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

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

View As: Thumbnails List

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

6287 N 88th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,092 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691253

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled Home with gorgeous Hickory Kitchen cabinets & GRANITE counter tops. Eat in Kitchen with bay window center Island counter. Kitchen opens into spacious family room, Spacious primary bedroom with bay window, vaulted ceiling, remodeled gorgeous bathroom, walk in closet. Ceramic and laminated flooring. Kitchen and all bathrooms were remodeled approx 2 years ago. Spacious rear yard, fenced sparkling pool resurfaced yr 2018 , Separate grass area, 11 foot R.V. Gates, Separate building, ideal for workshop or hobby room, Appliance only 2years & included. Golf course in community , approx 3 blocks from West Gate Entertainment Center with Cardinals Stadium, restaurants, shopping, Convenient to 101 freeway.

View Property

1914 N 140th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,983 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691426

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Elegant, Modern, Energy-Efficient, 2021 New, 1 Level, 3 Bed, 3 Bath (2.5), 2 Car Garage home with over $50K in builder upgrades! Located 1 mile N. of i10, in 'The Vistas' a exclusive gated community of Palm Valley'. Top Rated Schools, Great Hearts Charter & Millennium High, shopping, dining, and golf. This open floor plan home is designed around an amazing kitchen overlooking the Dinning-Great Rooms with 3 Lr sliding glass doors theres an abundance of bright, cheery natural light! Relax in your private backyard under the cover patio or have fun in your beatiful community pool & grilling area, which this home butts up to! Yes, this home does has one of the best lot locations in The Vistas! Tankless hot water heater & water softener are included in this must see home!

View Property

12101 N 141st Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,062 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692288

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Upgrades galore in this popular Richmond American Floorplan. Property has just been remodeled. Vinyl Plank flooring throughout, Freshly painted interior, Tile surrounding tub and showers, New countertops (square sinks) and fixtures in all bathrooms. Kitchen features Quartz countertops and all new Stainless steel appliances including a popular gas stove. Inside laundry features a Laundry sink and a hookup for either a gas or electric dryer. 3 car garage with electric openers for easy access and plumbed for a water softener. All this and solar too!

View Property

2331 E Evans Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695130

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Live luxuriously in this Phoenix home! Just off AZ-51, this home features a 2-story layout around a private outdoor courtyard. Downstairs boasts new concrete flooring, wood fireplace, and easy outdoor access. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, soapstone countertops, and a sliding door to the garage. Upstairs, find new hardwood flooring leading to the primary bedroom with its own balcony, a large walk-in closet, and updated bathroom. The two spacious guest bedrooms share a full bath with brand new mirrors and fixtures. Outside, the courtyard offers ample space and gorgeous landscaping. Other updates include a new roof (2023), new water softener (2023), solar panels, and a new washer/dryer. The community features a pool within walking distance and guest parking. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and Lookout Mountain Preserve.

View Property

21382 E Estrella Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,730 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698740

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This meticulously maintained residence is a true gem, boasting a level of quality that surpasses even new builds. Step inside and be greeted by NEW hardwood flooring, NEW carpet in bedrooms and NEW fresh white paint T/O. This home features 3 spacious bedrooms, providing ample space. Need a dedicated workspace or a cozy reading nook? You're in luck - there's also a versatile den that can easily adapt to your needs. With 2 bathrooms, mornings will be a breeze, offering convenience and functionality for your daily routine. And here's the best part - no neighbors behind you! Enjoy privacy and tranquility in your backyard retreat, perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding after a long day. Situated in an ideal location, this home offers easy access to all the amenities of Queen Creek. Whether it's shopping, dining, parks, or schools, everything you need is just moments away.

View Property

3740 E Timberline Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,749 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694147

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FRESH & CLEAN MOVE-IN READY 4 bdrm/2 bath in POWER RANCH! This is ready for you!! Freshly painted inside & out! New roof, new carpet, new light fixtures & ceiling fans. Plantation shutters through-out. Eat in kitchen w/stainless steel appliances & breakfast bar. Full Mstr bath w/separate shower/tub & dual sinks. WOW!! The Community Amenities abound!! Pools, splash pads, neighborhood parks, playgrounds, fishing lakes, soccer fields, tennis, volleyball & basketball courts. Over 26 miles of trails connecting each neighborhood with each other in Power Ranch. Walking distance to elementary school. Close to shopping, ASU Poly Tech campus and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. WELCOME HOME!!

View Property

5632 W Bloomfield Road Glendale, AZ 85304

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,145 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694038

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This inviting home is located in the popular Marshall Ranch Community. It's well cared for and very spacious with its high ceilings. It features a nice entryway leading to big living spaces. Inside, there's a mix of laminate, carpet, and tiled floors, making it cozy and stylish. The layout is smart, with the bedrooms separated for privacy. There's even a separate office for work or study. This home also has a spacious great room that opens up to the kitchen. This home offers lots of comfort and is easy to see. room, creating a perfect haven for gatherings. Imagine preparing meals in the kitchen while staying connected to loved ones in the family room. This open layout fosters a sense of connection and togetherness. A private sanctuary awaits Just beyond the living areas, a back patio beckons. Envision yourself unwinding after a long day, enjoying the tranquility of the fresh air and scenic views. A perfect place to all home. This captivating home offers endless possibilities for comfortable living. Easy to show and sure to impress, it won't last long!

View Property

4623 S 23rd Way Phoenix, AZ 85040

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,628 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700235

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GATED COMMUNITY. FINISHED HOMES. Call for latest incentives and lot availability. With only 32 homes it is an excellent gated community to meet neighbors or even consider moving more of the family. Experience much of the entertainment of the city while being minutes from South Mountain and multiple golf courses. Granite or quartz for countertops and luxury vinyl plank flooring and carpet throughout the homes. All appliances included and the garage is even equipped with the power for an Electric Vehicle. Top it off with a dog door for your furry friend! Minimal effort will be required to enjoy these homes with the finished back yard and the front yard landscaping that is maintained by the HOA. Come see what this community has to offer! (Photos are of model)

View Property

11326 E Sandoval Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

Open House

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,794 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701291

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this appealing residence with a tasteful neutral color paint scheme that creates a welcoming ambiance throughout. The primary bathroom offers a relaxing experience with a separate tub and shower, double sinks, and the kitchen has beautiful stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island, and an accent backsplash for added style. Fresh paint and new appliances give the interior a like-new feel, ensuring reliability and quality. The primary bedroom features a generous walk-in closet for storage needs. Outside, the fenced-in backyard provides privacy and space for gardening or leisure activities, while the covered patio is perfect for relaxation. This residence embodies comfortable and modern living, offering a perfect balance of style and functionality for your enjoyment.

View Property

133 W Latona Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$499,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,126 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686503

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about how to qualify for $0 down and a 4.99% interest rate! Ascend Communities proudly unveils Latona Fontaine, where 11 meticulously crafted lots offer unparalleled vistas of the majestic South Mountain. Introducing the Sage floorplan, a spacious retreat spanning 2126 square feet with 9 foot ceilings on both floors. Inside, the open living area seamlessly connects the living room to the dining area, offering scenic views of South Mountain through large windows. Upstairs, find four bedrooms, plus a versatile loft, catering to your family's needs. The Sage floorplan is designed for modern family living, blending comfort, style, and functionality. Finishes in this home include luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, can lighting, 40 soft-close white shaker cabinets in the kitchen, quartz countertops, gourmet kitchen backsplash, custom tile shower in the primary bathroom, black hardware throughout and pre-wiring for ceiling fans. Nestled at the intersection of Central Ave. and Baseline Rd. This vibrant community boasts an unbeatable location within walking distance of picturesque hiking trails at South Mountain, perfect for adventurous family outings. As an added delight, an exclusive pedestrian gate offers seamless access to the scenic highline canal, just a stone's throw away from your residence. Beyond nature's doorstep, enjoy seamless access to public transportation, urban conveniences, and easy connections to major freeways: Interstate 10, Interstate 17, and the 202. Embrace the best of both worlds - serene natural escapes and city accessibility, making Latona the ultimate choice for families seeking adventure and convenience.

View Property

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.

View Property

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!!

View Property