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

3864 E Fruitvale Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,692 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666977

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely single story home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths with an additional den (including a closet!) that could easily be converted into a 4th bedroom. The home is located in the quiet community of Coronado Ranch with beautiful tree-lined streets, affordable HOA fees, and close proximity to Gilbert Regional Park. Coronado Ranch is a ''buy and hold'' community and homes like this don't come up on the market often especially at this price. With the right offer, the seller will also include the washer, dryer, and refrigerator. Come see this gem for yourself!

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7606 S Lone Pine Place Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668598

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home in PERALTA Canyon**This well cared for home shows like a model home backing up to the desert & no home in front of you. As you enter in thru the custom iron security door, the home has 9' ceilings and a beautiful entry to display your art. Open Kitchen & Great Room w/ multi-sliding door to ENJOY the AZ Weather & Sunsets. Kitchen has white Shaker cabinets, quartz counter tops, gas range, stainless steel appliances & pantry. Primary Bedroom has walk in closet & beautiful En-suite w/ dual sinks, large shower & separate toilet room. Home also features crown molding, plank tile floors t/o, soft water system, tankless hot water, 3 car garage, expoxy garage floors, extended patio, view fencing, gas stub for BBQ grill plus much more! Hurry before this home is go

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17398 W Superior Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$500,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,525 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669321

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single-story home with a pool, view fence, 3-car tandem garage and solar! This floor plan creates an open living concept, with a large living room tying into a gourmet eat-in kitchen with double wall ovens, granite countertops, a farmhouse sink and gas stove. The primary bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a large soaking tub, separate shower and dual sinks. There are also 3 additional bedrooms, a den, full bathroom with tub/shower, as well as a half bath for the main living area, or your guests. Close proximity to shopping, dining, schools, freeway access and more!

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21259 W Yale Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672791

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLER! Priced reduced below comps! This meticulously maintained home has an expansive great room with wood-look tile flooring in the main areas. Natural light floods in through sliding glass doors, blending the indoor with the outdoor living. The kitchen displays recessed & pendant lighting, white cabinetry with crown molding, SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, and a prep island with a breakfast bar. All large bedrooms have plush carpets! Primary retreat includes an ensuite with dual sinks, make-up desk, and a walk-in closet. #2 Bedroom is enormous!! PLUS! A unique feature of this property is the open den, offering boundless possibilities! Spacious backyard has a covered patio for unwinding. Mountain views, close to school, park, walking trails, and pool!

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3809 W Misty Willow Lane Glendale, AZ 85310

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, come expecting and be amazed! Starting with gorgeous curb appeal, lush grass, curbing, and mature landscaping. Upon entering the living room, you'll be in awe with the huge, vaulted ceilings, new carpet, custom paint, wood shutters & updated lighting. To the open kitchen, you'll see new cabinets, granite counter tops, granite sink, plus updated black stainless appliances. You'll love the inviting family room with a built-in fireplace and a custom glass slider to view the enormous backyard & extended covered patio set up for entertaining. The oversized owner's suite has vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, dual sinks, & remodeled shower. This home has a full 3 car garage, loads of storage space, new roof underlayment 2022, with solar purchase assumable, Come & see today!

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606 S Fountaine Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$500,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming fixer-upper with endless potential, sold ''AS IS'' for your creative vision to flourish right next to Northern Arizona University. This come has a comfortable living space that would be ideal for students or professionals. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

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3761 E Thornton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,647 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688799

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare opportunity to own in Coronado Ranch. Located in 85297 near Gilbert Regional Park, this 4 bed 2 bath 1647 sqft home has vaulted ceiling and spacious back yard, great for gardening and entertaining. Neighborhood is family friendly, has two parks, and a splash pad. Built in 2001 this home has only had 2 owners. Grocery, gas, pharmacy, and other shopping all within 1-2 miles. In 2023 Higley Unified School District rated ''A'' by AZ Dept of Education. Owner/agent listing Home is being sold AS-IS.

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1920 N 140th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,931 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691390

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegant, Modern & Energy Efficient. 2021 New, 1 Level, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage home with over $50K in builder upgrades! Located a mile north of i10, in the 'The Vistas' a exclusive, gated community of Palm Valley, in the A+ Agua Fria School District of Millennium High & Great Hearts, this open-floor plan home is designed around an amazing kitchen overlooking the Dinning-Great Room with 2 large sliding glass doors theres an abundance of bright, cheery natural light! Relax & unwind in your private backyard under the cover patio or have fun enjoying your beatiful community pool & grilling area, which this home butts up to! (Yes, this home has one of the best lot locations in The Vistas!). A tankless hot water heater and water softener are included with this must see home.

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1914 N 140th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$500,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,983 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691426

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Elegant, Modern, Energy-Efficient, 2021 New, 1 Level, 3 Bed, 3 Bath (2.5), 2 Car Garage home with over $50K in builder upgrades! Located 1 mile N. of i10, in 'The Vistas' a exclusive gated community of Palm Valley'. Top Rated Schools, Great Hearts Charter & Millennium High, shopping, dining, and golf. This open floor plan home is designed around an amazing kitchen overlooking the Dinning-Great Rooms with 3 Lr sliding glass doors theres an abundance of bright, cheery natural light! Relax in your private backyard under the cover patio or have fun in your beatiful community pool & grilling area, which this home butts up to! Yes, this home does has one of the best lot locations in The Vistas! Tankless hot water heater & water softener are included in this must see home!

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1924 E Monte Vista Road Phoenix, AZ 85006

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,089 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693409

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

In 1935, amidst the dust storms and Great Depression, one resilient home emerged from the arid landscapes of the American Southwest: the Adobe Home. Step into the timeless allure of Southwest living with this captivating Adobe Home, a masterpiece of rustic elegance nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Built in 1935, this meticulously maintained residence seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. The thoughtfully designed floor plan encompasses 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen, adorned with hand-painted cabinets and equipped with modern appliances. Perfect for culinary adventures inspired by the flavors of the Southwest. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history in this iconic Adobe Home.

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7021 E Earll Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,340 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675259

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Downtown Scottsdale Condo! Coveted THREE bedroom, end unit with pool and spa right outside front door. Bright open gathering areas with TWO balconies to relax and take in the views. The kitchen has SS appliances, LARGE walk-in pantry, and access to roof-top balcony over-looking pool area. Beautiful master suite with updated bathroom, walk-in closet, and private access to balcony. Private garage right outside front door. Gated community. All this perfectly located in the heart of historic downtown Scottsdale... the center of top-rated restaurants, shopping, galleries, and entertainment all within a short walk!

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11229 S Tomah Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

Open House

$500,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,716 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled home w/pool on a golf course! Spacious living room w/large windows provide views out to the covered patio, pool & golf course. Plus an area for a piano, office or formal dining. Remodeled kitchen w/granite counters, breakfast bar open to casual living space (or dining room) w/fireplace .Coffee bar/drop zone & large laundry room. The primary bedroom has 2 large closets, vanity area, & separate shower/toilet area & door to the patio. The 2nd bedroom w/door to the 2nd bath. The backyard w/low maintenance landscape, irrigation, covered patio, pool Plantation shutters, newer roof, AC, water heater, 2 car garage w/built in storage, 55+ community w/plenty of activities. Close to Ahwatukee rec center w/indoor/outdoor pool, clubhouse, pickle ball, exercise facility +more.

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