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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4151 S Plasma --
Mesa, AZ 85212
$499,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,567
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6650303
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Premium lot with a big backyard surrounded by single story homes for privacy. This 3-bedroom 2-bathroom home is located in the desirable Eastmark community. Tile throughout with carpet in the bedrooms. Large kitchen island with Granite countertops. Plantation shutters on the windows facing the front of the house. SELLER TO CONTRIBUTE $5,000 TOWARDS BUYERS CLOSING COSTS.
4133 E Tanglewood Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85048
$499,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,350
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6636104
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MINUTES to 202 and I-10 Frwys, Grocery Stores, SHOPPING, Schools, HIKING TRAILS, Parks, Entertainment, and More! * N/S Exposure * VAULTED CEILINGS * REMODELED HOME with New WOOD FLOORS, Baseboards, PAINT, Fixtures, NEW ROOF, Hardware, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, Recessed Lighting, CABINETS, Blinds, and CEILING FANS * Kitchen Features a BAY WINDOW in Nook Area and STAINLESS STEEL Appliances including a FRIDGE, Stove/Oven, BUILT-IN MICROWAVE, and Sink * Guest Bathroom has TILED Shower Wall and Resurfaced Tub * SPLIT Master Bedroom has a SEPARATE TUB and TILED SHOWER with DUAL SINKS and WALK-IN CLOSET * Large LIVING ROOM has FRENCH DOORS * Backyard has a COVERED PATIO, New Gravel and LUSH GREEN ARTIFICIAL GRASS! * Exterior concrete including Garage Floor has NEW CONCRETE PAINT! * LOW HOA Dues!! *
13737 W Linanthus Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
$499,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6642234
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Wonderful opportunity to own this beautiful upgraded home in Vistancia Village! Three bedroom two bath three car tandem garage. Hardwood floors, Granite counters, Plantation Shutters open floor plan. Easy maintenance yard, community pool, clubhouse and much more. Come see this well maintained move in ready home!
4066 E Cathy Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$499,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,303
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6637333
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The wait is over! Book your tour on this awesome 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 garage home with loft and huge living area! Located in prime Gilbert location off Recker and Warner and close to 202! Very nice kitchen granite counters, white cabinets, kitchen island, double wall ovens, and newer dishwasher! Huge formal dining area that can be used for separate living area if desired. Functional loft on the second level perfect for work space or living area. Massive primary suite with room for sitting area and large walk-in closet. 2 sinks, separate tub and shower and private toilet room. Jack and jill bath at secondary bedrooms for added convenience. Community offers pool and spa, large grassy park, and playground. Great value and great location make this a great buy!
2232 E Branham Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85042
$499,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,343
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6638162
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the luxury of a gated community boasting a pool, heated spa, and expansive greenbelt areas. A deluxe playground awaits your kids. But there's more - our HOA also HANDLES YOUR FRONT YARD landscape maintenance. Imagine the ease of living in a beautifully landscaped community where you're free from front yard upkeep! Beautiful 4-bed, 2-bath home on a coveted corner lot! The interior features a spacious living room w/surround sound speakers for entertaining, and neutral palette. Gather your loved ones in the great room boasting a cozy fireplace & dry bar. The kitchen has Corian counters, paneled cabinets, a mosaic backsplash. Rare Find: Original Arizona Saltillo tile in the main areas. Bedrooms features NEW carpet.
2513 E Hartford Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$499,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,856
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6639838
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Huge Price Reduction!!! Come check this out...you'll love this oversized lot in North Phx. (300 sq/ft shy of a 1/4 acre), NO HOA with ample parking space for RV, trailer, toys or work equipment. Lot incudes a large fenced parking area as well as large area outside the RV gates for additional parking...and is perfect for anyone running a small business that needs space for parking their equipment without having to lease yard space. This property offers two large work/storage areas. Additionally, the property offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, one of which is the massive primary bedroom with soaking tub and large walk-in shower, two patio areas, one of which has over head evaporative cooling for the warmer months.
7527 E Pleasant Run
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$499,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,362
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6644372
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This very rare floorplan in Pleasant Run, is located in the Heart of McCormick Ranch! Extremely clean, move-in ready (Brand New AC Jan/2024) Light & Bright with skylights and lots of windows. The living room has a fireplace and opens to 2 covered back patios complete with pavers & mature shaded landscaping. Updated with new stainless steel appliances, new granite counters, new neutral carpet, new fixtures, travertine floors, travertine back-splash in showers and crown molding. The Beautiful kitchen has cherry cabinets and granite counters. There is also an attached 2-car garage and spacious laundry room. All this in a well maintained pride-of-ownership neighborhood with Heated Community Pools, Tennis & Pickleball Courts plus direct access to the highly sought-after Scottsdale Greenbelt!
4195 E Third Fairway Drive
Rimrock, AZ 86335
$499,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6646037
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This unique 3 bed, 3 bath house has been freshly remodeled and is move-in ready! This beauty displays a large front yard, 2-car garage, an extended paver driveway, & an attached pergola making for a delightful front porch. You'll love the generous living room, highlighted by a contemporary fireplace, striking light fixtures, & large windows that allow natural light to flow in. Tall ceilings, neutral palette, & sleek wood-look flooring throughout. The spotless eat-in kitchen is fully equipped w/quartz counters, ample cabinetry w/crown molding, SS appliances, & an island w/a breakfast bar. The spacious bonus room, with its charming wet bar, is Ideal for gatherings & leisure. Split floorplan allows the ability to divide the house into two separate living spaces. This opportunity is a MUST SE
11207 S Iroquois Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$499,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,143
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6679134
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fully remodeled designer home. Upgraded from top to bottom. New cabinets throughout the house, new bathrooms, new plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, new double-pane window, stucco, flooring, baseboards and doors, fresh paint inside and out, new landscaping and a lot more to discover.
5 N 119th Avenue
Avondale, AZ 85323
$499,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,687
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6662962
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the prestigious Cold Water Springs community, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a gem. Situated on a coveted golf course lot, panoramic views of the pristine fairways and greens greet you from every window. Step into the backyard oasis, where a large pool beckons for relaxation, while the meticulously manicured putting green offers endless entertainment. Inside, the residence boasts spacious living areas. With an open floor plan designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this home provides the perfect blend of sophistication and leisure, creating an ideal retreat.
16668 W Pierce Street
Goodyear, AZ 85338
$499,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,862
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6689544
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SPECTACULAR YARD WITH HEATED POOL & SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH WALL TV CABINET, GAS FIREPLACE, GAZEBO, 2 SHEDS & EXTENSIVE PATIO ON A HUGE CORNER LOT. This move-in ready FOUR BEDROOM home has been freshly painted outside, painted inside, has a NEW HVAC (2023), upgraded fixtures and beautiful tile throughout. The spacious foyer opens to a huge living area with vaulted ceiling. The kitchen features granite counters, custom backsplash, crown molding, large island with eating counter & built-in beverage fridge. ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. The Ensuite bathroom has a patio door to the covered patio. Bedrooms #3 & 4 have upgraded windows & overlook a gorgeous front yard. Low voltage lighting front & back with an abundance of palm trees, shrubs, 2 orange trees & more. You may not want to leave home!
21838 N Scott Court
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$499,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,312
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6673046
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Golf course lot! iIncredible 3-bed + Den home sitting on a golf course lot of a quiet cul-de-sac in the desired Rancho El Dorado Community! RV gate, 2-car garage, and manicured landscaping welcome you. Enter to see a formal living & dining room, designer paint, a double-door entrance den, and high vaulted ceilings. You will love the family room boasting wood floors, built-in niches, a gas fireplace, and backyard access! The eat-in kitchen features an island w/breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, oak cabinets, a chic backsplash, granite counters, and SS appliances. The oversize main bedroom has access to the backyard and an ensuite w/dual sinks & walk-in closet. Oasis-style backyard highlights a blue pool w/water feature, a covered patio, a storage shed, and multiple seating areas. Close to schools and shopping.
