3 Common Mistakes That First-time Mortgage Borrowers Make and How to Easily Avoid Them

Deciding to purchase a home will be one of the biggest investment decisions you’ll make in your life, but it can be confusing for the first-time home buyer to know all the ins and outs of buying a home. If you’re wondering what things first-time buyers often forget about before purchasing a home, here are three important things that you’ll want to keep in mind.

Ignoring Their Credit History

If you have a high debt load or you haven’t been making your minimum payments, it can be pretty frightening to consider looking at your credit report, but it’s very important to do this before applying for a mortgage. A lender will be taking a look at your credit history and reviewing it carefully before approving your application, so it’s important for you to be aware of what your credit history says about you and how it might impact your mortgage.

Buying Too Much Home

It’s easier than you might think to be swayed into purchasing your dream home, but it’s necessary to keep a cool head and make an informed decision so that your home investment can be financially beneficial for you. The amount you should be paying for a home on a monthly basis will leave you with enough that you can pay for the necessities, any existing debts and any extras while still having wiggle room in case of emergency. While you may want to spend a little more, this can end up being a mistake if things don’t go as planned.

Forgetting The Documentation

This may be among the easiest of steps, but not having the appropriate documentation can push back your home purchase, so ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for when you need it. Beyond the Verification of Rent you’ll need from your previous landlord, it’s also important to make sure that you have liquid assets not just investments and RRSPs as this will prove to the lender that you can handle a financial hurdle in the event that it arises.

There are so many things involved in obtaining a mortgage that it can be easy to forget some very important aspects of approval. By being aware of your credit history and keeping your payment price within your means, you’ll be well on your way to a sound purchase. If you’re currently looking to purchase a home, give me a call to get started on the right path – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

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

21151 E Mewes Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,575,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

4,559 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755707

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning property features a main residence (3,525) with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, great room, a versatile bonus room, a cozy den/office, and a 4-car garage. Enjoy the outdoor oasis with a sparkling pool, garden areas, and views of the San Tan Mountains. Guests will love the 1,034 sqft casita, complete with a modern kitchen, great room, and bedroom w/ walk-in closet w/ stackable washer and dryer and 2 bathrooms. This private retreat is perfect for hosting visitors with their own space. Bring your horses to this charming neighborhood with ample space to add a sports court or other additions. It's the perfect blend of country charm and modern convenience. Close to Queen Creek shopping/dining. Freshly painted, come see!

View Property

3011 Avienda Del Sol -- Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406

$1,575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,418 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury living in Lake Havasu City with this exquisite home offering stunning lake and mountain views. The residence boasts vaulted ceilings, enhancing its open and airy ambiance. Enjoy a tranquil backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and fire pit—perfect for relaxation and entertaining. A charming casita with a kitchenette adds convenience and flexibility for guests. The property also includes a 65-foot deep RV garage with a 14-foot door, ideal for storing large vehicles. Embrace the ultimate in lakeside living with this exceptional home.

View Property

7638 E Shooting Star Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,284 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771131

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxurious living in this stunningly remodeled home located in the guard-gated Winfield community, nestled between Whisper Rock and The Boulders. This elegant residence features an open-concept design with designer finishes, soaring ceilings, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen, equipped with a spacious island and prep kitchen, is ideal for entertaining. The primary suite serves as a tranquil retreat, complete with a spa-like bath and generous walk-in closet. This home exemplifies sophisticated design. Enjoy easy access to golf, dining, and shopping in one of North Scottsdale's premier communities. Welcome to your serene sanctuary!

View Property

10609 N Mountain Vista Court Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,574,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,046 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783968

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand New Construction on probably the best zero premium view lot in Fountain Hills! This stunning home offers the ease of single-level living with the added luxury of a walk-out basement. The main floor features a giant great room with expansive picture windows that capture the stunning views, alongside a gourmet kitchen that opens to a spacious covered terrace overlooking Red Rock, Four Peaks, and the surrounding landscape. Conveniently located near the Scottsdale border, this home provides easy access to everything the area has to offer. The main level also includes the primary bedroom, a dedicated office, and an inviting living area, while the walk-out basement surprises with a generous media room and two additional bedrooms. Come see this beautiful community today!

View Property

3534 N Boulder Canyon Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$1,565,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,079 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775487

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Prepare to be amazed! Come see this professionally designed luxurious 4 bed, 4.5 bath, + an office, + a media room in Las Sendas. Over 200k in upgrades! Manicured landscape, large 3 garage spaces w/built-in cabinets, paver driveway, and Tesla charger. Marble foyer which flows into an oversized media room with metal/glass doors and formal dining room with custom wallpaper perfect for entertaining. 12ft ceilings, elegant wood flooring, new high-end light fixtures, and designer palette. Family room with custom built-ins and gas fireplace. Quartz countertop, all top of the line appliances in this gourmet kitchen, wood staggered cabinets w/crown moulding, a large walk-in pantry & bar. All bedrooms have their own private bathroom with oversized closets. Primary bathroom has huge his/her walk-in closets with an oversized shower and soaking tub featuring a fireplace with the ultimate relaxation. Pool and spa both are heated with a large grass area. You will be absolutely stunned.

View Property

22034 N 59th Place Phoenix, AZ 85054

$1,564,999

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,505 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752073

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Off Market for Holidays! Shea Home's best selling Model 5016 on one of the largest Premium Lots in TALINN. NO HOMES TO THE REAR. Lightly lived in by the orig owners, just long enough to complete the yard, pool and design decor. Ideally configured: Second master downstairs adjacent the optional 5th bedroom. The open great room boasts generous windows to match the 26' high ceiling vaults, with unobstructed views: Rather than neighbor's rooftops, your view of mountain peaks and sunsets are visible from the great room, yard & pool, loft and 1 master bedroom. The open gourmet kitchen features a premium gas range and 4 ovens. A stunning accent wall features Artisan-crafted wood plank slat panels extending from the floor to the 26-foot high ceiling. Each hand-cut panel is arranged in a striking horizontal and vertical pattern. Additional features of the NO-STEP main level include stunning wood-look tile floors, a pre-wired surround sound speaker system, and ceiling fans in every bedroom. Barn doors enhance the office off the Foyer, while texturized wall decor adds a unique touch. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with four ovens, including air-fry and convection, and a well-appointed coffee bar that complements the expansive cabinetry. An organized walk-in pantry easily houses groceries from the adjacent 3-car garage. The large laundry room includes your new washer and dryer, and offers ample shelving and cabinets for multifunctional use, or craft room. Off Season storage closet for long hanging garment and full storage under stairwell (or great fort for the kids). The home also includes a full-home water purification system. With over $300,000 in customizations, this residence is ready for you to move in TODAY! Don't miss the amazing detailscheck out the video. 3D tour available on homes. Conveniently located within 3 miles of Desert Ridge shopping and dining, with quick access to the 101. Walking distance to High Street. Emblem gates are across from the new Talinn community center.

View Property

5310 E Nordica Loop Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$1,560,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,902 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710483

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in prestigious Lakeside Acres! This expansive one-story residence sprawls on a generous 1.1 acre lot, offering both luxury and comfort. Abundant, large windows beneath the soaring vaulted ceiling allow ample natural light as well as fabulous mountain & forest views. The chef's kitchen boasts a large island with sink, double ovens, warming drawer, large JennAir range, stainless appliances & granite. Among many other remarkable amenities, the impressive primary suite offers an additional retreat room and the split floorplan offers privacy & functionality. The whole home humidifier, central air conditioning, heat and two beautiful fireplaces ensure this home is not only stunning but luxuriously comfortable. The spacious, private outdoor living area offers a large semi-covered patio for entertaining or relaxation. With 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a 3 car garage and so much more, you will not want to miss this incredible home in the pines of Lakeside Acres in the Continental Country Club!

View Property

6623 E Whispering Mesquite Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,560,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767655

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous Updated & Impeccably maintained 3 bedroom home PLUS detached Casita w/ Ensuite in Terravita! Too many upgrades to list all include new European Oak flooring w/ 6'' baseboards. Remodeled kitchen & Bar includes gorgeous Quartzite countertops with full backsplash, new cabinetry w/ built-in wood panel Bosch & Thermador appliances and wine refrigerator, new brushed gold hardware. Brand new Home automation includes upgraded Wi-Fi, automated lighting w/ scene lighting capability, television and music surround system, pool & spa features, 2 Nest Thermostats, Video Doorbell, Wi-Fi enabled garage doors.etc. - all controlled via keypad or i-phone. See full list of upgrades! Spacious 3 car garage has all new custom cabinetry. Back yard includes pool & heated spa, new covered outdoor More... built-in grilling station with Napoleon gas grill. New Carrier A/C & furnaces installed '21. Upgraded landscaping.Terravita is a member-owned, private golf and country club, offering year-round active lifestyle options. Many diverse activities and groups that meet regularly to explore new trails, enjoy fitness classes, create art, relax by the pool, play tennis, dine together in a state of the art clubhouse, accolades received for its recent renovations.

View Property

3022 S Clubhouse Circle Unit 57 Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$1,558,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,142 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735684

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home is currently under construction. This unit has been enhanced with a large spacious patio. Situated within the high-country forest and including a covered wrap around patio with built-in BBQ, this spacious condo offers a unique mountain escape during any season. Featuring an open concept design, the great room and gourmet kitchen provide an easy flow making it the perfect layout for gathering with family and friends. Incentives are currently being offered. Please call the Pine Canyon Sales Office for more information.

View Property

1910 W Roderick Lane Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$1,555,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

She's a beauty! Premium Horse Property in the heart of Wickenburg, on paved road. NEW Custom Horse Facilities. Roping Arena with covered steer pen, 55ft Round Pen with custom sprinklers, pristine 12 stall barn with expansive custom tack and covered hay storage. Auto waterers and stall turn-outs. TWO RV hook ups each with 30, 50 and 110 plug-ins. Home is a 3-bedroom 2.5-bath. Stunning second story views from the dinning and kitchen complimented by evenings on the porch overlooking the arena and equine facilities. Two car garage and an abundance of storage. Bonus room, workshop and full bath in the lower level with walk-out secluded covered patio. Updated kitchen with porcelain counter tops, custom cabinetry and spacious pantry. Leased Solar equates to very minimal electricity bills. Owner is a licensed Arizona Real Estate Agent.

View Property

2908 E Chuparosa Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,550,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

4,848 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783731

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in one of the most coveted gated golf communities! This exquisite 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offers just over 4800 square feet of luxurious living space, designed for those who appreciate elegance, comfort, and breathtaking views. Set amidst a backdrop of mountain views and an abundance of tall ponderosa pines this home is a true sanctuary, combining luxury with world-class amenities. Step inside to soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and an open-concept floor plan that seamlessly blends formal and informal living spaces. The gourmet kitchen features high-end appliances, custom alder cabinetry, and an oversized island perfect for entertaining. It offers a formal dining area and a casual dining nook, both with deck access and ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties. The main floor living room offers a cozy fireplace with deck access. Downstairs is an expansive area with 3 bedrooms (all with deck access), 2 baths, the main laundry room and a second living area with access to a large covered patio. Three of the five generously sized bedrooms come with their own ensuite baths, offering ultimate comfort and privacy. The primary suite is the entire upstairs floor offering a large retreat complete with a sitting area, private balcony with sweeping views, a spa-like bath with soaking tub, dual sinks and a large walk-in closet with its own washer and dryer. The adjacent loft is perfect for a home office. This property is within walking distance to the community recreational complex which offers two pools, playground, sports courts, dog park, gym and much more. Whether you're hosting friends or simply relaxing yourself, this home and community amenities offer it all. This is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle. Come experience the ultimate in luxury living within this prestigious gated golf community. Your dream home awaits!

View Property

13630 W Peoria Avenue Surprise, AZ 85379

$1,550,000

4 Beds

5.5 Baths

7,249 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746555

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Presenting the legendary 7,200 square foot mansion on Peoria Ave that has graced the city of Surprise since the mid 1990's. The grand foyer greets you with an impressive spiral staircase with formal living and dining areas to each side. The heart of the home is the spacious great room with a cozy fireplace and gourmet kitchen. The spacious owner's suite includes dual walk-in closets, a private living room, jetted soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual sinks and a secret storage room. This impressive home also includes a massive entertainment room, two en-suite guest bedrooms, an apartment with private entrance, a separate guest home with a full kitchen, a den, laundry both upstairs and downstairs and oversized 6 car garage.

View Property