3 Questions to Ask If You Want to Buy Your Dream Home

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.

Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help determine if now is a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place? 

This is truly the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money.

For example, a survey by Braun showed that over 75% of parents say “their child’s education is an important part of the search for a new home.”

This survey supports a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University which revealed that the top four reasons Americans buy a home have nothing to do with money. They are:

• A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
• A place where you and your family feel safe
• More space for you and your family
• Control of that space

What does owning a home mean to you? What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of homes sold in December (the latest data available) was $232,200, up 4.0% from last year. This increase also marks the 58th consecutive month with year-over-year gains.

If we look at the numbers year over year, CoreLogic forecasted a rise by 4.7% from December 2016 to December 2017. On a home that costs $250,000 today, that same home will cost you an additional $11,750 if you wait until next year.

What does that mean to you?

Simply put, with prices increasing each month, it might cost you more if you wait until next year to buy. Your down payment will also need to be higher in order to account for the higher price of the home you wish to buy.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long-term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by even a small increase in mortgage rates.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, and Fannie Mae have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase over the next twelve months, as you can see in the chart below:

Bottom Line

Only you and your family will know for certain if now is the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.  Give me a call for some professional advice – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

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

40905 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85086

$498,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,843 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684047

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your desert sanctuary in this contemporary gem built in 2021. Set on almost an acre and a half at the base of a gentle hill, this two-story retreat offers three bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, and an airy open floor plan. Picture-perfect views greet you from every angle, with the master suite boasting panoramic vistas. Inside, a modern kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances beckons for culinary adventures, while expansive windows blur the lines between indoors and out, leading to a spacious patio ideal for entertaining or stargazing. This is more than a home—it's an invitation to embrace the desert lifestyle. Don't miss out on making it your own oasis.

View Property

25657 N 185th Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$497,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,693 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Bronze floor plan would certainly take home gold for design! This ranch-style home centers around an open layout with a dining area, a kitchen with a center island, and a great room with center-meet doors leading to the covered patio. The primary suite is adjacent, and showcases a generous walk-in closet and a private bath. Two bedrooms and a second bath complete the residence, which also includes an attached RV garage. You'll love the professionally curated fixtures and finishes selected by our design team!

View Property

3335 S Primrose -- Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$497,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697624

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen cabinets and quartz countertops. Super luxury 7 x 22 plank tile flooring.

View Property

17708 W Silverwood Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$497,950

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,935 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677807

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. MLS#6677807 Ready March! Discover the Zafiro plan with 3 bedrooms and flex space. Enjoy curb appeal with a landscaped front yard and paver driveway leading to the porch. Perfect for entertaining, living space and covered patio are on one side, while bedrooms and flex room are on the other. Owner's suite offers privacy with walk-in closet, dual vanities, and walk-in shower. Located in a gated, active adult community with resort lifestyle in Estrella Mountain Foothills. Structural options include: paver front porch, multi-slide door at gathering, upgraded square corners, 5' baseboards, 8' interior doors, and pre-plumb reverse osmosis system.

View Property

16216 W Indianola Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$497,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6602047

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegant travertine courtyard entry welcomes you to this one of a kind 'Milano' floor plan which has been customized with enclosed game room/sun room, beautiful library cabinets in den, built in cabinets & 'Murphy' bed in guest bdrm; extended master bdrm & family room; ext garage with storage cabinets, golf cart garage; water softener & R/O system. Freshly painted interiors in neutral color palette. Situated on a beautiful lot with great outdoor entertaining spaces including travertine patio, water feature & outdoor kitchen. Pebble Creek showcases stunning resort-style amenities and offers the ultimate value in active adult luxury living. PRICE REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE!

View Property

19032 N 83rd Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

Open House

New

$497,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,357 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696335

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This beautifully remodeled golf course home in Westbrook Village's premier 55+ community truly stands out with its array of features and amenities. Let's delve into what makes it exceptional: The kitchen has been tastefully updated with Quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, combining style with functionality for cooking enthusiasts. The bathrooms have been modernized to provide comfort and elegance, adding to the overall appeal of the home. The open living area, featuring a full glass wall slider, offers panoramic views of the golf course, creating a serene and inviting ambiance. Tile flooring and vaulted ceilings enhance the spaciousness and elegance of the home, while wood shutters add a touch of sophistication and elegance of the home, while wood shutters add a touch of sophistication. The master bedroom not only offers comfort but also provides a designated office space overlooking the golf course, perfect for remote work or leisurely activities. 2 car garage with epoxy floors, new water softener, new hot water heater. The outdoor patio serves as a tranquil retreat for outdoor gatherings and relaxation, allowing residents to enjoy the picturesque views and pleasant weather. Residents can take advantage of a wide range of amenities, including golf, double restaurants, RV parking, and convenient access to essential services like doctors, shopping, banks, and freeways. Community Safety: The presence of the Posse, which patrols the community, enhances safety and security, ensuring residents feel protected and at ease. Active Lifestyle: Living in Westbrook Village offers a vibrant and active lifestyle, with opportunities for golfing, socializing, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. Being part of a 55+ community provides a sense of community and shared experiences among residents who are in a similar stage of life, creating a supportive and welcoming environment. Overall, this home offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a fulfilling Arizona living experience in Westbrook Village's premier 55+ community.

View Property

40911 N Prestancia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$497,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6622808

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 40911 N Prestancia Dr, Anthem, AZ 85086, located in the prestigious Anthem Country Club. This home offers a range of desirable features and is situated in an exclusive location, makes this home all your own with some new flooring and paint!! All at an incredibly competitive price. Upon entering, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and meticulous maintenance this home has received. The interior boasts numerous upgrades and a thoughtfully designed layout, making it both functional and visually appealing. With all-new exterior paint, this home exudes a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is truly a highlight, featuring cherry cabinets and stunning granite countertops. It offers ample space for preparing meals and entertaining guests. MORE Whether you're an aspiring chef or enjoy cooking for loved ones, this kitchen will exceed your expectations. The great room concept creates a spacious and open living area, ensuring there is no wasted space. The large living areas provide flexibility for arranging furniture and accommodating various activities. The tile flooring throughout the home adds a touch of warmth with its neutral tones, complementing any décor. The master bedroom is generously sized and includes a large walk-in closet, offering plenty of storage for your personal belongings. This retreat provides a tranquil space to unwind and recharge after a long day. Exuding curb appeal, the front elevation of the home is impressive and beautifully landscaped. The surrounding area is exceptionally peaceful, providing a serene setting to enjoy your surroundings. Living in Anthem Country Club allows you access to a wide array of unique amenities. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, tennis player, or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, this community has something for everyone. Take advantage of the clubhouse, fitness center, pools, parks, and other recreational facilities, all within close proximity to your new home. In addition to its outstanding location and amenities, this property has been upgraded with a new reverse osmosis system, new water softener, new microwave, new refrigerator, and a brand-new AC installed in 2022. These upgrades further enhance the value and convenience of this already exceptional home. Don't miss the opportunity to own this well-maintained residence in Anthem Country Club. With its attractive design, desirable features, and access to exclusive amenities, this property represents an incredible value. Schedule a showing today and experience the charm and elegance of 40911 N Prestancia Dr.

View Property

7817 W Bloomfield Road Peoria, AZ 85381

$496,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,312 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694212

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA DOWNSTAIRS MASTER BEDROOM POOL. Spacious layout, vaulted ceilings, and cozy wood-burning fireplace. Kitchen includes breakfast bar & eat-in dining room. The master bedroom's walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower and tub. Loft with two more bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. The backyard oasis with a covered patio overlooking the pool is the perfect spot for relaxation or outdoor gatherings.

View Property

5415 W Novak Way Laveen, AZ 85339

$496,700

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,208 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658821

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready single story home with a play pool and a 3 car garage, these are all the items most people want in a home and this one has it all. This home has an open floor plan with an upgraded kitchen that has quartz counters and stainless steel appliances. The home has tile plank flooring through most all the home. There is a pebbletech play pool in the backyard that is like your own resort. Great family neighborhood with easy access to the freeway and shopping. This home is a must see.

View Property

18419 W Country Club Terrace Surprise, AZ 85387

$496,492

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,644 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6543892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Below Market Interest Rate Available! Move-in ready, new build home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, Loft, Study, & 3 car garage. Beautiful large home with first floor bedroom and full bath plus study. Spacious kitchen has large island, endless counter space, & walk-in pantry and features white cabinetry, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Backyard is landscaped and has an extended covered patio to enjoy this time of year outdoors! Tile throughout main living areas and carpet in bedrooms only. Lots of living space with upstairs loft. This home is located in North Copper Canyon that offers a community pool!! High Performance Home with smart technology, makes it so you can truly live in your element!!!!

View Property

34782 N Ashwood Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$496,390

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688556

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is one of our most popular floorplans featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a flex room. Spacious interior design allows for ample entertaining space. This home is on a gorgeous corner homesite with no neighbor behind. Upgrades include a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas cooktop, white quartz countertops with brushed nickel hardware, white shaker cabinets and natural wood-look tile in all the right places.

View Property

27448 W Wahalla Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$496,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,191 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677525

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy owning this adorable residence situated in Sun City Festival Community! Fall in love with the well-maintained interior featuring wood-look tile flooring, plush carpets, designer paint, a welcoming living room, and an open den ideal for work or play. Desirable great room with entertainment niches promotes an inviting atmosphere. Open-concept kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with recessed & pendant lighting, a walk-in pantry, staggered white cabinets with crown moulding, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, and a prep island with a breakfast bar. Relaxation awaits in the main bedroom, offering an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Grab your favorite cool drink and unwind under the covered patio in the backyard. Seize the opportunity while it's still available!

View Property