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

2317 E Concorda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$509,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,945 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686045

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming 4-bedroom, 2 bathroom home nestled in a desirable Tempe neighborhood! Featuring custom-made Knotty Alder kitchen cabinets, exquisite Travertine tile, cozy Berber carpeting, and durable Pergo flooring, this home exudes quality craftsmanship throughout. Roof installed in 2016, a fresh AC unit added in 2017, and a beautifully remodeled master bathroom completed in the same year. A 55-gallon water heater was installed in 2018 for added efficiency. Second AZ/Family Room fully complete with a split unit A/C. The garage boasts its own split unit A/C and features epoxy floor coating for durability. new attic insulation was added in 2019. The backyard has been tastefully landscaped, offering a serene outdoor retreat perfect for gatherings and relaxation. With no HOA fee. , this property offers both freedom and flexibility. Situated in a prime location with easy access to major highways including the 101, 202, and the 60, this home is also conveniently located near the Light Rail on Apache Blvd. the proximity to various amenities including hospitals, shopping centers, the airport, downtown Tempe, ASU, MCC, and the Cubs spring training center make a comfortable living with this meticulously maintained home in an unbeatable location.

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14001 W Beverly Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

$509,790

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,658 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699288

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN! NESTLED HIGH IN THE ESTRELLA FOOT HILLS, LOOK DOWN OVER THE CITY BELOW BY DAY, TWINKLING CITY LIGHTS BY NIGHT, 360 DEGREE VIEWS! NEW BUILD, ESTIMATED DECEMBER COMPLETION, 1,658 SQ FT, 3 BED / 2 BATH SINGLE LEVEL HOME ON AN ACRE+ LOT, NO HOA'S, BRING YOUR HORSES, TOYS & RVS!! THIS HOME HAS GREAT CURB APPEAL WITH A TILE ROOF, INSIDE YOU WILL FIND THE MOST CHARMING KITCHEN-GREAT ROOM FEATURING WALLS OF GLASS, MODERN WHITE SHAKER CABINETS, GRANITE OR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, A HUGE KITCHEN ISLAND & A LARGE PANTRY. 18X18 INCH CERAMIC TILE COVERS THE FLOORS EXCEPT FOR THE CARPET IN THE BEDROOMS. VAULTED CEILINGS, THE MASTER FEATURES AN OVERSIZED CLOSET ALONG WITH A QUARTZ TOPPED VANITY W DOUBLE SINKS & A CUSTOM TILE MASTER SHOWER. PHOTOS ARE FROM PRIOR HOMES & REFLECT UPGRADES THE BUILDER IS WAITING FOR MARICOPA COUNTY TO ISSUE THE BUILDING PERMITS FOR THE PROJECT TO START. THE EXPECTED RELEASE DATE IS EARLY JUNE 2024.

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4633 E Cypress Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$509,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,521 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693217

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Near Arcadia! A short drive to the Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park, & Old Town Scottsdale! Close to the 143 ramp for quick access to everything! Well cared for charming 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom in Lindon Park subdivision. LIght and bright kitchen with white cabinetry, skylight, & built in microwave. Refrigerator, washer and dryer convey. Closets and storage everywhere. Enormous addition at back of home could be more bedrooms, a home gym, office or additional living room, whatever suits your needs. Laundry room has new upper cabinets, and a utility sink. Gigantic pantry could double as even more inside storage! Ceiling fans throughout. Brand new modern 8X10 storage shed and new pergola add to the charm of the spacious back yard. With coveted flood irrigation,and the large covered back patio this yard has endless possibilities. A great amount of space ready for you to add a pool. Block fence at backyard offers maximum privacy. Large park just around the corner, and Costco just blocks away!

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940 E Harrison Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$509,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,701 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696479

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

At last! The home of your dreams on a tranquil cul-de-sac is awaiting new owners! A well-maintained front yard and luscious green surroundings, a 2-car garage, and a welcoming front porch are just the beginning. The charming interior boasts an inviting living room with a designer's palette, tall ceilings, and tile flooring. Continue onto the eat-in kitchen bathed in natural, recessed, and lovely light fixtures and showcases built-in appliances, a handy pantry, and wood cabinetry with crown molding. The carpeted den is ideal for a home office. Relax after a hard day's work in the sizable main retreat, highlighting a plush carpet, a private bathroom, and a walk-in closet. The large backyard has a covered patio and a hot tub, excellent for afternoon relaxation, plus the home gets exposed to all the benefits of a sunrise every morning since there is no tall structure on the east side of the house. Hurry! You don't want to miss this adorable abode!

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31134 N 137th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

New

$509,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,573 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704197

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will be living in Vistancia, voted the #1 Master Planned Community in Arizona by Ranking Arizona magazine for the last 10 years in a row. There is a paid for Solar system allowing you to have reduced utility bills throughout the year. Features is an open dining room and family room with built-in wine storage and cabinets. The kitchen has Wiley Brown Beech cabinets with staggered uppers, and a center island workstation with eating bar, a large pantry, and generous amount of recessed lighting, granite kitchen countertops, black gas range, dishwasher & microwave and finished off with a stainless-steel refrigerator. A separate work spade is included. In the owner's suite an oversized oval tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet with extra shelving. Energy saving features (see more) include low E dual glazed windows and doors and a programmable thermostat. Community Amenities include Public Championship Golf Course, miles of hiking trails ,3 Community Pools with Water Slides, Public Parks, Basketball Gymnasium, tennis and pickle ball courts.

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7559 W Cinnabar Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

$509,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,328 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6640008

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Take a look at this incredible 4-bedroom home! Featuring a private pool, brand-new flooring, and gleaming stainless steel appliances, it's truly impressive. The master bedroom steals the show with its spacious walk-in closet and double sinks. With plenty of room for everyone, this place is a dream!

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6496 W Saratoga Way Florence, AZ 85132

$509,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,971 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650565

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing 18th fairway views of Poston Butte Golf Course! This meticulously maintained and highly upgraded ''Arcadia'' floor plan w/3rd car garage is perfectly appointed on a N/S PREMIUM GOLF COURSE LOT. Enjoy the stunning views from the extended paver patio, surrounded by desert landscape within walking distance of the Anthem Grille and Club House. Enjoy the interior details that include a gourmet kitchen featuring true staggered cherry cabinetry w/crown molding, granite countertops, double wall ovens, electric cooktop, AC/Heat installed 2017, bay window in Cafe', den/office, new paint , new carpet, new travertine courtyard and laundry/garage cabinets. The primary en-suite offers soaking tub w/seperate shower, double vanity and a large walk in closet. The Florence bond is PAID IN FULL Take advantage of the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

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3011 Pleasant Valley Court Prescott, AZ 86305

$509,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,719 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6649988

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wonderful family home in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood! Perfect location that is central to everything, close to trails, downtown Prescott, shopping and parks. Enjoy the light, bright rooms with walls of windows looking toward the large privacy-fenced back yard backing 10 acres of open space. Drink coffee and enjoy evening BBQ and drinks on the private back patio under the shade tree. Custom concrete countertops, upgraded fixtures, newer laminate floors, 9 foot ceilings, tile surround jetted tub, newer carpet, French doors, stainless appliances, high efficiency furnace, large laundry room and solar electric system. The tranquil setting is perfect for the home gardener with an enclosed raised garden bed. Trees and berry bushes abound with apple, pear, cherry, plum, blueberry, raspberry and almond spread throughout the property all irrigated by a worry-free 6-zone sprinkler system in both the front and back yards! Shaded front patio adjacent to rose bushes & a butterfly garden. We are excited find someone to make their own memories in this wonderful home!!

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419 N 41st Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$509,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,657 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679229

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a place to call home? This fully remodeled 4-bed, 2-bath residence boasting a well-maintained front lawn is the one for you! Discover a spacious great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a neutral color scheme, and stylish wood-look tile flooring. The family room boasts vaulted ceilings and sliding doors leading to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen features quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, chic tile backsplash, SS appliances, pendant lighting, and a center island with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom includes a private bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet for all your belongings. Enjoy quiet afternoons in the backyard, which displays an open patio. Approved permits for the casita at back are available for the next owner.

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18326 W Turquoise Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$509,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679373

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 bedroom, 3 bath, single story home with pool in beautiful Cortessa. This amazing home has huge kitchen with granite counter tops, tile back splash, and stainless steel appliances. Master suite has walk in shower. Plus there are 2 master suites! Other upgrades included are new tile floors, barn door, RV gate with concrete extended from front of drive way to back of house for lots of parking space. Backyard is upgraded with pool, pavers, gazebo, dog run and your own private backyard shed FULLY air conditioned!! OWNED solar so NO PAYMENT... you can keep your house and shed very comfortable all summer long.

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1868 S Saddle Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$509,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,004 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693178

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCTION! Rare to find below market value single-level residence in Westbank Estates! From the moment you arrive, the 2-car garage and the lovely mature front yard will greet you, making you feel instantly at home. Enter to find a large living & dining room combo and an inviting family room that opens to the kitchen! Natural light filled the spaces, complemented by neutral paint and tile flooring throughout. The kitchen features built-in appliances, ample wood cabinetry, a pantry, recessed lighting, and an island w/breakfast bar. It also includes a cozy nook with access to the back! The primary bedroom boasts an ensuite with dual sinks, a separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Check out the backyard with a covered patio to relax and an additional open patio for enjoying BBQ! Below market value. Great opportunity to make your own dream home in this great community!

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20096 W Exeter Boulevard Buckeye, AZ 85396

$508,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672223

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this impressive Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: a welcoming covered porch; a bedroom and bathroom in lieu of a study and powder room; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a storage area; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

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