exclusive, gated community of Palm Valley, in the A+ Agua Fria School District of Millennium High & Great Hearts, this open-floor plan home is designed around an amazing kitchen overlooking the Dinning-Great Room with 2 large sliding glass doors theres an abundance of bright, cheery natural light! Relax & unwind in your private backyard under the cover patio or have fun enjoying your beatiful community pool & grilling area, which this home butts up to! (Yes, this home has one of the best lot locations in The Vistas!). A tankless hot water heater and water softener are included with this must see home.

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1914 N 140th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,983 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691426

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Elegant, Modern, Energy-Efficient, 2021 New, 1 Level, 3 Bed, 3 Bath (2.5), 2 Car Garage home with over $50K in builder upgrades! Located 1 mile N. of i10, in 'The Vistas' a exclusive gated community of Palm Valley'. Top Rated Schools, Great Hearts Charter & Millennium High, shopping, dining, and golf. This open floor plan home is designed around an amazing kitchen overlooking the Dinning-Great Rooms with 3 Lr sliding glass doors theres an abundance of bright, cheery natural light! Relax in your private backyard under the cover patio or have fun in your beatiful community pool & grilling area, which this home butts up to! Yes, this home does has one of the best lot locations in The Vistas! Tankless hot water heater & water softener are included in this must see home!

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1924 E Monte Vista Road Phoenix, AZ 85006

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,089 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693409

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

In 1935, amidst the dust storms and Great Depression, one resilient home emerged from the arid landscapes of the American Southwest: the Adobe Home. Step into the timeless allure of Southwest living with this captivating Adobe Home, a masterpiece of rustic elegance nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Built in 1935, this meticulously maintained residence seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. The thoughtfully designed floor plan encompasses 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen, adorned with hand-painted cabinets and equipped with modern appliances. Perfect for culinary adventures inspired by the flavors of the Southwest. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history in this iconic Adobe Home.

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62 Tanager Lane Sedona, AZ 86336

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,239 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6623000

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Here's a chance to enjoy worry-free living in Sedona! This ground-floor condo is close to Sunset Park and hiking trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The open layout includes an upgraded kitchen with high-end maple cabinets, granite countertops, and a tile backsplash. With remodeled bathrooms, a new electric Heat Pump & AC, and luxury vinyl plank flooring, you can move in without the expense and challenge of dealing with contractors. Step onto your open patio to enjoy the scenery while you grill up dinner and kick back and relax, or head to the community pool and clubhouse for socializing in your new community!

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11229 S Tomah Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

Open House

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,716 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled home w/pool on a golf course! Spacious living room w/large windows provide views out to the covered patio, pool & golf course. Plus an area for a piano, office or formal dining. Remodeled kitchen w/granite counters, breakfast bar open to casual living space (or dining room) w/fireplace .Coffee bar/drop zone & large laundry room. The primary bedroom has 2 large closets, vanity area, & separate shower/toilet area & door to the patio. The 2nd bedroom w/door to the 2nd bath. The backyard w/low maintenance landscape, irrigation, covered patio, pool Plantation shutters, newer roof, AC, water heater, 2 car garage w/built in storage, 55+ community w/plenty of activities. Close to Ahwatukee rec center w/indoor/outdoor pool, clubhouse, pickle ball, exercise facility +more.

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11807 S 53rd Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

Open House

$500,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,970 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694215

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Assumable existing loan possible under $2.4% for qualified buyers! WOW! 4 bedrooms, 3 full bath, 3 car garage, built in 2020 Taylor Morrison Beauty with no neighbor behind! Owner added so many upgrades to builder standard home, added tile floor in master bedroom and front bedroom, tankless water heater, soft water, pavers, RV gates, 3 hole putting green, service door out from garage, upgraded granite and cabinets. Surround sound and holiday package and a security door was added. Home also comes with custom sunscreeens and has a huge walk-in pantry! This is a must see!!

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