Your Tax Return: Bring it Home

This time of year, many people eagerly check their mailboxes looking for their tax return check from the IRS. But, what do most people plan to do with the money? GO Banking Rates recently surveyed Americans and asked the question – “What do you plan on doing with your tax refund?”

The results of the survey were interesting. Here is what they plan to do with their money:

• 41% – Put it into savings
• 38% – Pay off debt
• 11% – Go on a vacation
• 5% – Make a major purchase (car, home, etc.)
• 5% – Splurge on a purchase

Upon seeing the research, The National Association of Realtors (NAR) wondered if this could help with a constant challenge cited by many people who wish to purchase a home – saving for the down payment.

In a recent post in NAR’s Economists’ Outlook Blog, they explained:

“With a sizable tax refund, the average American would have a decent down payment depending on which region or market you live in.”

They went on to add:

“Approximately 5 percent of all respondents indicated they would make a major purchase which does not seem like a lot. However, there is a bigger group 41 percent who see saving the tax return is best and that group could be potential home buyers if they are not already.”

In other words, putting that money toward purchasing a home is a form of savings.

Bottom Line

When one considers that first-time home buyers in 2016 had an average down payment of 6%, a decent tax return could go a long way toward the necessary funds needed for a down payment on a house. Or perhaps, the down payment needed by a son or daughter to make their homeownership dream a reality. How are you going to spend your return?  Give me a call for some ideas – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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11872 S Tomi Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

Open House

New

$495,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693283

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This very popular 3 bedroom floor plan is now available on the Ahwatukee Country Club Golf Course! Expansive golf course and mountain views greet you from your back patio where you will enjoy the best of Arizona living. This home has a formal living room with full wall fireplace, spacious dining room, open concept kitchen with granite counters and pull-out cabinets, open to large, light and bright family room perfect for entertaining or peaceful relaxation. Secondary bedrooms are good sized for guests or a home office, and the sizeable primary bedroom includes a dressing area. All this and a beautiful recreation center with indoor outdoor pools, pickleball, fitness classes, wood shop, travel opportunities, clubs and activities for all! This is a must see home!

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2418 W Ellis Street Phoenix, AZ 85041

$494,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,644 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6634090

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This well maintained, 5-bedroom 3-bathroom, 3-car garage home, nestled in a quiet neighborhood at Copper Creek is a must see! It features an open floorpan with vaulted ceilings and abundance of natural light throughout. Chef's kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops and a large island/breakfast bar. Four bedrooms upstairs including a spacious primary suite and a loft. One bedroom and full bath located downstairs. Neutral paint, flooring and finishes throughout. The spacious, low maintenance backyard, complete with a large pergola and artificial grass turf, is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

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6363 W Muirfield Way Florence, AZ 85132

$494,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,010 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659978

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' Lifestyle is around every corner of this community. Enjoy all the amenities that you have come to expect in 55+ living. This home is a must see with an estimated completion date of March 2024.

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15758 W Kendall Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$494,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!! This single-level home showcases a spacious open floorplan shared between the Great Room, kitchen and dining area, with access to the covered patio for outdoor lounging and entertaining. The owner's suite enjoys a private location at the back of the home, complemented by an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The four secondary bedrooms are comfortable and private retreats for household members and overnight guests. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

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3527 E Jasmine Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$494,980

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,343 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682075

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-in Ready, view fence homesite with no neighbors behind and an excellent location, within walking distance to the pool! This 4-bedroom single-story layout features an open concept placed for entertaining your family and guests. The home boasts white cabinets, granite countertops and large tile throughout. Last chance to own at Bella Vista Farms; one of the largest master-planned communities in San Tan Valley with a pool, sport complex and many parks. Each home comes standard with features that go beyond helping you save on utility bills, they allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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422 E Huber Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$494,949

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,748 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6582614

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER OFFERING $5k in concessions!! This wonderful 3-bed & 2-bath property harmoniously blends comfort and charm. Offering a 2-car garage and a desert landscape. Discover an inviting layout showcasing a formal living room w/fireplace, a bright dining room adjacent to the kitchen, and a versatile family room w/French doors to the back. Plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, designer paint, and a mix of tile & wood-look flooring enhance the home's relaxed ambiance. The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, granite counters, ample wood cabinets, a pantry, and a breakfast bar. Main bedroom is a private retreat with a full bathroom. Den has a double-door entry. You'll love the spacious backyard featuring an open patio, cozy deck, & a sparkling play pool & Spa for year-round enjoyment!

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4570 Fletcher Court Wickenburg, AZ 85390

New

$494,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694530

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in READY! This is THE JUNIPER MODEL YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! HIGH ELEVATION*PRIVACY*VIEWS FROM YOUR SPACIOUS, COVERED FRONT PATIO* DESERT VIEWS FROM YOUR BACK PATIO* ORIGINAL WATER FEATURE GRACEFULLY COMPLIMENTS YOUR MAGNIFICENT SUNSET VIEWS*LOW MAINTENANCE YARD w/ WATER SYSTEM*EXTENDED GARAGE*SECURITY SCREEN DOOR*GREAT WINDOW TREATMENTS*PLANTATION SHUTTERS*STYLISH LIGHT FIXTURES 7 FANS* LOCATED ON A CUL-DE-SAC*YOU COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE* MAKE THIS JUNIPER MODEL YOURS! AMENITIES GALORE*

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14150 W Boca Raton Road Surprise, AZ 85379

$494,900

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,673 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665776

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious home with 2 downstairs bedrooms and 4 upstairs bedrooms. This home has been a well kept up rental property for many years and owners want to retire. Needs new carpet or vinyl flooring and a little TLC. Seller may give a cash credit back to buyer at COE for new flooring. All offers will be reviewed. Seller may carry back loan short term with 35% down, competitive rate OAC. Currently tenant occupied until February 28 2024.

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3702 W Mescal Street Phoenix, AZ 85029

Open House

$494,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663377

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The perfect home in North Mountain Village awaits! Gorgeous remodel has it all, including ENERGY EFFICIENCY! The beautiful kitchen has quartz counters, lots of storage, breakfast bar, & coffee nook, & opens into the dining and sitting rooms. Across the breakfast bar is the cozy living room & stunning fireplace. Step out to the large covered patio, enjoy the hot tub under the stars, or dine poolside before taking a dip in the pebble finish pool. This backyard oasis has lemon, orange, & fig trees! Primary ensuite has gorgeous walk-in shower, dual vanities, & large closet. Guest bath has stunning claw foot soaking tub. Guest bedroom has fabulous Murphy bed; perfect for guests, office space, or more. Energy efficient & smart home: solar energy, & dual pane windows. Extra insulation, water softener, bluetooth pool cleaner, ceiling fans, and more. Close to State Farm Arena, freeways, shopping, light rail, and exciting Metro Center redevelopment!

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2030 E Michigan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$494,511

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

1,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660938

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MAY, 2024 MOVE-IN! NEW CONTEMPORARY URBAN STYLE COMMUNITY! Ask about Builder Incentives! POOL VIEW! 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, plus powder room. 2 car garage, 2 X6 Construction, Sheared Ext Walls (All plywood wrapped) Spray Foam insulation and insulated garage door for EXTREME ENERGY EFFICIECY! This home is loaded with standard features and appointments, beyond everyone else! Bedroom balcony's and first floor patio. 2 Greatroom Balcony's! Quartz kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, Luxury Plank Vinyl floors, carpet. 5 minutes to Loop 101 and 51 Hwy, Mayo, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter and Desert Ridge! * Community Pool, Fitness Center coming!

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7917 W Melinda Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$494,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,520 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659422

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous POOL HOME in Fletcher Heights! Don't miss this renovated single story featuring 3 bedrooms plus flex space/2 bath home. Enter into the lovely family room that flows into the dining area and chef's kitchen with NEW stainless appliances, breakfast bar, painted cabs and walk in pantry! Stunning views of the sparkling pool with waterfall out of your slider. The Primary suite boasts walk in closet, two sinks and separate tub and shower. The flex space can be used as a home office/extra living space/anything! RV gate as well as 2 separate side yards! All new LVP, plush carpet, fixtures, etc! -Full interior paint -LVP -Baseboards -Light Fixtures -SS appliances -Carpet -SS sink -Plumbing fixtures -Paint cabs -Hardware -Resurface counters -Pool repairs/cleaning -Landscaping -Etc.

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23367 W Florence Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$494,061

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6618729

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand New Home with Beautifull Kitchen, Large Kitchen Island! 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, & Study. Large family room separate from living room. Walk in shower in Primary, Covered Patio with slider door. Hurry this home will go quickly!! Home can close in Octoebr/November. This is a High Performance Home with smart technology, makes it so you can truly live in your element!!!!

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