2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers | Simplifying The Market

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.”

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the same report:

Consumers are often unaware of the option to take out low-down-payment mortgages. Only 19% of consumers believe lenders would make loans with a down payment of 5% or less… While 15% believe lenders require a 20% down payment, and 30% believe lenders expect a 20% down payment.”

These numbers do not differ much between non-owners and homeowners; 39% of non-owners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment and 30% of homeowners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment.

While many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home, they do not realize that programs are available that allow them to put down as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”

Similar to the down payment, many either don’t know or are misinformed about what FICO® score is necessary to qualify.

Many Americans believe a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.

To help debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.

2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers | Simplifying The Market

As you can see in the chart above, 53.5% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

6521 E Paradise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$4,400,000
6 Beds
7.5 Baths
6,217 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768401
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning NEW Desert Modern Masterpiece by Thomas James Homes! This pre-construction residence offers a unique opportunity to customize some interior finishes during the early construction phases. Discover the epitome of luxury living in one of Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on over an acre of pristine land, this expansive single-level home offers 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and an array of exceptional features that combine modern elegance with practical living. The thoughtfully designed interior showcases wide plank wood flooring, custom lighting, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace that serves as a dramatic centerpiece. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end finishes like a pot filler, warming drawer, double dishwashers, and more. An attached pool house adds to the resort-like ambiance, and the 4-car garage ensures ample space for vehicles and storage. Step outside to fully landscaped front and back yards, complete with a luxurious pool and spa perfect for Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. The home is just minutes from fine dining, shopping, and entertainment, offering both convenience and exclusivity. With the opportunity to customize certain interior finishes, this is your chance to make your dream home a reality. Estimated completion: Late 2025.

10792 E Sundance Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,400,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,721 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775067
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE PER CLUB BYLAWS! This Southwest Custom Contemporary home has style and design features that are unique and desirable. The moment you step into the home your gaze is drawn across the living rom and pool area to the fairway and distant mountains. A very livable floor plan with a split master and a full guest casita. The auto court leads to a 4 car garage with enough space to include your golf cart and plenty of storage. Tour this amazing home and you'll see the quality of construction and style. The home is fully furnished and ready to move right in.

5518 N Quail Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,400,000
8 Beds
8.5 Baths
9,442 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6470008
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning Mediterranean estate in a prime Paradise Valley, Arizona location. This expansive 2-story estate sprawls out over 1.1 acres. The 8Bd/8.5Ba estate features a library, den/office, sunroom, gym, theater, and your very own elevator. Gated motor court accented by towering palm trees and mature easy to maintain foliage. As you enter the threshold and step into the grand entry hall you will be awed by pillared accents, custom flooring throughout, magnificent living room featuring a jewel of a fireplace, oversized windows, and beautiful crystal chandeliers throughout. Elegant formal dining room, spectacular kitchen with rich hardwood cabinetry, sparkling jet-black granite, cabinet-faced cold-storage units, and a gas range. The family room features a gas fireplace, wet bar perfect for entertaining guests and whisper-quiet sliding doors that lead out into the courtyard. Soak in the relaxing views from the atrium-style sitting room or unwind in your own lush home theater with stadium style seating. Dramatic staircase ascends to the loft-library and balconied bedrooms. Primary suite features a two-way fireplace, posh private bath, and a cocktail veranda overlooking beautiful Camelback Mountain views. This estate also provides a fitness room/dance studio with mirrored wall as well as a very private in-law suite with a full kitchen. Sizable backyard with a lush lawn, putting green and stone pathways to a gazebo complete with a barbecue. Plenty of space for a resort style custom designed sparkling pool and and additional personalized amenities you desire. 4-Car Garage with plenty of storage. Come in today and discover what this truly special move-in ready estate has to offer.

2001 N 1st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003

$4,400,000
3 Beds
5 Baths
10,560 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6602810
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Entertainer's DREAM! This one of a kind CUSTOM built brownstone residence is located in the PRESTIGIOUS gated community of Chateau on Central! STUNNING panoramic city & mountain views! IMPECCABLE craftsmanship that took 4+ years and over $7.2M to build! GORGEOUS designer interior & exterior finishes throughout this MASTERPIECE! Multiple kitchens, living areas, dining areas, a HUGE game room, theatre room, elevator, rotunda, patios + SO MUCH MORE! INCREDIBLE sunsets abound! Over 10,000 sq ft on 5 levels including a 4 car garage! This truly CAPTIVATING home is unlike any other! The central corridor LOCATION can't be beat! 1 block to light rail. Adjacent to Willow district. Walk to Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theater, Heard Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Arizona Opera, Phoenix Library and the ultra-hip Roosevelt Row! The BEST shopping and restaurants that Phoenix has to offer! Easy access to freeways, airport, and sporting venues! WELCOME HOME!

8517 N 48th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,400,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,118 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703221
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning, classic mid century home, originally designed by noted mid century architect Albert Anderson. and additionally designed by James Kotke sits in an oasis of tranquility in Paradise Valley. With mountain views and lush desert landscaping surrounding the home, the walls of glass allow the spectacular surroundings to become part of the living space. Enter into a private courtyard with a fountain and specimen plantings and walk into an entry framed by mountain views. With a recently remodeled and expanded kitchen and primary bath, classic terrazzo floors, large expanses of glass walls and a multi car garage, this home is a perfect haven for those who demand the finest. This is a classic, timeless home for a sophisticated buyer who appreciates beauty and requires quality

4849 N Camelback Ridge Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$4,395,000
3 Beds
4 Baths
3,166 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6552945
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
This 3 bedroom, 4 bath residence features an open concept floorplan and beautiful views of Camelback Mountain. Ascent is a new, private gated community adjacent to The Phoenician Resort, one of Arizona's premier luxury resorts. Ascent presents a new level of luxury living with views overlooking the Phoenician & Camelback Mountain. Home designs feature contemporary architecture integrating warm, natural materials, floor to ceiling windows and stacking door systems opening to very large outdoor patios. Thoughtfully designed by Nelsen Architects and Vallone Interior Design. Luxury finishes include exquisite bulthaup Kitchens, wood flooing, Sub Zero-Wolf appliances, Waterworks fixtures. A private rooftop terrace & the Mountain Club pool and fitness facility are amenities homeowners will enjoy

15827 E Firerock Country Club Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$4,390,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
7,079 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754629
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the epitome of luxury in this newly remodeled home located in the prestigious Fire Rock Country Club. With breathtaking panoramic views of Red Mountain, sweeping cityscapes, and pristine golf course vistas that include the number 16 green and fairway and number 17 tee boxes and green, this property offers the ultimate in serene living. Designed for convenience, this home features all main-level living, ensuring both elegance and accessibility. Whether relaxing in your expansive living spaces or enjoying the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscapes, this home embodies refined comfort in an exclusive golf community. Pictures do not do this home justice, it's a MUST SEE! Sellers open to a quick close, long close or even a sale leaseback!

14346 E Mourning Dove Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$4,350,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,541 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6663400
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
2024 NEW CONSTRUCTION. Gurczak Luxury Development is proud to present this New Construction Desert Contemporary Spec Home in the Exclusive Guard Gated Community of Eagles Nest. This 4,541 Sq. Ft. Home Features 3 Bedrooms w/ ensuite bathrooms & additional bonus rooms including a Game Room & Office. The shape and orientation of the home design takes advantage of the natural topography & North/South view corridors. The mixture of multi-colored stucco, stone, and metal accents give varied texture and visual interest to the home, while the muted grey-tone colors allow the design to mesh with the landscape as well as sky when viewed from nearby angles.

13613 N 76th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$4,349,000 - 6Br/6Ba -  for Sale in Paradise Valley Ranchos 2, Scottsdale
Open House
$4,349,000
6 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,058 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777691
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME HOME! This stunning Modern Estate, nestled in the highly sought out Cactus Corridor has it all! This newly built estate is a masterpiece of modern luxury, completed in 2022 and ready to impress. With an expansive almost 1-acre lot that feels like 2 acres and NO HOA, this property is a rare gem in a vibrant community just moments away from Kierland Commons and the Scottsdale Quarter. Property Highlights: Main House: 4 spacious bedrooms plus an office, embodying both style and functionality. Attached Casita: A fully-equipped 2-bedroom, 1-bath guest house with a full kitchen and laundry. Perfect for guests or as a lucrative rental opportunity! An outdoor Paradise. Create unforgettable memories in your backyard oasis... featuring: - A state-of-the-art pickleball court - A stunning white sand beach volleyball area - A mini soccer field for kids with nets - A putting green for golf enthusiasts -A luxurious heated saltwater pool adorned with white marble - Wine Aficionado's Dream: A sophisticated 400-bottle wine closet to showcase your collection. Entertain with ease in your spacious living areas, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the home with natural light and breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains. Enjoy automated blinds, multiple fireplaces, and elegant Versace wall accents that add a touch of opulence to your living spaces. Perfect for All: Whether you're an end user looking for a forever home or an investor eyeing a lucrative Airbnb opportunity with a projected $600K potential, this property offers the best of both worlds. With over 14 new builds and major remodels within a half-mile radius, you're aligning yourself with an exclusive neighborhood on a charming dead-end street. Experience Luxury Living: - 4-car side entry garage for convenience - Cutting-edge technology throughout, ensuring comfort and security - Impeccably designed spaces perfect for relaxation and entertainment This stunning estate is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle. Don't miss the chance to make it yours! Take the first step toward enjoying the ultimate in luxury living. Your dream home awaits!

10801 E Happy Valley Road Unit 27 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$4,300,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,590 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776910
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover a rare opportunity to own a fully remodeled 2024 luxury home on one of Glenn Moor's most private and coveted lots, offering sweeping 360° views of Pinnacle Peak, Troon Mountain, and glittering city lights. Set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the exclusive, guard-gated Glenn Moor community, this residence combines elevated design with breathtaking scenery, creating an ideal sanctuary. The grand circular driveway and lush landscaping set a welcoming tone, while inside, high ceilings, stacked-stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the stunning desert landscape indoors. The gourmet kitchen is an entertainer's dream, with custom cabinetry, top-tier appliances, a marble backsplash, and an oversized island. Glass sliding doors open to expansive outdoor patios with multiple levels for relaxing or gathering, surrounded by uninterrupted mountain and golf course views. The luxurious primary suite is a retreat in itself, featuring a sitting area, spa-like ensuite with a standalone soaking tub, new steam shower, dual vanities, and a large walk-in closet. Additional highlights include European white oak plank flooring, a new foam/tile roof with a 10-year warranty, Lutron touch electrical outlets and switches, and smart Wi-Fi throughout. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the oversized 3-car garage with built-in storage and ample parking. With optional access to Troon's prestigious golf, tennis, and pickleball amenities, this home offers an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of North Scottsdale.

4561 E Desert Park Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,300,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
7,197 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758545
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 4561 E Desert Park Place where the location and views from this hillside home are only matched by the meticulous craftsmanship within. Originally built in 1981 by the esteemed Dave Hansen and meticulously expanded and remodeled by Schultz Development, this residence sets the gold standard for construction in Tatum Canyon. Spanning 7197 square feet on a sprawling 2.27-acre lot, this home boasts a thoughtful layout designed to capture sweeping mountain views from every angle. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, including a grand primary suite on the main floor and a junior primary suite with accompanying bedrooms on the second floor, there's no shortage of space for comfort and luxury. The formal dining room and library windows eloquently showcase the seamless integration of this home into its natural mountain surroundings. Enjoy breathtaking views from the spacious chef's kitchen, adorned with high-end appliances, and the luminous living room with its captivating Cantera fireplace. Step outside to the meticulously landscaped grounds, where a sparkling pool and spa await, offering a retreat that epitomizes the tranquility of Tatum Canyon living. This property isn't just a home; it's a testament to enduring quality and limitless possibilities.

6876 S Star Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$4,300,000
6 Beds
7 Baths
8,490 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724968
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the prestigious Estados at Circle G, in the country club community of Seville. As you step through the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard and into the grand foyer, you'll be transported to the old-world charm of Italy. Cantera stone pillars, finished ceilings with brick, and wood beams create an ambiance of timeless elegance. The heart of the home is the family room, featuring 25+ foot soaring ceilings and a handcrafted Cantera stone fireplace. Adjacent to the gourmet kitchen with a huge granite bar, this space is perfect for entertaining family and friends. The master wing, conveniently located on the first floor, offers privacy. Indoors, discover 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, game room, theater room, and a grand office. Outside enjoy one of the best resort style backyards in the Gilbert

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.