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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9451 E Becker Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Open House

New

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,259 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692644

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

RARE FIND. Ground floor condo with garage and 1 covered parking space. Home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer & dryer, 20'' tile and wood look laminate flooring, walk-in master shower, raised vessel sinks, glass shower doors, window coverings. New HVAC in 2018, water heater 2019, Windows replaced in 12/22, resurfaced patio in 3/24, Retractable door screens front and back in 2024, Dry bar and cabinets added in 2/23. HOA includes tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouse with fitness room. Walk to shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores. Entertainment venues and golf courses close by. Short drive to Mayo Clinic and MLB Spring Training, near Scottsdale Greenbelt Trail. Near church and schools.

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17719 N 113th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85378

Open House

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,934 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663313

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Gated Community of Canyon Ridge West! This stunning home offers privacy with no neighbors behind and boasts a sparkling pool with a soothing waterfall feature, along with a convenient RV gate and added parking for all your outdoor storage needs. Inside, vaulted ceilings with tubular skylights and neutral tile floors create a spacious ambiance. The flexible layout includes a private den and ample living space. New HVAC in 2024! *Edited Neutral paint photos added.

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10718 E Secret Canyon Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,646 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled near the Superstition Mountains this property offers a variety of special features and accommodations like: flexible floor plan, plantation shutters, mountain view, quiet gated community, ***sparkling pool (w/mesh child safety pool fence included)***, automatic sun shade, office den, newly remodeled kitchen and floors throughout the house, ***quality slab granite countertop***, farmhouse kitchen sink and faucet, ***new bathroom vanity countertop & faucet***, 2 car garage, ***new roof***, fireplace AND its a corner lot so no neighbors to the right of this property. Single story homes surround this lot so those looking for privacy this is where it's at! It's also near hiking trails so for those looking to do some desert exploring its perfect! Don't wait too long!

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20599 W Nelson Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677655

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You don't want to miss out on this move-in ready beauty. Located in the stunning and sought after subdivision of Verrado in Buckeye. The home is in immaculate condition from ceiling to floor. Wood-like tile flooring though all the main living & walking areas. Your new kitchen offers granite countertops, breakfast bar, contemporary light fixtures, upgraded cabinetry with lots of storage space, and stainless steel appliances. The backyard has no maintenance landscaping, covered patio, and plenty of room to relax and entertain. Don't miss out on this one! It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.

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