3 Key Reasons Why Buying Your First Home Is Like Planning a Wedding

You may not see the connection right away, but buying a home and planning a wedding are two experiences that require certain skills and challenge you in similar ways. Check out the three key similarities below!

1. Budget

Whether you’re buying your first home or planning a wedding, you are likely facing one of the biggest financial obligations of your life. That’s why, in both cases, it is essential that you pick a realistic budget and stay within it.

Sounds simple, but in either case it can be difficult! Unexpected obstacles may force you to spend more than you planned, or you may find yourself wanting to overspend as you find things that would be “just perfect” additions even though they don’t fit your budget. These temptations can be expected, but it’s important to remember the big picture. When it comes to your budget, pick it and stick it.

2. Details

When it comes to a home purchase or a wedding, there are countless details to consider. It’s not a simple, pre-packaged purchase, there will always be big decisions that you have to make and if you overlook something you may regret it later on.

Some decisions that you face will be similar in both experiences: Does the location work for you? Does it work for your friends and family? What is the parking situation? Is it appropriate for the climate? Will you be satisfied with your decision in the long-term?

Other details will be more unique to the situation: Do you need a cocktail hour? Do you need a walk-in closet? What style of photography would you like? Is there too much traffic noise?

Either way you’ll have lots to think about, and you’ll become acutely aware of ‘the little things.’

3. You’ve Got Style

Both your wedding and your home say something about you, they’re a reflection of your personal style. When being presented with so many choices that are particularly catered towards your personal taste, you’ll learn what you like and what you don’t. However, you’ll also learn what it is that you absolutely need, and what you’re willing to budge on.

Whether you’re choosing a wedding dress that is both gorgeous and functional for your ceremony or deciding whether or not you need an extra bedroom in your home, you’ll learn what it is that you’d want in a perfect world, and what is absolutely necessary for your current situation.

If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, make sure you do so with a trusted real estate professional. Give me a call 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

18816 N 94th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,649 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695103

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Patio Home now available in Fairway Ridge! This Pebblebeach floorplan offers many recent updates/upgrades, including newer windows in 2019. Granite counters in kitchen and baths. Upgraded wood flooring, newer carpeting, fresh paint in bedrooms. Upgraded cabinets. Private pavered backyard patio is a perfect extension for outdoor living. This unit boasts a new roof! The community pool/spa are steps away. Westbrook Village is truly a resort experience that is so convienently located to shopping/dinning options. 2 community centers, pickle ball, fitness and pools. Enjoy a resort lock and leave lifestyle!

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2211 E Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85016

$465,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

553 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695705

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

This beautifully appointed unit in the 5-Star Residences at 2211 boasts a private bedroom with room for a king-sized bed, a thoughtfully designed kitchen and a bright, open floor plan. Featuring Bosch appliances, wood flooring throughout, ample storage, and indoor/outdoor living with an oversized patio. Building amenities include: rooftop heated swimming pool, jaccuzzi, BBQ area, Club Room with full catering kitchen, state-of-the-art gym, business office, 24-hour concierge.

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1203 E Northshore Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,454 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695386

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Your search is over! You found the perfect waterfront property in Tempe. Located in Runaway Point, in the highly sought after Lakes community, this end unit condo offers unobstructed lake views from your private balcony. This low maintenance home offers a new HVAC system and new washer and dryer installed in 2021. Light and bright with an open floor plan, this unit will surely please. Runaway Point has a private community pool and The Lakes has additional amenities within a short five minute walk. Enjoy a lap pool, workout facility, sand volleyball, pickleball, tennis, sport court, community rooms and much more, including several restaurants within walking distance. Don't wait to see this wonderful property!

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697 E Saddle Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

New

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,824 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696752

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home in a vibrant community with so many UPDATES! The resort-style backyard, installed in the last 4 years, features a stunning pool with an expansive Baja step, lush green, tropical trees, and bushes, plus a shaded patio to cool off on hot days. Inside, the house boasts stylish updates, including wood-look flooring and custom designer elements like stone and wood planks. Fresh paint, renovated kitchen cabinets, and newer kitchen appliances ensure modern comfort. The split bedroom floorplan offers privacy, while vaulted ceilings in the great room create a light, open atmosphere. The neighborhood teems with activity, offering tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, three heated community pools, and the scenic Johnson Ranch golf course. Shopping and restaurants nearby!

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11333 N 92nd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

New

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,294 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697373

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

**REMODELED DREAM CONDO IN THE HEART OF SCOTTSDALE !** Your perfect set up features: Engineered Wood Flooring, 6-inch Baseboards, Upgraded Carpet in Bedrooms, Custom 2-tone Paint, Shiplap Accent Walls, Recessed Lighting, Luxury Modern Fixtures & Fans, Large Living & Dining Area w/ Fireplace for those chilly nights, Remodeled Bathrooms, Beautiful Kitchen with Quartz Counterops, Upgraded Cabinets, Basin Sink, SS Appliances, Fridge included, Laundry Room w/ additional Pantry Storage, Washer/Dryer included, Huge Master Suite w/ Large Walk-in-Closet & a Dual Vanity in the Master Bath. Private Patio w/additional Storage and view of the pool just steps from your door! **RESORT STYLE LIVING** w/ POOL/TENNIS + CLUBHOUSE & FITNESS CENTER! You are close to Shopping/Restaurants/Golf & 101 Freeway!!

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17557 W Summit Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697393

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immaculately kept 3 bedroom 2 bathroom split floor plan home with a den in Estrella! This 1715 sq ft home is north/south on a corner lot in cul-de-sac with mountain views while backing up to the side of a single story home for the ultimate privacy. The primary bedroom includes a huge walk in closet with a ensuite bathroom that includes a tiled rain shower, dual vanities, and a garden tub. The home features an owned 5kw solar system, wood plank ceramic tile, shutters throughout the home, upgraded granite, custom front door, and many other great features. When you walk out to the finished backyard you'll notice the huge extended aluminum patio providing shade, a gazebo, artificial turf, custom concrete work, and fire pit area while looking at the mountain views. Also included are two community pools, a clubhouse, lake access, and other amenities. Come see this beautiful home today!

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8351 W Taro Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

New

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,495 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690623

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this recently renovated casita. The highly sought after Martinique floor plan in Westbrook Village, an active adult golf community. Inside you'll find a spacious 1495 sqft property consisting of 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Kitchen has quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a farm sink. Rooms feature vaulted ceilings and a panoramic view of the desert landscaped backyard. South facing covered patio provides afternoon shade. Beautiful wood like flooring throughout the home. Custom built primary shower and vanities in the bathrooms. The inside laundry includes a washer, dryer and a utility sink. 2 car garage has plenty of cabinets for extra storage plus a water softener. A/C unit is one year old. Located near the pool. Enjoy 2 golf courses, restaurants, pickleball and more.

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8817 S 51st Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

New

$465,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

1,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698054

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

RESORT-STYLE LIVING AWAITS! UPDATED POINTE TH OVERLOOKING THE AZ GRAND GOLF COURSE w/GORGEOUS VIEWS. LOCATED AT THE BASE OF SO MTN JUST STEPS AWAY FROM BIKING/HIKING TRAILS, THIS 1435 SF, 2 B/R, 3 BATH & LOFT FEATURES HIGH CEILINGS, BEAUTIFUL PECAN WOOD FLOORING (throughout), SPACIOUS LR w/FIREPLACE, FRESH PAINT, REMODELED KITCHEN w/BREAKFAST BAR, UPDATED DUAL PANE + POLYCARBONATE WINDOWS, MBDRM BALCONY, 1-CAR GARAGE, CHARMING FRONT COURTYARD SANCTUARY W/UPDATED LANDSCAPING AND 4 POOL/SPAS ALL W/IN WALKING DISTANCE. IDEALLY LOCATED w/EASY ACCESS TO ALL MAJOR FREEWAYS, SKY HARBOR, TEMPE, SCOTTSDALE, DOWNTOWN AND MORE. ASK ABOUT DAY PASSES AT THE AZ GRAND RESORT ''OASIS'' WATER PARK...

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1081 W 1st Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,771 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6598480

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Step inside this luxurious, fully remodeled 2 story townhome that sits nestled in the amazing city of Tempe! Upon entering this home, you are greeted with gorgeous tile flooring, tons of natural light and an open floor concept! The kitchen boasts a breakfast bar, pantry, stark white cabinetry, tiled backsplash and black appliances! The spacious bedrooms offer plenty of room for sleep, study, and storage. This home offers your very own private balcony! Don't forget about the 3 car garage! Look no further! This home will not disappoint!

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701 S Nassau Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$465,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,359 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6626228

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover your new home sweet home in the coveted Lakes community of The Islands in Gilbert! This charming townhome offers a cozy yet elegant lifestyle with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 well-appointed baths, and thoughtful touches throughout. As you enter, you're greeted by a warm and inviting kitchen, featuring modern stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage, and countertops that make meal prep a breeze. The kitchen opens up to a welcoming living area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Natural light floods your home keeping every room feel light, bright and open! Upstairs, you'll find a handy loft space that's ideal for a home office or a comfy reading nook. The bedrooms are comfortably sized, and the bathrooms, including the master en suite, are beautifully finished, providing a spa-like experience every day. But the luxury doesn't stop inside. Step out onto your patio and indulge in your private spaa little slice of heaven where you can soak away the stresses of the day. Enjoy relaxing with your family or whip up a delicious meal on your built-in BBQ! Living in The Islands also means enjoying great community features. Spend sunny Arizona days lounging by the community pool or take a peaceful walk around the neighborhood lake. It's all here, adding to the vacation vibe this area is known for. Your new home is more than just a place to liveit's a part of a community where life is a bit sweeter and the conveniences of shopping, dining, and entertainment are just moments away.Ready to start living your best life in Gilbert? Come see why this townhome is the perfect place for you and your family! Don't wait, this home won't last long!

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1818 W Vista Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,350 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6631863

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled and spacious, step into a home that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with timeless charm. The interior is bright and welcoming, offering an abundance of natural light throughout. Perfect for those seeking a comfortable living space, the home boasts 3 well-appointed bedrooms and 2 remodeled bathrooms in the popular black and white color palette with a walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. The Arizona Room, with an attached laundry area, adds a touch of versatility to the property. Additionally, there are 2 extra flex rooms equipped with split AC/heating, totaling an additional 338 sq.ft.,that present endless possibilities - a home office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom! The heart of this home, the kitchen, is a chef's dream. Ample storage space, beautiful cabinetry, a wall mounted oven and granite countertops make this space as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. Enjoy a grandfathered in $57 monthly solar lease, which could allow you to have as little as $200 electric bills in the hottest months of the year. This gem sits on an irrigated lot, ensuring a lush easy-to-maintain yard and cost-efficient maintenance with no HOA! Benefit from the peaceful setting as 19th Avenue is not accessible from Vista Ave and the street closure ensures minimal traffic.

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2401 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85288

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6652290

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Resort style gated community! The Location can't be Beat! Walking distance to the Cubs Sloan Park Stadium. Right off of 101 & 202 FWY, ASU, Bus stops, Airport, Tempe Market Place! Popular 3 Bed & Den 2.5 Bath floorplan with a large open living area adjoining a full kitchen with island. Downstairs is the living area, spacious downstairs den/bonus room/large home office (at 126 SF!), Kitchen & breakfast area overlooking a private covered patio & backyard. Upstairs is master bedroom & master bath, laundry & 2 additional bedrooms with another bath. Two car garage and lots of additional guest parking in this beautifully maintained complex! 2 Pools and lots of area to walk your dog! Move in ready! Hurry! 3 bedroom unit sure to go quickly

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