5 Mortgage Rules You Should Know by Heart

If you’re buying a house or refinancing your loan, here’s what you need to know.

For millions of Americans, a mortgage is the biggest debt they’ll ever have to repay. Unfortunately, as anyone who’s ever gone through the process can attest, mortgages involve pages and pages of legal documentation that can be nearly impossible for most people to comprehend. To simplify mortgages, there are some basic guidelines that anyone can learn and commit to memory. Below, we’ll go through five useful rules about mortgages.

Rule 1: Keep your mortgage payment to 25% or less of your income.

Housing costs are typically the largest expense item in your household budget, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to break the bank. Lenders look closely at your income to determine how much you can truly afford to pay for a monthly mortgage payment, and one simple guideline they use is to take your available income and multiply it by 25%. If a mortgage would require larger payments than that, after taking into account both the loan itself and associated payments like property taxes and insurance, then a lender will generally be less comfortable in giving you the loan.

Rule 2: Avoid private mortgage insurance by making a 20% down payment.

Mortgage lenders typically require borrowers to obtain private mortgage insurance or PMI if they make a down payment that’s less than 20% of the value of the home. PMI protects lenders against the risk that the value of the home will fall below the outstanding principal balance on the mortgage, leaving the borrower “underwater” on the loan. For borrowers, however, it’s an added expense that essentially provides no value to them. As difficult as it can be to save up a 20% down payment, the hundreds of dollars in PMI that it will save you could make the difference between being able to afford a slightly more expensive home and having to settle for less.

Rule 3: Understand how adjustable rate mortgages work and what risks are involved.

Fixed mortgages are easier to understand because the interest rate that they charge never changes, so you can count on monthly mortgage payments remaining constant throughout the lifetime of your loan. That’s not the case with adjustable rate mortgages or ARMs, which only remain fixed for a set period. Most lenders refer to ARMs with two numbers, such as 5/1. The first number refers to how long the initial rate remains in place. The second number describes how often the rate adjusts after the initial rate ends. For a 5/1 ARM, the initial rate stays in place for five years, and then changes every year after that. When rates change, they’ll also change your monthly payment, so make sure you understand the illustrations that your mortgage documents will provide so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the end of the initial term.

Rule 4: Know whether you’ll actually be able to deduct your mortgage expenses.

Many people look forward to being able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and other key expenses of owning a home. But one thing to keep in mind is that all of these tax breaks are only available if you itemize deductions on your tax return. If the cost of your interest and taxes isn’t enough, when combined with other itemized deductions, to exceed the standard deduction you’re entitled to receive, then buying a home won’t do you any good from a tax perspective. That shouldn’t necessarily stop you from making a purchase and taking out a mortgage loan, but it should inform you as to the true cost of doing so.

Rule 5: Be careful diverting retirement money toward a home purchase.

The tax laws governing retirement accounts allow you to make withdrawals from an IRA of up to $10,000 toward a first-time home purchase without having to pay the typical penalties for early withdrawal of your retirement savings. However, just because you can use IRA money toward a home purchase doesn’t mean you should. First, even though you won’t owe penalties, you will owe income tax on the money you withdraw, potentially leaving you with a big tax shortfall at the end of the year. More importantly, diverting that money from your retirement savings will leave you in a less favorable position in the long run with the size of your nest egg. As a potential source of down payment money, tapping an IRA can seem like a smart move, but be aware of the long-term consequences before you pull the trigger.

Buying a home will probably be the biggest purchase you ever make. Being smart about the debt you incur to buy your home is essential to avoid the mistakes that so many homeowners made during the financial crisis. Keeping these rules in mind will take you a long way toward a better understanding of the mortgage process and your mortgage loan.

Source:  http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/28/5-mortgage-rules-you-should-know-by-heart.aspx?source=iedfolrf0000001

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

32783 N Slate Creek Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,808 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6654901

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This newly updated home showcases stunning new updates, tons of versatile space, a redesigned kitchen, and all new backyard landscaping. The goodies don't stop there. It also boasts a 3-car stacked pull through garage to the backyard and NO REAR NEIGHBORS. As you make your way into the home you are greeted to all new vinyl flooring, 5-inch upgraded baseboards, and freshly painted walls for a sleek finish. The downstairs library provides an enclosed sanctuary that can be used as a fourth bedroom for guests, and the upstairs loft provides additional versatile space. The updated kitchen opens up to the family room and provides a large center island with drop-in sink, quartz countertops, updated cabinets with hardware, and stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs, you will find the comfort of all NEW CARPETING and three additional bedrooms, all equipped with walk-in closets. The main bedroom offers a large retreat with a reading nook as well as an en-suite that boasts a JACUZZI tub and separate shower. One of the most appealing attributes about this home is its lot location - no homes behind you, ensuring privacy and an unobstructed view of the Superstition Mountains. Don't miss the chance to call this home yours.

View Property

11810 S 173rd Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$469,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,841 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663445

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a homesite facing sweeping views of the Estrella Mountains. This beautiful home boasts 3 large bedrooms and a private enclosed study. The open-concept kitchen includes ample countertop space, built in appliances, designer backsplash, a center island, and an expansive walk-in pantry. Host your next dinner party in the open dining and great room then transition to the covered back patio for dessert and a nightcap. Additional highlights include wood like tile, 8' interior doors, 5.5'' floorboards and pavers at the driveway, walk and entryway. Located within the Estrella masterplan with 2 state-of-the-art Residents Clubs including fitness centers and pools, Starsplash Water Park, and a community lake with activities including boat rentals.

View Property

1005 E Tempe Drive Tempe, AZ 85288

$469,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

984 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670125

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Renovated top to bottom and Cute as a button home in a great North Tempe location! Almost everything is new, AC, windows, kitchen cabinets, counter tops, vanities, flooring, paint, appliances.... This lovely block home has NO HOA and features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on a huge Multi-family zoned lot with the potential to expand or build another house.. Minutes to shopping, restaurants, Scottsdale Rd and 202.

View Property

5540 W Alta Mesa Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$469,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681357

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this well-thought-out single-story home. With 3 bedrooms plus a den and 2.5 baths with almost 2,000 square feet this home offers just the right amount of space. You drive up to a cool craftsman exterior with paver driveway that provides the most darling front porch area outside where you can enjoy your morning coffee. You walk inside the home through a large 8ft exterior door and inside where the ceilings are 9 ft, creating a very grand space. This home features our Harmony design palette that includes wood style ceramic plank tiles everywhere except the bedrooms and den. This split floorplan and open concept is an entertainer's dream. You walk into a large open concept great room, kitchen, and dining space.

View Property

31991 N Rider Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681461

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore the elegance of the Sunflower Floor Plan at Bella Vista Farms by Ashton Woods. Stunning 4bedroom, 3bath residence featuring an open floor plan with a guest retreat. The exterior features our contemporary farmhouse Elevation, and a convenient 2-car tandem garage. Modern kitchen, inviting living spaces, and a private master suite make this home both elegant and functional. Stainless steel gas appliances, 8 foot doors, and upgraded interior features makes this house both charming and functional. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Move-In Ready with Washer Dryer & Fridge!

View Property

9420 W Morrow Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$469,989

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,603 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689983

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

*FULLY FURNISHED!* ALREADY INSEPCTED! HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED (because we care about you)! Located in the best part of Westbrook this VERY WELL APPOINTED home! REMODELED REMODELED REMODLED! All the bells and whistles are included, like furniture, linens and cookware! All yours! Comes full or partially furnished, with very nice furniture and appliances... GORGEOUS! All Granite counters- stainless appliances- with Induction cooktop- upgraded cabinets and 2 pantries! All new Dual pane windows, custom colors and wood floors! Modernized Bathrooms with HUGE walk in showers, taller Granite vanities, and a ''recirculating pump'' keeps the hot water at the shower for you, means INSTANT HOT WATER! WAIT TILL YOU SEE THE MASTER ROOM!!! The AC is new in 2017, and W&D stay! SEE DOCS FOR INSPECT INSEPCTED 2 MO AGO AND WE NEVER MOVED IN! FREE FOR YOU-SEE DOCS TAB. The most adorable back patio, with fruit trees, and BIG beautiful shade trees the HOA maintains for you! Gotta come see! $5k LESS ON PRICE IF YOU DONT WANT THE FUNITURE! My seller just bought this home 6weeks ago and has to sell...give us your best offer... this home offers all furniture, towels, linens, cook ware, utensils, EVERYTHING! Just bring your toothbrush as its been said. Hurry!! We are taking a loss, but your gain!

View Property

15829 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6664868

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Everything is stepped up on the McCormick floorplan at Mason Ranch! 3 CAR GARAGE!!! This home is a true stunner with 10 ft ceilings, 3 Bedrooms, 2 and a half Baths, enlarged Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets thru-out w/ 42 inch Kitchen uppers, Walk-in Pantry, Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances with Gas Range, 24x12 staggered modern ceramic tile, Super-sized Kitchen Island, all with beautiful quartz kitchen tops in the kitchen area. ALL of which overlooks a massive Great Room! Each bath has been modernized with square sinks and marble-like shower wall panels! Exquisite! ALL of our homes include SMART Home technology. This home is ready for move in!

View Property

16461 W Yucatan Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this gorgeous single story home with many upgrades. This 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home has an open floorplan. It is located in Sycamore Farms with many great parks and close proximity to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. This home has neutral paint, new carpet- 2022, new hot water heater in December 2023, new artificial turf was installed this past spring- 2023. This home has granite counter tops in the kitchen with raised cabinets, soaring 9' ceilings, huge dual (2) walk-in master closets, and a tandem 3-car garage. This original owner has taken great care of this home! Don't miss out!

View Property

3257 E Malibu Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687571

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled w/in the picturesque Bella Vista Farms community, this stunning single-level home, meticulously completed in 2023, boasts exceptional curb appeal & contemporary design. Step inside to discover an array of special features, including 9+ flat ceilings, dual pane windows that flood the space with natural light creating a bright & airy atmosphere. The open floorplan seamlessly integrates the brand new kitchen features a spacious layout w/ a breakfast bar/kitchen island, Quartz counters & stylish shaker cabinets, and hidden/under cabinet outlets, perfect for culinary enthusiasts & entertaining guests. Retreat to the beautifully appointed master bedroom w/ double sinks & private toilet room. Outside, the tranquil backyard oasis beckons w/ a covered patio, ideal for outdoor dining or relaxation that also has gas line hookups for outdoor grills & outdoors outlets for lighting systems/christmas lights. Home has keyless entry, pre-wired for surround sound systems, ceiling fans & recessed lights inside while also having a ring security system, motion detectors, doors sensors and smart thermostat for convenience. Additional features include fresh new interior paint, soft water hookup, exterior tankless water heater, 220v in the garage & 2 storage racks in the garage convey. Residents of Bella Vista Farms enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle w/ exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court & greenbelt. Nearby, San Tan Regional Park offers endless outdoor recreational opportunities, while Queen Creek Marketplace provides shopping/dining options. Experience the best of San Tan Valley living.

View Property

10510 E Flintlock Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$469,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,545 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682860

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Updated and Remodeled Home in Sun Lakes. Wood Plank Tile Flooring throughout out with Newer Windows. Exterior Painted in 2023. Wonderful, gated courtyard with brick pavers and rain gutters. Spacious wrap around back and side patio for entertaining with above ground spa. Granite Counters and pendent lighting in kitchen. Garage has epoxy floors, service door and mini split ac in garage, golf cart garage door. Master bath shower has been remodeled with updated sinks and faucets in baths. Enjoy the 5 different public golf courses that Sun Lakes has with plenty of restaurants grocery stores and Hospitals nearby.

View Property

9864 E Fortuna Avenue Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,606 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685210

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New construction with Samsung appliances, 4 ton A/C unit, 40 gallon electric water heater, septic tank, asphalt shingled roof, 2 car garage, low maintenance landscaping in front yard, surrounding block wall, and a glorious curved iron front door. Live in luxury in this beauty located in the low desert near the Gold Canyon Golf resort.

View Property

7167 W Merriweather Way Florence, AZ 85132

$469,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

DON'T WAIT MONTHS TO BUILD when this immaculate and highly upgraded Pursuit model is ready today. Notice the meticulously maintained desert landscaping, paver lined driveway and paver front patio. Inside is just as stunning as outside with features that include a chefs kitchen w/cherry cabinets, slide drawers, crown molding, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, pendant lights, under cabinet lighting, plantation shutters, a built-in entertainment center w/surround sound, den with double doors, a spacious laundry room w/storage cabinets and sink epoxy floors, garage storage and garbage can corral. Open up the two sliding doors to let the outdoors in! You and your guests will love the extended paver patio w/electric shade, fire pit and privacy wall. AMAZING HOME! AMAZING PRICE!

View Property