Buying a New Home? Use This Checklist to Ensure Your Finances Are in Order

Buying a home is a significant expense. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time buyer or have experience. Unless you have a large pile of cash, you’ll need to ensure your finances are in order before closing. In this post we’ll explore four financial items you’ll want to check off before buying a new home.

Figure Out Your Current Monthly Budget

First, you’re going to want to sort out your monthly budget. If you’ve never done a budget before, start with something basic. Open up a spreadsheet or take out a piece of paper. Make two columns: ‘income’ and ‘expenses’. Fill in each column with the amounts that you make or spend each month. Bank, credit card and other statements can help with this process. It’s a good idea to go back at least 3 months to ensure you’re capturing your true spending.

Make A Debt Management Plan

Do you have any debts? If so, you’ll want to make a plan for how you’re going to manage these when you buy a new home. For example, you may have a car payment, student loans, a line of credit or credit card debt. Write down your debts, how much you owe and when payments are due. If any debts are due monthly, make sure you include those in your budget.

Keep in mind that your outstanding debts may impact your ability to borrow for a mortgage as well. If you plan on taking out a mortgage to pay for your new home, it’s best to get your debts figured out beforehand.

Understand All Your Real Estate Costs

Next, you’ll want to determine what all your real estate costs are going to be. If you’re not yet close to the bidding or closing process, this might be a bit challenging. But ask your real estate agent for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a home in your price range.

Set Up An Emergency Savings Cushion

Finally, you’ll want to set up a financial cushion in case of emergencies. It’s not much fun to think about, but losing a job or having a health event is possible. Most financial experts recommend having at least six months of expenses saved up. Of course, this is always easier said than done. What’s important is that you have at least some cash tucked away, just in case. If you can, save a bit extra each month or from each pay check and add to this emergency fund.

When you’re ready to buy a new home, a licensed real estate agent is your best bet for success. Give me a call today and learn more about how affordable a new home in your community will be!  J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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

11872 W Alvarado Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$499,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,449 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6508458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home sweet home, ready to move in highly desirable neighborhood. Plantation shutters throughout downstairs, gorgeous large open kitchen with granite counter tops, upgraded kitchen appliances with French glass doors den downstairs. Covered patio, RV gate. Extended walk in master shower everything you need is here in this house. Close to freeways, Westgate, State Farm Stadium,Spring Training, Restaurants, shopping, all just few minutes away. Home faces a quiet community park. Owner agent. Buyer to verify all facts and figures. Home is also avail for short term please inquire.

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9405 W Coolidge Street Phoenix, AZ 85037

$499,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,929 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6610494

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great updated home is nestled closely to LOOP 101 and I-10 freeways, West Gate shopping, State Farm Stadium.New paint, new tile floors, new lighting.Spacious living room with area for dinning. Large refaced kitchen cabinets with granite counter tops, designer tile walls, gas stove and island with breakfast room open to family room.Master bedroom huge and have a sitting area and custom large built-in walk-in closet .All windows have designer custom shades. 2 new A/C units in 2020.All nice size bedrooms have walk-in closets.Large loft can be used as office or game room or 5th bedroom.Large combo walk-in pantry and laundry.Huge back yard with Synthetic Grass, pavers, easy to take care off.Extended covered patio. RV gate and RV parking and extra slab.

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2080 E Greenway Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$499,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,816 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6622214

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the beauty of this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom treasure in Tempe! Featuring a new roof installed in 2019 and an upgraded A/C system in 2021, this home exudes modern comfort. The kitchen boasts an abundance of cabinets, a convenient breakfast bar, and elegant French doors that open to a generously sized family room, ideal for entertaining guests. Retreat to the main bedroom showcasing a spacious walk-in closet and a stylishly renovated ensuite bath. Additional highlights include an inside laundry room with ample storage space. Outside, the private backyard awaits your personal touch, complete with an extended covered patio perfect for outdoor gatherings.

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3131 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

$499,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6624731

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 3.5% buyer incentive can be used towards rate buy down, upgrades, closing costs, or combo of those! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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12336 W Pinnacle Vista Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$499,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Shea Home with open floorplan and lots of windows/natural light. Very private location in one of the original sections of Trilogy. North/South exposure. Entertain in the beautiful North-facing backyard or use the South-facing courtyard in front. Both are covered but allow for beautiful desert landscape views. Owner has recently updated cabinets to lighten and brighten spaces throughout the home. Fantastic floorplan with a generously sized kitchen with plenty of cabinets, storage, and an island. Granite counters compliment the stainless steel appliances. Two bedrooms have plenty of room and closet space. A Den with double doors makes a great office, bonus room or third sleeping area. Owners suite has a walk in closet and sliding doors to backyard patio. Other features include: Tankless water heater, water filtration system, fenced backyard, blinds, ceiling fans, newer air conditioner, built in BBQ, fruit trees, and plenty of shade on both the patio and under the front court yard pergola. This home is move in ready!

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4066 E Cathy Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$499,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,303 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6637333

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The wait is over! Book your tour on this awesome 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 garage home with loft and huge living area! Located in prime Gilbert location off Recker and Warner and close to 202! Very nice kitchen granite counters, white cabinets, kitchen island, double wall ovens, and newer dishwasher! Huge formal dining area that can be used for separate living area if desired. Functional loft on the second level perfect for work space or living area. Massive primary suite with room for sitting area and large walk-in closet. 2 sinks, separate tub and shower and private toilet room. Jack and jill bath at secondary bedrooms for added convenience. Community offers pool and spa, large grassy park, and playground. Great value and great location make this a great buy!

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11937 W Nadine Way Peoria, AZ 85383

$499,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,204 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6639099

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a well maintained home with updates in all the right places. Enjoy the wonderful living spaces & beautiful surroundings. 4 bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms. Freshly painted exterior, interior, cabinets. Fresh carpet in bedrooms, & an upgraded primary bathroom. Spacious corner lot, with a cul- de-sac at the end of the street. Bay window in primary bedroom & the dining room. Slide out kitchen shelfs. The exterior has a paver patio, gas stub at patio, sunscreens & gutters too! Be sure to check out all the amenities that Vistancia has to offer. From Pickleball & tennis to a community waterpark there's something for everyone! Minutes away from the grocery store & all of the new development coming nearby! Ask us how to buy down your rate or cover closing costs! Vistancia amenities include: 8,000-square-foot indoor basketball gymnasium featuring pickleball courts and an adjoining entertainment lounge and game room Three swimming pools, a resort-style pool with waterslides, and a heated lap pool Outdoor event lawn for small-concert venues, community events, outdoor exercise classes, and lawn games Four lighted tennis courts Multipurpose space for meetings, gatherings, and events Movement studio with Fitness On Demand classes Teen game room Card and Craft room Catering kitchen

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4151 S Plasma -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$499,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,567 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650303

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Premium lot with a big backyard surrounded by single story homes for privacy. This 3-bedroom 2-bathroom home is located in the desirable Eastmark community. Tile throughout with carpet in the bedrooms. Large kitchen island with Granite countertops. Plantation shutters on the windows facing the front of the house. SELLER TO CONTRIBUTE $5,000 TOWARDS BUYERS CLOSING COSTS.

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15452 W Skyview Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$499,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,334 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This pristine FURNISHED Hacienda home in The Grand boasts over 2,300 sq ft, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a coveted split floor plan. The spacious kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances and a bar top area, creates an ideal entertaining space. The sizable owners bedroom suite offers a bay window, double sinks, and a two-door walk-in closet. Two guest bedrooms are separated by a full bathroom. Enjoy both a formal living room and a family room with a gas fireplace. You can enjoy the wonderful Arizona weather on the spacious covered patio! The two-car extended garage includes attached cabinets. Exterior enhancements include a stone facade and fresh paint

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3550 E Edna Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$499,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,157 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659931

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your dream home awaits! Meticulously cared-for Pulte gem, ready for its next chapter. Second owners, captivated by its charm. Mature landscaping, citrus trio, and a pergola create a private retreat. AMPLE STORAGE, 2 car garage with a Brand-new garage overhead storage, custom blinds, and windows, and fresh paint amplify interior allure. * Updated paint, light & plumbing fixtures and a stove with built-in air fryer! Make it your own or move in hassle-free. Proximity to top-notch dining, shopping, and seamless freeway access. Ideal timing for Spring Training! Embrace an active lifestyle with nearby trails. Modern convenience and security with a smart lock, new ADT system, and cameras. **Your peace of mind assured until July 2025 with an included home warranty. Come see your home in perso

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9705 E Mountain View Road Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$499,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,365 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6661907

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Resort style living at it's best! Just remodeled townhome features NEW quarts kitchen and bath counters, NEW tiled showers, NEW plank flooring throughout, Fresh paint, refreshed woodburning fireplace, rebuilt upper patio off the large master and above your large covered patio yard and a epoxy coated garage! This is a gated community that maintains your front yard for you and unit is close to 1 of 5 pools, 6 spas, 9 tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts, Fitness Center with Sauna, Tennis Pro, Activities Director and a Grand Clubhouse. Close to the 101, Scottsdale Ranch's Lake Serena, Scottsdale Ranch parks, restaurants, shopping, golf, spring training facilities, resorts, casinos, Old Town Scottsdale and much more! .

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5 N 119th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$499,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,687 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled within the prestigious Cold Water Springs community, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a gem. Situated on a coveted golf course lot, panoramic views of the pristine fairways and greens greet you from every window. Step into the backyard oasis, where a large pool beckons for relaxation, while the meticulously manicured putting green offers endless entertainment. Inside, the residence boasts spacious living areas. With an open floor plan designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this home provides the perfect blend of sophistication and leisure, creating an ideal retreat.

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