Buying a Home This Summer? Use These Four Tips to Uncover Hidden Flaws and Issues

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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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

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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5136 N 31st Place Phoenix, AZ 85016

Open House

New

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,224 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697755

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Exceptional High-End Remodeled PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY AzBiltmore Estates BILTMORE TERRACE Condo JUST BRING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH GATED & GUARDED Golf Course Community at ARIZONA BILTMORE w direct access to BILTMORE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER for all your needs w Starbucks, banking Safeway grocery +specialty Shops & Fine Restaurants convenient to all offices located on E Camelback Road. 1224'sf on 1-level real Plank Wood flooring +new paint +furnishings . non-smoking original owner home. Breakfast Patio light & bright ultra-quiet LUXURY Community Solid-Built contemporary design. UNLIMITED HOT WATER, CLUBHOUSE spacious sun drenched pools & spas TWO pool areas, beautiful maintained grounds & community

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15206 W Pasadena Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

Open House

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673156

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 1 owner, one-level home in the desirable The Grand Community! This home boasts 2052 sf of well-designed living space which offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Notice the quality construction of this Coronado open floor plan and the beautiful aesthetics of the exterior for stunning curb appeal! Features Include: Marble Floors, Rock exterior, Extended Patio, New Roof underlay and Exterior paint, large living room with lots of natural light and views of the backyard. Notice the spacious marble kitchen and oversized dining area. The primary suite is amazing and offers a large bath and walk-in closet. There is a 2nd bedroom and bath and also a den that could be converted into a 3rd bedroom if you desire. $5,000 allowance to buyer with acceptable offer.

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1301 E Meadow Lane Phoenix, AZ 85022

Open House

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,757 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681029

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gracious & spacious home is located in the much coveted, Lookout Mountain foothills. This area offers so much to enjoy especially if you love nature at its finest. The home is on an elevated corner lot with 2 covered patios, an outdoor Kiva fireplace, lovely landscaping, a north/south exposure and gorgeous Sunset Views The community has a walking trail through a natural desert arroyo and also a path that leads to Lookout Mountain just a few steps away. Perfect for hikers! This wonderful home is just waiting for your updating expertise to make it something to cherish for many years. The floorplan is open, light and bright, no popcorn ceilings, nice sized kitchen with a breakfast area. 2nd bedrm has a murphy bed & 2 closets. A Great home! Great community! Great location!

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14383 W Dahlia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$499,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,929 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693259

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the top Family communities in AZ. Check out all of the Amenities that Marley Park has: Pool,Community Center, Parks & more. Located within a 5 minute walk to #1 Voted, Admission Free, Charter school for 8 straight years! LEGACY TRADITIONAL SCHOOL K-8 Enter into this beautiful Foyer with a Tray Ceiling and 6x24 Faux Wood Ceramic Tile throughout accented with 4 1/4'' Baseboards. To the right you will find 2 bedrooms with upgraded carpet and a full bath in this split Cottonwood model floorplan. Next enter into an open area with the Kitchen, Great Room & Dining Area. The Kitchen has Silestone Countertops paired with Shaker Style White Maple Cabinets & Dovetailed drawers. Adjacent to kitchen is an office with the Master Bedroom privately tucked away in the back corner of the home. Check out the master bathroom which includes a spectacular tiled super shower. Finally, exit to outdoor family oasis.The backyard covered patio has been extended with an amazing 21' x 22' Pergola. The yard has pet friendly turf surrounded by pavers, rocks and amazing plants. Check out the extra wide, 8 ft., side yard with access through the RV Gate. Almost forgot to mention the home has upgraded lights, plumbing fixtures, home theatre pre-wire, two tone paint, ceiling fans and a soft water loop.

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1744 E Laddoos Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$499,999

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,928 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687481

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Professioanl pics coming soon! Welcome to Ecanterra!! A stunning gated community with all of the amenities you could ask for. insanely gorgeous Golf Course, multiple swimming pools, restaurants and bars, club house, and workout center, etc.! This corner-lot 2 bed, 2 bath property is well appointed with large kitchen island w/ granite countertops. Central vac and new TRANE A/C unit for efficient cooling. You will love living here!!

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5184 W Village Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$499,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686821

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Terrific floorplan with 3 bedrooms plus a den with double door entry, 2 bathrooms and spacious 3-car garage. Living, dining and family rooms, kitchen with island and breakfast nook open to family room and sliding doors to backyard and covered patio overlooking well- manicured yard with grassy area. Spacious Master bedroom with separate shower/tub, double sinks and walk-in closet. Stainless steel appliances, newer water heater, water softener, A/C and roof.

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1822 S 39th Street Mesa, AZ 85206

$499,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,155 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690923

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! Become the proud owner of this fabulous two-level residence located in Quail Vista Village. Recently fully remodeled and new roof and A/C! Discover a perfectly flowing layout featuring spacious living areas adorned with neutral palette throughout, gleaming wood-look floor, arched doorways, and a cozy fireplace. The spotless kitchen boasts ample cabinetry, sleek quartz counters, recessed lighting, a pantry, a chic mosaic backsplash, black stainless steel appliances, and a convenient center island. Double doors open to the main retreat, comprised of a private bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. You will find a quaint backyard offering a covered patio, great for alfresco dining or simply relaxing after a long day! Don't miss out on this one!!

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4389 E Alamo Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

New

$499,999

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692172

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of TWO homes in the Laredo Ranch neighborhood with a pool under $500k! Priced $100/sqft lower of the two and competitively priced for a reason! This well maintained, 4 bed, 3.5 bath 2-story oasis is ready for its next owner! With an open concept, vaulted ceilings, a massive den and en suite room upstairs, the possibilities are truly endless. This gem will not last long so don't wait to see it for yourself!

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752 E Elgin Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$499,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,578 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692118

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this incredible TURN KEY gem next to the vibrant Downtown Chandler area! A fully furnished home for you to move in and feel right at home or reap the benefits of a strong short/long term rental market with a furnished rental. Featuring vaulted ceilings in the spacious living room with tile throughout, granite countertops in the kitchen & plenty of cooking space for a family or renters! A large upstairs floor plan creates 3 expansive bedrooms w/ King & Queen beds fitting comfortably. Step outside into your backyard oasis including a HEATED pool, fire pit & plenty of patio space to soak up the sun! A perfect property for your investment portfolio to turn into a rental right away! Make this home yours next to one of the valley's booming downtown hot spots!

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18330 W Pueblo Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$499,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,122 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672368

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Flash Sale this Weekend Only** Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Goodyear, where modern comfort meets suburban bliss. This stunning single-family residence boasts an exceptional floor plan designed for both entertaining and everyday living. With meticulous attention to detail and an array of upscale features, this property is truly a rare find in a sought-after community. *Highlights* Step inside to discover a warm and inviting interior that seamlessly blends contemporary style with functionality. The open-concept living room flows effortlessly into the dining area and kitchen, creating an ideal environment for gatherings and family moments. Catering to the home chef, the kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, ample cabinetry, butler's pantry, and a large walk-in pantry. Whether you're preparing a meal or enjoying casual dining at the breakfast bar, this kitchen is sure to inspire. Escape to your private backyard paradise, highlighted by a beautiful diving pool. Surrounded by low-maintenance landscaping and ample patio space, it's the perfect setting for relaxing under the Arizona sun or hosting memorable summer pool parties. This friendly Goodyear neighborhood, offers the convenience of being close to top A rated schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Easy access to major highways also ensures a smooth commute to Phoenix and surrounding areas. This property represents a unique opportunity to own a meticulously maintained home that combines comfort, and an unbeatable location. Whether you're basking by the pool, entertaining guests, or enjoying the peaceful surroundings, this Goodyear gem is ready to provide an unparalleled living experience. Don't miss out on making this exquisite house your new home. Take the first step towards living your Arizona dream!

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