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.

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57 Peak Point Court Sedona, AZ 86336

$2,549,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
3,516 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727820
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover unparalleled modern luxury and breathtaking Cathedral Rock views at this dreamy new construction masterpiece. Perched hilltop across from Oak Creek, this precious jewel offers a seamless blend of modern elegance and natural beauty, nestled in the heart of Sedona's iconic red rock landscape. Floor to ceiling windows look out onto panoramic vistas of the red rocks and desert landscape from every room. Situated on 1 acre backing up to National Forest with hiking trails right out your door, this exquisite home provides access to nature and breathtaking scenery in all directions. This meticulously designed home features 4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, and a spacious 4 car garage - a rare find in Sedona - ensuring ample space for comfort and privacy. The gourmet chef's kitchen is a ... culinary haven, featuring premium Thermidor appliances, a striking island with a custom walnut bar. Open living areas ideal for entertaining and easy flow. Designed to integrate natural materials and feng-shui, it is both contemporary and comfortable, beautifully designed wood, stone, metal and water elements throughout. Located in Mystic Heights - one of the last private, elevated, gated communities in Sedona - it is utterly unique - surrounded by tranquil nature, with magical swimming holes at the creek within walking distance, yet only 10 minutes from Sedona's best restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and theater. Enjoy the best of everything - the tranquility of living in nature with the benefits of modern amenities, including high-speed, quantum fiber internet providing speeds of 534 Mb up and 525 Mb down (rare in Sedona). Peak Point is solar-ready, and was designed top to bottom to be low-maintenance and energy efficient, with gorgeous low-water landscaping.

8428 E Preserve Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,549,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,363 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744641
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience unparalleled luxury at 8428 E Preserve Way in Scottsdale, Arizona. This exceptional residence has been meticulously remodeled with high-end finishes, seamlessly blending modern sophistication with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf range, dual Cove dishwashers, and a Sub-Zero paneled refrigerator. The main living area includes a new chilled wine cellar and a sleek wet bar with a wine fridge. A spacious formal dining and living room open to the outdoor space through a multi-sliding glass door, perfect for indoor-outdoor living.The master suite boasts a show-stopping two-entry shower and soaker tub. Outdoors, enjoy an outdoor shower, a remodeled pool with an extended Baja step, a spa, a fire pit, a built-in BBQ, and a putting green.

398xx N Old Stage Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,500,000
3 Beds
4 Baths
3,517 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6577386
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New Build To Suit Custom Home on 8.215 acres. All paved roads. 3,517 sqft transitional floor plan. Showcasing huge living areas with walls of retractable doors leading to the outdoor spaces. Open floor plan offers a master bedroom split, stone & wood floors, fireplace in the great room and state of the art appliances. 4 car garage and with patios total at 5,228 square feet under roof. Secluded and Exclusive, No HOA. Plans and finishings can be modified to suit your needs and lifestyle. Upgrades / Options includes Heated pool & spa, fire pit, along with an outdoor kitchen. A show stopping feature-ideally designed for Arizona indoor/outdoor living. Minutes to historic Cave Creek. Enjoy the peaceful desert and the convenience of being close to amenities with a private setting.

3400 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,500,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,597 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6544798
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! 1.2 ACRES ZONED R3 MULTIFAMILY. Great lot in Arcadia Light.

21434 W Mountain Cove Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$2,500,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,954 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683231
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Incredible single level custom home opportunity in Verrado. Buyer still has the opportunity to choose all interior finishes and exterior elevation design. Main house is 4,300 square feet and the attached guest quarters is 654 square feet, for a total of 4,954 square feet with a four car garage. Also includes a swimming pool, spa and outdoor kitchen. This home features a captivating great room floor plan and is situated on an expansive 1.145 acre lot. Providing the perfect canvas for your vision of luxury living. this remarkable residence promises an unparalleled level of customization and sophistication. Click on More for more information: Step into the heart of this home, and be greeted by a kitchen that is as functional as it is beautiful. The buyer has the freedom to select their desired stone for the island, countertops, and backsplash, creating a kitchen that reflects their personal style and taste. Every cabinet in this culinary haven is equipped with slow-close drawers and doors, embodying the seamless blend of convenience and refine craftsmanship. Viking appliances and a pot filler adds an elegant touch to the culinary experience, while the presence of a butler pantry with a separate food prep area allows for seamless organization and efficiency. With 42 upper cabinets and 30 lower cabinets, ample storage space is provided, ensuring a clutter-free environment. The 3cm countertop edge profile adds a luxurious finishing touch to this stunning kitchen. The elegance continues throughout the home with a choice of 12x24 or 24x36 tiles in all wet areas, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing aesthetic. The 8 baseboards and solid core doors add an extra layer of sophistication and durability. Every bathroom in this custom home features custom stone and tile showers, exuding opulence and sophistication. The master shower is equipped with dual body systems, ensuring a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. Satin nickel Moen fixtures add a sleek and modern touch throughout. For effortless entertaining, a wet bar area is thoughtfully incorporated, complete with a sink, refrigerator, and icemaker, ensuring that refreshments are always close at hand. Indulge in the opportunity to create your dream home with this exceptional custom residence. From the meticulously designed kitchen to the luxurious outdoor oasis, every detail has been carefully considered to provide the ultimate in comfort, style, and functionality. Embrace the chance to curate a space that reflects your unique vision and experience the epitome of elegance and refinement in this remarkable custom home. Step outside and discover an oasis of relaxation and entertainment. The outdoor space boasts a fully equipped kitchen with a grill, icemaker, and dual burner gas cooktop, offering the perfect setting for al fresco dining and culinary adventures. An outdoor wood-burning fireplace sets the stage for cozy gatherings on cool evenings. The centerpiece of the outdoor area is the stunning 25x50 swim-up beach pool with a separate spill-over hot tub, providing a luxurious retreat for relaxation and recreation.

38520 N 103rd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,500,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,481 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695745
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This captivating home, tucked into Desert Mountain's village of Eagle Feather, radiates exterior sophisticated charm and welcomes the impressive soft contemporary open, great room, split floorplan of the interior. Sitting adjacent to vast open space, the site provides stunning views of natural Sonoran Desert, colorful sunsets, mountains and city light sparkles. Exterior allure abounds with its tiled roof sections, graceful angles, and circular dimensions, creating a harmonious fusion of style and function. As you approach, the paver driveway leads you through a gated courtyard, beckoning you to experience the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The charming ambiance is enhanced by a delightful three-tiered water feature, surrounded by a lush garden of exotic cacti, verdant trees, and fragrant shrubs, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Step through the grand metal and glass door into a spacious, light-filled interior that exudes luxury and comfort at every turn. The expansive great room serves as the focal point, offering unparalleled views and access to the outdoors, complemented by two striking floor-to-ceiling stacked stone walls adorned with a linear fireplace and mounted TV. For the culinary enthusiast, the kitchen is a true delight, featuring ample granite counter space, a generously sized island with bar seating, and high-end Viking appliances, all seamlessly integrated into the open-concept design that connects effortlessly to the formal dining area and circular casual dining space. Retreat to the sumptuous primary ensuite, situated in the South wing, a retreat unto itself, boasting a palatial layout complete with fireplace, mounted TV, circular sitting area with serene views, and access to a private patio. The spa-like bathroom is equally impressive, offering a lavish soaking tub, dual vanities, and a spacious walk-in shower, along with two designer closets designed to indulge the senses. A versatile office, studio or guest bedroom provides flexibility to accommodate various lifestyle needs. For family and guests two additional ensuites, one with pool access, are thoughtfully positioned in the North side of the home, ensuring peaceful privacy. For the utmost in outdoor enjoyment saunter out to the magnificent outdoor oasis. The stack stone circular spa spilling into the curvilinear lines of the negative edge pool invite the serene yet dazzling views. The covered living and dining spaces, pool side sunning spaces and built-in grill and bar provide hours of pleasure day and night. For cooler nights the stacked stone firepit entices star gazing into the magical skies. Throughout the home, attention to detail is evident, with design features such as geometric cove-lit ceilings, mitered windowpanes framing lush views, and luxurious finishes including stacked stone interior walls, tiled floors, low-pile carpeting in the bedrooms, and granite counters and vanities. Located in the prestigious Desert Mountain community, with a wealth of amenities, including 7 exclusive clubhouses, 7 championship golf courses, 20 miles of hiking trails, and more, promising a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and recreation. Embrace the epitome of desert living and make this extraordinary residence your own, where every day is an opportunity to savor the beauty and tranquility of Desert Mountain. This property does not have a membership to The Desert Mountain Club available. Waitlists apply for membership.

16414 E Pinnacle Vista Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,500,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,070 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728098
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on approximately 9.2 acres, this magnificent 3,070 square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home offers a blend of luxury and practicality, all with no HOA restrictions. The open floor plan ensures a seamless flow between the spacious living areas and the large bedrooms, making it perfect for family living and entertaining. features include: - **Three-car garage:** Plenty of space for vehicles and storage. - **Owned solar:** Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. - **Sparkling saltwater pool:** with outdoor grill is Ideal for relaxation and recreation. - **Equestrian amenities:** - Gorgeous horse setup with a four-stall mare motel - Round pen and tie racks for training and grooming - Automatic waters for convenience - Dedicated feed and tack room Additionally, the property boasts a large metal garage for extra storage and 5,000-gallon holding tanks, ensuring ample water supply. Fully fenced for privacy and security, this property is a true gem for those seeking a blend of comfort, space, and top-notch amenities.

7300 N Snow Bowl Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$2,500,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6734405
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the beauty of this stunning home, perfectly nestled amidst the majestic San Francisco Peaks. Set on an expansive 11.79-acre lot backing up to the Coconino National Forest, this thoughtfully designed 1,921 sq ft residence features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Inside, every window offers breathtaking views, enhanced by newly added remote-controlled Hunter Douglas shades. The kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with a top-of-the-line Fisher and Paykel double dishwasher, a new stainless steel double oven, and a deep copper sink. Flagstone and hickory floors throughout add a touch of rustic elegance. Beyond the main house, you'll find a 2,814 sq ft heated barn with 6 oversized horse stalls, Nelson waterers, a workbench, and a tack room with water. The property also includes two large turnout areas, one featuring a competition dressage arena, and the other a jumping arena. There is also plenty of room for a pasture. Two wells provide ample water supply for the property. Conveniently located less than a mile from Snowbowl and less than 5 miles from town, this property offers unparalleled accessibility. Enjoy unlimited horseback riding with direct access to the National Forest from your backyard. Bring your horses out of the heat to this cool mountain retreat. With no HOA restrictions, you have the freedom to personalize and utilize the property as you wish. Experience the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and equestrian paradise when you tour this remarkable property.

11999 N 119th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,500,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,059 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733889
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the wonderful lifestyle of Ancala Country Club! This gorgeous property is an entertainer's dream! The inviting front courtyard with stone fireplace welcomes you into the expansive open concept great room with wet bar! A multi-slide door opens to the stunning infinity-edge swimming pool - perfect for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The kitchen is handsomely appointed with knotty alder cabinets, granite counter tops, 6 burner gas cooktop, double ovens, two dishwashers breakfast bar + breakfast nook. The grand formal dining room is where you'll have special celebrations! Private primary suite with tray ceilings, huge custom closet, bath with soaking tub and stone shower. Guests will enjoy the attached casita, or two additional ensuite guest rooms. The office/bonus room has charming front courtyard. The property boasts a total of 3 fireplaces. Step outside to the private low maintenance backyard oasis with pool, spa, expansive covered patios, built-in kitchen and faux grass. All this, and country club amenities, including manned guard gate, golf course, tennis courts, fitness room, kids park, club house and community pool (use of clubhouse, pools, tennis courts, fitness room, and golf course require club membership). WELCOME HOME!

2017 N 1st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003

$2,500,000
2 Beds
6 Baths
5,224 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757718
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Chateaux on Central, a collection of unique 5 Story brownstones in the heart of the Phoenix Arts district. Residence 18, designed by renowned interior designer Beth McGehee/SB Design Studio, has impeccable flair. 5 Levels of opulence w/ refined features: Stately gated front entry courtyard, commercial grade elevator, wood floors, award winning kitchen w/ Wolf & Sub-Z appliances. 5th Floor for large scale entertainment w/ an end unit terrace, unbeatable city skyline views & kitchen service. Lower level guest suite w/ separate entry & laundry, multiple private terraces throughout & 2 car garage. Walking distance to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, theatre, light rail - minutes from Sky Harbor Airport & all points downtown (sports venues) by rail or by car. Treat yourself to this experience!

3816 N 53rd Way Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,500,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,752 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757152
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the quintessential Arcadia proper home. Located just steps to Hopi Elementary. This large lot offers plenty of space to entertain and relax at home. All new windows offer the natural light that we all love. The updated kitchen expands the possibilities of luxury life in Arcadia proper. Come tour this home today!

20689 E Pummelos Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,500,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,323 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763001
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Make no mistake, this is THE ONE! Check out this 4,323 sq. ft, TRUE 5 bedroom 4.5 bath, 3 Car Garage PLUS a 16x45 RV GARAGE in the heart of Queen Creek on nearly a 1/2 ACRE Lot. Located in the exclusive GATED community of Bridle Ranch, this Single Level home has the PERFECT floor plan, featuring an office, flex space & a NEXT-GEN SUITE! The main living space is on point & is designed for entertaining w/ its GOURMET Kitchen, Upgraded appliance package including 2 DISHWASHERS, a HUGE pantry & over sized island. The Primary Suite has great natural lighting & the bathroom of your dreams, with an over-sized soaking tub, rain shower, great counter space & 2 CLOSETS. Enjoy the indoor/outdoor living w/ the 20ft glass doors that lead out to your dream backyard & enjoy your heated DIVING Pool, SPA & fire pit. This insulated & AIR CONDITIONED RV Garage features pull-thru Roll Up Doors for easy access with all your Toys. Use it as an RV garage or as an extension of entertaining with the 16ft sliding door, extended covered patio, & built in outdoor kitchen, the potential is endless. Located within walking distance to the newest entertainment, restaurants & shopping (Fat Cats, Pecan Lake Entertainment, Horseshoe Park & Botanical Gardens), this place is what you have been looking for!

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