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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24460 N Plum Road Florence, AZ 85132

$464,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665208

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

JUST FAIL FROM ESCROW ON 3/16/24 SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BIG HOUSE, WITH LOTS OF SPACE, AND A WHOLE LOT LESS IN PRICE THAN MOST 3000 SQUARE FOOT 2 STORY HOMES, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. SELLER WILL HELP WITH FEES AND MAY CONSIDER A LEASE PURCHASE WITH 5% DOWN. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH 4 BEDROOMS AND 2.5 BATHS, WITH LARGE TANDEM 3 CAR GARAGE, LARGE COVERED PATIO AND BIG PLAY POOL.

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11566 W Apache Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$464,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,790 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683149

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great Location, Unlimited Potential! This two-story home is located in a desirable area, boasting ample living space. This great family home provides comfortable accommodations for all. Upon entering, you are greeted by a welcoming foyer that flows seamlessly into the main living area, ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. The well-appointed kitchen has plenty of cabinet space for storage. Upstairs, the loft space is perfect for any need. The master suite has dual sinks and a large separate bathtub and shower combo. The backyard has a large sparkling pool, with an RV Gate and space to park your toys. This house just needs some of your personal touches. *Home is being sold ''as is''

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17596 W Columbine Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$464,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,761 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673047

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into your spacious sanctuary! A grand foyer leads to a formal living/dining room with vaulted ceilings. The open kitchen seamlessly connects to the family room. Downstairs hosts one guest bedroom and bathroom, while upstairs offers 3 bedrooms and a loft. The main bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom with double sink vanity, separate shower/tub, and walk-in closet. North/South exposure, with a backyard perfect for a pool. Conveniently situated near schools, shopping, and parks.

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1620 N San Marcos De Niza Drive Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

$464,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,048 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677482

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Clear Mountain views! Three bedroom, two bathroom split, floor plan,granite countertops,updated master bathroom with large walk-in closet, private backyard with hot tub and two 300 gal tank rain water harvesting, on over an acre, RV gate and FULL RV Hook Up, two car garage, two Storage sheds one has AC, lots of cabinet space, Owned solar, Voluntary HOA, and ample Distance from neighbors, ideally situated on 1.6 acres, 2048 sq. ft. only $464,900,000. See Today, Offer Today, LOVE Living soon!

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