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.

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9501 E Broadway Road Mesa, AZ 85208

$19,900

2 Beds

1.5 Baths

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662829

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This is a 2 bed, 1 & 1/2 bath in a 55+ adult community. The unit has wood flooring, neutral paint throughout, updated kitchen sink/faucet, 2 toilets, all ceiling fans, window blinds, lighting and stainless appliances! The Patio room / sunroom is screened in and shaded with plenty of storage . The community offers a heated pool, library and all the extra clubhouse amenities.

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265 S Smelter Road Hayden, AZ 85135

$19,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6647911

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a great place to create a ranch and have all the off road devices you possibly want. Come take a look at the possibilities today!

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5201 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85031

$18,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6610629

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

***Highly Motivated Seller***55+Park***You will enjoy the spacious feeling in this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home, a super cute home, and a bargain to boot! This adorable place could be either your primary home or your Arizona getaway! Boasts an beautiful Arizona room, which is where the second bedroom is. The interior of this darling place has been well taken care of, with upgrades galore: New wall unit style AC/Heating units remotely controlled as well in Front room, bedroom and 2nd bedroom. Freshly painted inside recently inside. The refrigerator and dryer stay. Low maintenance yard. Buyer to verify schools. New hot water heater as of Jan 2024! The water and sewer are also included in the lot rent! Lot rent is approximately $855.00, Live in a great 55+ park with many amenities to enjoy. Heated pools and spas, or enjoy your days playing pool or reading from the vast library. The walking and biking path winds through the community. This place is bargain paradise!

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9333 E University Drive Mesa, AZ 85207

$18,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

728 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6629913

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This spacious 1bd & 1ba will have you ready to relax and kick back with comfort and activities for the single person or active couple. If you feel like you're moving slowly at your age, come on in and get speed back in your step. Here are some amenities our residents enjoy together. Spa, Horseshoes, Shuffleboard Court, Billiard Room, Library, Fitness Center, Dog Park. This home sits in the back on an end cap, so you can have that private BBQ if you want that solitude back. New flooring and subflooring in 2022. A three-car parking spot that will allow your visitors to park off the road.

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7807 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$18,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6661953

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

This home comes furnished !! You'll definitely LOVE this single-story residence with carport space in Mesa. Once inside, you'll immediately be welcomed by the perfectly-sized great room graced with wood-look flooring in all the right places. Cook your favorite recipes in the kitchen, displaying matching appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The sizable primary bedroom will give you a good night's sleep after an exhausting day! Sit back and relax under the covered patio. Take advantage of the excellent amenities this Community has to offer, such as a swimming pool, spa, and many more directly across the street from you ! Library sits next door to your home and the laundry mat is steps away from your front door. What are you waiting for? This value is ready for you to move in and enjoy!

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16005 N 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$17,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6635032

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Seller Financing Available! This one bedroom, one bath is located within the 55+ age restricted community of Paradise Valley Ranch. Freshly painted, this home features central AC and heat, gas cooking and all appliances including W/D. It features two extended covered carports offering privacy and shade. Located at Paradise Valley Ranch 55+ Community operated by Treehouse Communities. Community amenities include, pool, spa, fitness, recreation center, outdoor dining and laundry. The lots are spacious and private.

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425 E Mckellips Road Mesa, AZ 85203

$17,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658266

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Welcome to a life of comfort and serenity in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath mobile home nestled within the heart of the La Casita Community in Mesa! This inviting mobile home is perfect for both practicality and relaxation. Boasting two cozy bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom, it provides just the right amount of space for a comfortable and manageable lifestyle!

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9421 E Apache Trail Mesa, AZ 85207

$15,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662675

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Economical 1bed/1bath home located is 55+ Desert Valley Oasis. Spacious Living Room with Eat In Kitchen Counter space. Spacious Kitchen with plenty of cabinet space for dining. Gas Stove and Oven. Appliances Included. Many Updates Including NEW AC and ROOF 2020, New Flooring 2021, New Awning 2023. Large FENCED lot. Storage Shed includes Washer & Dryer. Easy Commute To Shopping, Entertainment, and Freeways. Seller Is Motivated!

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425 E Mckellips Road Mesa, AZ 85203

$15,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

784 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668136

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Charming mobile home in an adult community. Well cared for and maintained home. Newer plumbing, metal roof with coating with lots of life left. Nice big deck with a car port and a storage shed out back. FENCED in back yard great for pets~!

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