In a hot market it’s easy to be blinded by the competition and succumb to the pressure to make an offer on a home before you’ve adequately assessed it. If you’re looking to buy a home this summer, use these four tips to uncover hidden flaws before you put your offer in.
1) Hire A Pro
One of the most reliable ways to identify potential and existing problems within a property is to hire a professional home inspector to evaluate it. Home inspectors are trained to find issues that the average person may overlook, which can save you from putting in an offer on a money pit.
2) Do It Yourself
If you can’t afford to hire a home inspector, conduct a thorough home evaluation yourself. Ensure that the roof doesn’t have any significant damage or leaks, check window caulking for holes, and scan the basement thoroughly for asbestos and black mold.
Within the house, pay special attention to the bathrooms for leaks around the tubs, showers, and toilets, as this may indicate leaky pipes which can be a costly fix. Likewise, check underneath the kitchen sink and around appliances for leaks, which may also be a sign of a more expensive fix.
Even if you’ve hired a home inspector, always inspect the home yourself to the best of your ability. The more sets of eyes that look over the property the better, and you may find small problems that aren’t considered huge deficiencies to an inspector but may be deal breakers for you, such as peeling paint or cracked tile.
3) Seek Strata Minutes
If the home you are looking at is a condo, ask for copies of the strata minutes. Strata minutes serve as a record of any past issues that the building has had and will include notes on any upcoming costs that are already identified. Take these into consideration when estimating your condo fees and the value of the property.
4) Hire Help
Real estate agents can not only take a lot off of your plate when it comes to buying a home, but they also possess specialized knowledge and experience in uncovering flaws in homes. They know what to look for!
A real estate agent will take care of the property research for you, sifting through past strata notes or pointing out any deficiencies that they can identify when you are considering a home. With a trained professional on your team, you are more likely to find issues that could devalue the property.
Ready to find a home that’s fit for you? Get in contact with me today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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6496 W Saratoga Way
Florence, AZ 85132
$509,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,971
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6650565
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing 18th fairway views of Poston Butte Golf Course! This meticulously maintained and highly upgraded ''Arcadia'' floor plan w/3rd car garage is perfectly appointed on a N/S PREMIUM GOLF COURSE LOT. Enjoy the stunning views from the extended paver patio, surrounded by desert landscape within walking distance of the Anthem Grille and Club House. Enjoy the interior details that include a gourmet kitchen featuring true staggered cherry cabinetry w/crown molding, granite countertops, double wall ovens, electric cooktop, AC/Heat installed 2017, bay window in Cafe', den/office, new paint , new carpet, new travertine courtyard and laundry/garage cabinets. The primary en-suite offers soaking tub w/seperate shower, double vanity and a large walk in closet. The Florence bond is PAID IN FULL Take advantage of the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.
3011 Pleasant Valley Court
Prescott, AZ 86305
$509,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,719
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6649988
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful family home in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood! Perfect location that is central to everything, close to trails, downtown Prescott, shopping and parks. Enjoy the light, bright rooms with walls of windows looking toward the large privacy-fenced back yard backing 10 acres of open space. Drink coffee and enjoy evening BBQ and drinks on the private back patio under the shade tree. Custom concrete countertops, upgraded fixtures, newer laminate floors, 9 foot ceilings, tile surround jetted tub, newer carpet, French doors, stainless appliances, high efficiency furnace, large laundry room and solar electric system. The tranquil setting is perfect for the home gardener with an enclosed raised garden bed. Trees and berry bushes abound with apple, pear, cherry, plum, blueberry, raspberry and almond spread throughout the property all irrigated by a worry-free 6-zone sprinkler system in both the front and back yards! Shaded front patio adjacent to rose bushes & a butterfly garden. We are excited find someone to make their own memories in this wonderful home!!
419 N 41st Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
$509,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,657
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6679229
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking for a place to call home? This fully remodeled 4-bed, 2-bath residence boasting a well-maintained front lawn is the one for you! Discover a spacious great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a neutral color scheme, and stylish wood-look tile flooring. The family room boasts vaulted ceilings and sliding doors leading to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen features quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, chic tile backsplash, SS appliances, pendant lighting, and a center island with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom includes a private bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet for all your belongings. Enjoy quiet afternoons in the backyard, which displays an open patio. Approved permits for the casita at back are available for the next owner.
18326 W Turquoise Avenue
Waddell, AZ 85355
$509,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,200
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6679373
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
4 bedroom, 3 bath, single story home with pool in beautiful Cortessa. This amazing home has huge kitchen with granite counter tops, tile back splash, and stainless steel appliances. Master suite has walk in shower. Plus there are 2 master suites! Other upgrades included are new tile floors, barn door, RV gate with concrete extended from front of drive way to back of house for lots of parking space. Backyard is upgraded with pool, pavers, gazebo, dog run and your own private backyard shed FULLY air conditioned!! OWNED solar so NO PAYMENT... you can keep your house and shed very comfortable all summer long.
1868 S Saddle Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$509,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,004
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6693178
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PRICE REDUCTION! Rare to find below market value single-level residence in Westbank Estates! From the moment you arrive, the 2-car garage and the lovely mature front yard will greet you, making you feel instantly at home. Enter to find a large living & dining room combo and an inviting family room that opens to the kitchen! Natural light filled the spaces, complemented by neutral paint and tile flooring throughout. The kitchen features built-in appliances, ample wood cabinetry, a pantry, recessed lighting, and an island w/breakfast bar. It also includes a cozy nook with access to the back! The primary bedroom boasts an ensuite with dual sinks, a separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Check out the backyard with a covered patio to relax and an additional open patio for enjoying BBQ! Below market value. Great opportunity to make your own dream home in this great community!
20096 W Exeter Boulevard
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$508,995
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,370
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6672223
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this impressive Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: a welcoming covered porch; a bedroom and bathroom in lieu of a study and powder room; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a storage area; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
37926 N Neatwood Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$508,990
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
3,131
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699245
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful NEW Home in PRIME San Tan Valley location, close proximity to Queen Creek and other major cities. JULY 2024 MOVE-IN! Prime lot bordering common area, overlooking scenic desert views. Featuring countless upgrades such as 9' ceilings, Shaw Ceramic Tile Floors, Granite countertops in the kitchen. Whirlpool Stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry. Washer and Dryer included. Energy-efficient features throughout, Wi-Fi & programmable thermostat, and electric range. Spacious walk-in closet in owner's suite! Front yard landscaping with irrigation included and generous covered patio in the backyard. Minutes from hiking trails and scenic mountain views! Fantastic proposed amenities include community lake, parcourse stations, bike loops and racks, ramadas, shaded play structures, great park area including large community pavilion, BBQ grills, picnic tables, pickleball court and open space areas. Located near Queen Creek, highly rated schools and easy access to shopping centers, dining options and entertainment venues.
5544 W Willow Ridge Drive
Laveen, AZ 85339
$508,990
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,668
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6679551
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Brand New Home in a Highly Desirable Central Location - Featuring countless upgrades such as 9' ceilings, Shaw - Milan - Surf 17x17 Tile, Granite countertops in the kitchen. Whirlpool Stainless steel appliances. White cabinets. Energy-efficient features throughout, Programmable thermostat, gas heater, gas range. Spacious walk-in closet in owners suite. Front yard landscaping, covered patio in the backyard. Spectacular Mountain Views! Minutes from downtown Phoenix in a master-planned community featuring walking trails, greenbelts, neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Conveniently located off the Loop 202 and near schools, shopping and dining!
5029 N 83rd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$508,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,896
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6684424
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Fully upgraded beauty in heart of Scottsdale. Minutes from Fashion Square Mall is sitting this gorgeous oversized townhouse with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. Remodeled designer home to be yours now.
4955 W Karl Street
San Tan Valley, AZ 85144
$508,390
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,343
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6692801
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY, brand new energy efficient home! Lark, where the perfect blend of functionality and elegance comes to life. This stunning home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, plus a bonus space for office, play area or workout room. A standout feature of the Lark is a private bath in one of the bedrooms that could be used for an in-law space. The heart of the home is the kitchen, where the island takes center stage, as a practical social hub where family and friends can gather. The kitchen comes white cabinets, granite counters and a generous amount of tile, overlooking the great room, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.
12238 W Candelaria Court
Sun City, AZ 85373
$508,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,995
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699037
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Look at this NON age restricted DREAM home situated on a NICE cul-de-sac lot with North/South exposure. This CHARMING home built in 2020 boasts 1995 SF. w/ a GREAT ROOM, 3 SPACIOUS bedrooms, a versatile FLEX ROOM, & 2 Baths. The Kitchen has plenty of storage w/ a LARGE Quartz Island and plenty of seating ideal for Entertaining Family & Friends. The SPACIOUS Primary Bedroom has a Beautiful TILED Shower & LARGE Walk-in closet. Step outside to the FULLY Landscaped backyard and Covered patio. There's plenty of room in the Tandem 3-car garage. This Home is conveniently situated next to a LUSH common area greenbelt, offering a BBQ Grill & Picnic table seating. WONDERFUL location in the Peoria School District with EASY access to the 303, Shopping, Restaurants, and SO MUCH MORE! Welcome Home!
5075 N Granite Reef Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$508,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,608
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6686944
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Light and Bright Scottsdale Townhome - 3 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms - Amazing Interior Location away from the street and across from Community Pool - Move-In-Ready - Centrally located in Scottsdale Less than 5 Miles from Sport Fields, Shopping, Parks, and Entertainment including Old Town Scottsdale - New Wood-Look Tile Flooring in Downstairs Common Areas in 2023 - Updated Primary Bathroom in 2022 - New AC Unit in 2022 - New Roof in 2023 - Large Patio Perfect for Entertaining - Two Assigned Parking spaces - Assigned Storage Unit - Perfect Primary Home or Lock and Leave! Welcome Home!
