First-time Home Buyers: Here’s a Quick and Easy Guide to Your First Mortgage

Delving into the real estate market for the first time can be a very intimidating thing with all of the mortgage and housing options available. Whether it’s market conditions or the amount you should be spending, there are a number of factors you’ll need to be aware of. If you’re just starting out and not sure where to begin, here are some points to consider that will set you on the right path.

Is It The Right Time To Buy?

Many people try to time the market, but the right time to buy a home is when it works for you. If you have a solid down payment and you’re truly prepared for home ownership, it’s probably the right time to start looking. While a good home and low interest rates can certainly push you in this direction, if it’s not quite the right time, hold off until it’s right for you.

What’s Your Payment Plan?

It’s easy for a first-time buyer to be taken in by their dream home, but it’s important to be clear on all the costs associated with home ownership like property tax, insurance, maintenance and other fees that will bump up the monthly payment. If you can formulate a budget that includes all of your monthly costs and is feasible in the long term, you’re good to go.

What Documentation Is Required?

Having your personal documentation in order and available will be one of the most important steps in your application, but there are a number of things you’ll need. Beyond recent paystubs, tax returns and bank statements, you’ll also need your credit report, so take a look over it to ensure that it’s correct and displays your financial history in a positive light.

Starting the Search

You may be ready to move as soon as you start looking, but buying your first home can be a rather lengthy process. Instead of being sucked in by too much house or taking the first home that appeals to you, ensure that you have a good sense of the size, neighborhood and style of house you want so you can get out there and find the home that works for you.

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to buying your first home, but by being ready to invest and having your finances in order you’ll be well on your way. If you’re currently in the market for a home, give me a call, I’d love to help – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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7790 W Emerson Drive Kirkland, AZ 86332

$475,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668827

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA!!! This ranch-style hilltop home has million dollar, panoramic views for miles, nearly 7 acres of fenced and gated land, outbuildings, and potential guest house! You will love your full views of both sunrise and sunset, as well as the vast and powerful mountain ranges that fill the horizon. The peace and privacy you will find while listening to the abundant wildlife is unmatched. All your toys and hobbies will find a home on this perfectly situated property on the paved county road. The home is nearly 2600 sqft - with 3 large bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms, 3 full baths, an open kitchen with pantry, plenty of cabinet space, dining room, living room, and huge climate controlled laundry room that can double as an office, media room, or bonus space. Add to that a large attached 2-car Garage that has tons of extra space with shelves and built-in counters, well house and well equipment, detached exterior 16x12 shed (included with full-price offer only), and 600 sqft storage building with the potential to become a guest house or rental. New roof, updated flooring, and more! see attached docs for a breakdown of upgrades/updates. This town is a well-kept Prescott area secret! This peaceful location will allow you to take a deep breath and reset! 25 minutes (17 miles) from downtown Prescott and less than an hour from Wickenburg. If you are looking for rural yet convenient, don't overlook Wilhoit!

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20725 W Colter Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$475,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,581 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673074

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tenant Occupied until May 20th. This Villa is a great full-time residence, or lock and leave, or an investment property generating $20K NET income per year. Villa is situated on an elevated lot with charming tree-lined walking pathway. Mountainside is the only gated community in Victory (55+), featuring private pool and social areas for residents. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen complete with designer-selected features from top to bottom including stainless appliances. You'll appreciate the 10' ceilings and abundant natural light. The family room has large dual pane low E 3 energy efficient picture windows looking out onto your private outdoor paver patio. An oversized super shower and upgraded surfaces highlight the spa-like owners bath. Two bedrooms AND office/den w French doors.

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1741 W Paisley Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$475,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,863 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673545

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home Qualifies for No Downpayment Loans! Motivated Seller ~ Bring All Offers! Located in the VERY POPULAR subdivision CIRCLE CROSS RANCH in NORTH San Tan Valley. SUPER CLEAN & UPDATED MOVE IN READY 1 STORY Ranch home with 4 Bedrooms (4th Bedroom is Large Den) with HEATED POOL and BUILT in 2012! A HUGE greenbelt right across the street! LOW Maintenance Yards ATTACHED Extended 2 Car Garage w/ EXTRA STORAGE! Amazing Stacked Brick accent wall in living Room! LARGE Open Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances! All Appliances included! Even W/D! Tons of Walking/Biking Trails. Close to LOTS of shopping and restaurants. Easy access to Banner Ironwood Hospital, Minutes from New 24 Freeway!

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3620 E Sumner Place Rimrock, AZ 86335

$475,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,716 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672634

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning brand new 3 bedroom/2 bath home is in the pristine gated community of Beaver Creek Preserve in Rimrock AZ. Beautifully done Open floor plan with granite/quartz countertops, kitchen island, wood cabinetry and lots of storage and tile flooring. Private back Patio. Huge RV Storage! No RV? Then sky's the limit of what you can do with that space! Storage for your motorcycles, ATV's, Golf Carts! Turn it into a sports Room w/pool table, Ping-Pong, Man Cave, or add a platform for more storage, build a loft, Car lift.. really anything! Great private space between neighbor's min 20ft easements. Clubhouse offers pool tennis, Lounge area, BBQ for all you Friends and Family! Great location just off the freeway, Peaceful and Quiet! 20 min to Cottonwood, 25 min to Sedona, 1 hr to Flagstaff Lots of hiking trails, fishing and just beautiful scenery! ** Price reflects a 30K incentive reduction by using the builders preferred lender! **Come check it out! Make us an offer today and we can make it work!

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