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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3336 S 155th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$462,490

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,797 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692746

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!! This single-level home showcases a spacious open floorplan shared between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, with access to the covered patio for outdoor lounging and entertaining. The owner's suite enjoys a private location at the back of the home, complemented by an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. Three additional secondary bedrooms are comfortable and private retreats for household members and overnight guests. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

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17913 W Addie Lane Surprise, AZ 85374

$462,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6644538

Property Type Single Family Residence

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NEW ROOF, NEW CARPET, Fully Paid Solar and so much more (See Supplement for additional Comments) makes this 3-bed, 2-bath, and AZ Room in the 55+ guard-gated & golf course Community of Arizona Traditions the one for you! 2-car garage, desert front yard with a front patio that includes a decorative Table and Benches. The kitchen has ample cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances, center island, and dining area w/bay window. The owners' suite is spacious! Owners' Bath consists of a walk-in closet, storage cabinets, Tub, shower, and dual sinks. Enjoy the Beautifully enclosed heated & cooled Arizona Room. The Landscaping Water System uses PVC. A feature you can't ignore is fully paid solar with electric bills avg. $20 per month. BRAND NEW ROOF - Installed December 2023, Exterior Paint 2015. Other features that benefit the buyer include - AC Unit 2014, Mini Split 2019. BBQ -2021, New Carpet - December 2023, Wood Floor - 2017, Dishwasher - 2018, Microwave - 2020, Stove - 2018.

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15715 N 168th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$462,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662476

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nicely appointed home in the attractive Surprise community of Surprise Farms. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with a sought after kitchen greatroom open concept along with a separate formal living and dining room. Light and bright kitchen comes with corian countertops, stainless appliances, large island with sink, and upgraded white cabinets. Master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, double sinks, step-in shower, soaking tub, and private toilet room. The 3 other bedrooms are generously sized and all have a dedicated closet. Convenient location to neighborhood parks, shopping, dining, entertainment, and all the amenities that up and coming Surprise has to offer. VA loan is assumable to Veterans, Non-Veterans, and Investors! $2692 Monthly, 5% Interest Rate, $443,562 Balance as of 4/10.

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5432 W Beverly Road Laveen, AZ 85339

$462,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,170 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670221

Property Type Single Family Residence

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AZ Resort Living at its Best! This gorgeous 3 bedrm, 2.5 bathrm, 2 car garage home is in the heart of Laveen (202 corridor). Newly painted interior,exterior & garage floor! Beautiful tile floors & new carpet T/O! Open floor plan makes for an entertainer's paradise. Kitchen has new quartz countertops,lowered counter/breakfast bar,new undermount stainless sink,new dishwasher,upgraded cabinetry. Some new lighting fixtures. Ground floor ensuite primary bedroom w/spa bathroom:separate shower,Garden tub & huge walk-in closet. Stepping outside onto the newly painted patio floor,bordered grass area ready for your personal touch,room for a pool! Located just moments away from shopping,dining, beautiful,parks & 202 freeway access (202 corridor). Easy access to Downtown Phoenix & Surrounding areas.

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