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

First-time Home Buyers: Here's a Quick and Easy Guide to Your First MortgageDelving 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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5750 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$509,995
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,656 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674011
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Fully remodeled modern beauty! Spinnaker Place is a cozy community with only 16 homes and a community pool located in Uptown Phoenix. This home shines with NEW shaker cabinets, SS appliances, featuring refrigerator and wine fridge, quartz counters, & backsplash. Stunning NEW subway tiled wood burning fireplace,NEW modern railings, NEW flooring throughout. NEW indoor and outdoor lighting & ceiling fans throughout. Owner's suite has an amazing bath with oversized shower and balcony overlooking a private courtyard with maintenance-free artificial grass. Pool is steps away. This is the nicest unit in the entire community. mins from the biltmore with amazing shopping and fine dining, easy access to the 51 freeway and I-17.

5510 W Summerside Road Laveen, AZ 85339

$509,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697220
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing the Sage plan, a stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a den, spanning 2150 square feet of modern desert living. Boasting a sleek paver driveway and contemporary exterior, this residence offers both style and functionality.Step inside to discover the exquisite wood-look tile flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the open-concept floor plan. The kitchen is a focal point of elegance, featuring a striking contrast of grey cabinets on the island and white cabinets elsewhere, with upper cabinets reaching an impressive 42 inches in height. Adorned with a chic beige/grey backsplash and luxurious white quartz countertops, this space is as beautiful as it is functional. Enhanced with upgraded matte black door hardware and bath finishes, every detail of this home exudes sophistication. Entertaining is a breeze with a 4-panel sliding glass door leading to the backyard oasis. The split floorplan ensures privacy, with two secondary bedrooms located up front, a third tucked beside the den, and the primary suite positioned at the rear. Indulge in the comfort of the primary bath, complete with double vanities, a walk-in shower, and a spacious walk-in closet. Additional features include a 3-car tandem garage, providing ample space for vehicles and storage. Don't miss the opportunity to make the Sage plan your own and experience the epitome of desert luxury.

5519 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$509,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,178 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679478
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Farmhouse split floorplan 3-bedroom 2.5 Bath with a den home located in the West Valley's newest community, Estates at Estrella Crossing. With a large walk-in pantry with the super 4 car garage is out of this world! This newly constructed home includes professionally designed features and finishes including quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, 36'' cabinets that are 2 tone which include contemporary white uppers and complimenting gray cabinet for the kitchen island. Ashton Woods is pleased to include ALL APPLIANCES in this home, making your move-in process seamless. You'll find stainless steel dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator in the kitchen, and matching washer-dryer in the well-appointed laundry room.

5508 W Mcneil Road Laveen, AZ 85339

$509,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,219 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682193
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning newly constructed single-story home offering a perfect blend of modern convenience and classic design. There's plenty of curb appeal with a modern desert elevation and paver driveway, boasting 2,219 square feet of meticulously designed living space. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a 2.5 car garage, and additional spacious guest retreat space, this layout is ideal. The 12 by 24 plank tile floors are throughout, including the spacious guest retreat for a stylish look and easy maintenance with plush carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen has a large island that overlooks into the dining and living area making it great for hosting and entertaining. We've added a pendant prewire that sit above the island, so you'll be able to add your own flair to this space.

11017 W Wood Street Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,375 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695680
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!! This single-story home features a central open design with patio access for easy living and entertaining. The luxe owner's suite is situated toward the back for privacy, while the secondary bedrooms feature toward the entrance—one of which boasts a separate flex space perfect for independent residents. A 3-car garage provides additional storage space. Photos are of a model home, not the actual home.

12114 W Marguerite Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$509,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,985 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6646000
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PACK YOUR BAGS... It's our popular Belize. 12x8 sliding glass door that leads out to your extended covered patio. Walk in shower at owner's bath. Gas appliance package including a cooktop. Kinsdale painted - Linen cabinets with rollouts at pantry and pullout trash drawer with two bins. Soft close doors and drawers in the kitchen. Quartz ''Concrete Gray'' countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Flooring includes 6x36 Magnolia Bend tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms & closets.16 SEER rated gas A/C unit and so much more. Seller to write contract. Verify all information with onsite agent.

10810 W Luxton Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,990
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,945 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682076
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New home under construction. Estimated completion is June 2024. - 2,945 sq ft, Two story home with 5 bedrooms, loft, Den, 4 full baths, 3-car Tandem garage and covered back patio. Includes professionally designed features and finishes with our AW Collections Rockwell Essential! Beautifully landscaped front yard with pavers on driveway. This home also includes 9FT ceilings, kitchen Island with granite kitchen countertops, white cabinets in kitchen and bath, walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliance package, ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms and den, ceramic wood-looking plank tile throughout, carpet in bedrooms and den, pendant light prewires, blinds throughout, garage door opener, and so much more! This home also offers a 2-panel sliding glass door to the back patio so you can enjoy the backyard from your kitchen and family area. Located close to the I-10 and the new Loop 202 Highways. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment.

11500 E Cochise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$509,990
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,301 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686575
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Recently renovated ground floor corner condo in the exclusive Scottsdale Mirage Crossing Resort gated community. This light-filled unit boasts a spacious open floor plan with 2 beds, 2 baths, and an attached garage. Updates include a luxurious walk-in shower in the master suite, custom window shutters, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, pantry, new carpet and tile flooring, fresh interior paint, and more. The laundry room offers additional storage space with hidden shelves and includes a washer and dryer. Enjoy the private covered patio. Community amenities include greenbelts, picnic areas with gas BBQs, a heated pool and spa, a community center with a fitness gym, billiards, and more.

4608 W Acacia Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$509,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,121 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6646527
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
GORGEOUS ALTURA MODEL built in 2021! Kitchen features highly upgraded 42'' cabinets, marble backsplash, pendant lights, SS chimney hood, under cabinet lights, Gas cooktop w/5 burners, built-in trash bin, pot & pan drawers, Quartz counters, roll-out shelves (even in the pantry), soft close drawers, wall oven & microwave. You will love the plank flooring, 5-1/4'' baseboards, Glass front door, 8' interior doors, upgraded 340 glass windows, Quartz vanities, 2 full suite bedrooms w/walk-in closets & tile showers. Extended Sun room off the dining area. The laundry room has a full set of cabinets & sink. Step out back to the covered patio w/sunshades. Backyard is fully fenced & landscaped w/pavers & synthetic grass. This home has so many upgrades, is immaculate & was built in 2021.

4529 E Carob Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$509,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,604 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700267
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to resort-style living at 55+ Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert, AZ. You'll love this 1604 sq ft. 2B2B +den Morningstar floorplan built by Shea. This home offers updated finishes throughout including Californian iron screen door, cherry cabinets, tile backsplash, granite countertops, s/s appliances (including gas stove,) tile flooring throughout, plantation shutters, updated bathroom fixtures and classic neutral interior paint throughout. The south-facing backyard oasis is completely fenced with a paver patio and mature plants with auto-irrigation. This home is being sold completely furnished with any remaining household items included. Mechanicals include water softener (owned,) reverse osmosis, gas water heater, 18 SEER HE AC and gas furnace. Trilogy at Power Ranch offers amazing amenities including heated swimming pools, fitness center, steam room and hot tub; organized fitness classes, pickleball, tennis, hiking, dancing, cards & games; groups including scrapbooking, stained glass, cooking, photography and quilting. Our championship golf course features an on-site restaurant and bar, all open to the public.

7683 W Angels Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$509,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,685 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695276
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It sounds like you're describing a property listing or a set of features someone might be looking for in a home. A corner lot with a huge backyard offers plenty of space and potential for outdoor activities or gardening. A side gate for toys suggests convenient access and storage for recreational equipment. Plank-style flooring and natural light can enhance the interior ambiance, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. And with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, there's likely ample space for a family or guests. Overall, these features could contribute to excellent curb appeal and a comfortable living environment.

9516 W Trumbull Road Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,900 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sunset Farms Unit 4, Tolleson
New
$509,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,273 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704558
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home! Step inside and be captivated by the spacious, open-concept layout and modern finishes. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring ample counter space, stainless steel appliances, and a large island perfect for entertaining. The inviting living room flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an ideal space for family gatherings and hosting friends. Step outside into your own private paradise! The sparkling pool and surrounding patio are perfect for soaking up the Arizona sunshine, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Located in the desirable Tolleson neighborhood, this home is just minutes from schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment options & easy access to major freeways, commuting to work or exploring the Valley is a breeze.

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