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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503 N 32nd Place Phoenix, AZ 85008

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,392 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6643550

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Newly remodeled home, fully furnished on HUGE LOT zoned R5 Multi-family. Fantastic development opportunity, GREAT Value Add Opportunity and EXTRA Land to build additional units. Minutes to downtown.. minutes to sky harbor airport. Recent improvements include newer flooring, paint, window and door package, vanity, tiled bath surrounds, plumbing and light fixtures, A/C unit, water heater, New brick fencing etc. Attached 288sf guest quarters with it's own separate entrance. Don't miss this Great Investment Opportunity...

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7530 E Mariposa Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$500,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,631 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689305

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to your new home in Scottsdale's Villa Monterey 55+ community, a haven of comfort and style. This inviting residence boasts stunning white marble flooring throughout, with elegant wood flooring downstairs and plush carpeting upstairs. The bathrooms showcase exquisite Italian tile. Bask in the sun-filled living spaces and entertain in your private courtyard. Experience hassle-free living in this welcoming community with the community pool, hot tub, family gathering space And pickle ball court. Ideally situated near the shops and dining. The attractions of Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and Scottsdale Quarter all near by.

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15830 N 5th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85023

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,861 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662959

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover Tamarac at Moon Valley's allure! This well-maintained 3-bed, 2.5-bath gem effortlessly blends style and comfort. Vaulted ceilings create an airy ambiance, complemented by a full interior paint job. The main floor hosts a master bedroom with a soaking tub and a separate shower for ultimate relaxation. The versatile loft adds allure with 2 additional bedrooms and 1 bath upstairs. The kitchen boasts granite counters and a complete water filtration system. Outside, the corner lot charms with tranquil landscaping. The side yard features turf and a fenced area for pets to frolic. The HOA ensures front yard maintenance and exterior paint. Home is right around the corner from the community pool and mailbox! Easy access to freeways, shopping, dining, and parks!

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18192 E Via Jardin -- Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,167 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come and see this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with split floor plan located on a large corner lot! This fully landscaped yard comes complete with a spacious covered patio, large side yard with 6 raised garden beds and automatic irrigation system throughout! There is ample space for relaxation and entertaining. Inside the home you will find an open floor plan with updated appliances and flooring, hard-wired ethernet throughout the house, and breathtaking mountain views from your family room and primary bedroom. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Gold Canyon, this home offers easy access to hiking trails, golf courses, a community playground and all of the amenities this charming town has to offer! Don't miss your chance to call this peaceful retreat your own!

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16254 W Tuscany Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,035 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6664856

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated single level golf course home in the highly desirable community of Sun City Grand. As you enter the home you are greeted with a wall of windows framing the beautiful golf course views, an open floor plan with fresh neutral colors and rich travertine style tile. The over sized master bedroom boasts bay windows, a huge walk in closet and recently remodeled bathroom with granite countertops and walk in shower. Venture down the hallway to the chef's kitchen with Island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances that all look out to the warm and inviting family room with stacked stone gas fireplace. Whether you would like the privacy of your quaint front patio or the wide open views on your back patio of the 17th tee box of the Desert Springs Golf Course, this home provides you the canvas to enjoy the amazing outdoor living that Arizona has to offer! Welcome to your next Home Sweet Home!

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3444 E Lance Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018

$500,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,651 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666041

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Qualifies for LOW INTEREST RATE OPTION! Designer swaggy townhome has the feel of luxury and comfort w/ soaring 20-foot ceilings and impressive art walls. Highly profitable Airbnb for investors! 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home features updated floors, light fixtures, and a modern kitchen and layout great for a first time buyer and family as well. The 2-car garage provides ample storage space, and the rooftop deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, South Mountain, and downtown. Residents have access to the community pool and spa, and the low HOA fee includes internet. The property is close to shopping and entertainment, including Biltmore Fashion Park and just a short drive to Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Phoenix, and Old Town Scottsdale.

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840 Alpha Lane Prescott, AZ 86303

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667210

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A SINGLE LEVEL TOWNHOUSE IN THE PINES. .9 MILE TO DOWNTOWN PRESCOTT AND ALL THE FUN ACTIVITIES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. LOW HOA, $30.00 A MONTH! THIS HOME WOULD MAKE A PERFECT SECOND HOME TO ESCAPE THE HEAT OR EASY FULL TIME LOW MAINTENANCE RESIDENCE. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT. NEW ROOF IN 2023. NEW PAVER DRIVEWAY IN 2023. NEW TREX DECK IN 2022. 2 SPACIOUS BEDROOMS. 2 BATHROOMS. 2 CAR GARAGE. LEVEL PAVER DRIVEWAY. OPEN CONCEPT LIVING, WITH A FLOORPLAN THAT JUST FLOWS. FOREST VIEWS OFF THE LIVING AND DINING AREA. ENJOY SITTING ON YOUR BACK DECK AND TAKE IN THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NATURE. YOU ARE SO CLOSE TO EVERTHING PRESCOTT BUT FEEL SO PRIVATE AND ONE WITH NATURE.

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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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15206 W Pasadena Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$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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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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7580 E Earll Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697555

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Rare 1-car garage Luxury Condo in TOP Scottsdale location!!! Step into luxury living in this charming GATED community nestled in Old Town Scottsdale. This inviting 2-bedroom unit boasts an airy open floor plan with super high soaring ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace in the living room. Beautifully updated home with all appliances included, both bedrooms feature spacious walk-in closets and access to a covered outdoor balcony. BEST LOCATION! Whether you're looking for a primary residence or a vacation getaway, this condo is ideal. Explore the vibrant neighborhood with easy access to top-notch dining, shopping, nightlife, golf courses, and the excitement of Giants Spring Training games. Experience the best of Scottsdale living right at your doorstep! Don't wait! Come see!

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