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

19275 N 88th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,583 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786837

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare find in Ironwood Village, 13,420 sqft Lot with neighbor on one side for extra privacy. Single story, 3 car garage, corner lot in a cul-de-sac. Entertainers backyard with extended covered patio, outdoor kitchen with dual built-in -BBQ, in ground spa, and Lap Pool replastered 2024. Roof replaced 2023. Vaulted ceilings, living and family room. Oversized primary suite with soaking tub, walk in shower, dual sinks, Huge Walk-in closet. Bright and open kitchen with breakfast bar, kitchen island, granite countertops and wall oven. The community of Ironwood Village features parks & location with easy access to 101, grocery, restaurants, shopping, schools, etc. Location Location Location.

View Property

4601 W Paradise Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$1,299,000

8 Beds

8 Baths

4,573 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA!!! CUSTOM Tri Level Home in Sunburst Farms sits on just under an acre with a detached Guest House, Separate Home Office and temp controlled Workshop! Solar panels, optional flood irrigation and a 500 gallon propane tank keep utility expenses low and affordable. Pride of ownership is in the details. Main House features 4bed/3.5bth, a custom kitchen with 2 sinks, built in appliances that include a convection cooktop, double ovens, and trash compactor. The finished basement has a bedroom, full bathroom, 2 walk-in closets and den. You'll notice all the GORGEOUS built in cabinetry throughout the entire home. The backyard oasis is an entertainer's dream with a massive covered travertine patio that extends to a heated pool/ spa and built in full outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Follow the luscious green landscaping to a detached 2bed/2bath guest house complete with a full kitchen and huge laundry room. Exit the private courtyard and you will find your perfect home office with 2 separate office areas and a full bathroom. Workshop is a temp controlled (mini split) 50ft garage featuring a 14ft door, chain hoist, built-in work bench, shop sink, locked storage area and half bathroom. Space is also preplumbed for compressed air. There are many more details, too many to list. Bring your toys and your tools and come check it out for yourself!

View Property

11815 W Lost Man Canyon Way Prescott, AZ 86305

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas of Williamson Valley from this exquisite ''Ranch Style'' residence. Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a spacious 2 car garage, this home is a testament to rustic elegance. Step inside to discover large hewn timber beams, natural stone accents, and a stunning tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling in the Great Room, complemented by a wall of windows framing panoramic views. Throughout the home, you'll find rich wood floors, Alder doors, and a charming stone fireplace with a mantle. The generously sized kitchen features granite countertops and a convenient wet bar in the dining area. Outside, multiple covered patio areas beckon relaxation amid mature trees and lush vegetation. Experience the epitome of tranquil living.

View Property

1113 S Cypress Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

4,055 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706097

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular Quality! Steel structure & solid Alder doors throughout. Purple Mountains Majesty! Views! Sip your coffee admiring the Mogollon Rim. Conveniently located on a hilltop minutes away from downtown Payson, shopping & restaurants. Step through the door into vaulted, beamed ceilings with a wide staircase & custom railing. Family Room, Dining Room & Patio flow together creating a relaxed entertaining space. Main Suite dominates the 2nd story with a private loft, spa bathroom (including jacuzzi tub, snail shower, private laundry & bidet), fireplace, extended custom closet & huge deck. Top of the line, stainless steel appliances in this chef's kitchen where the sink window overlooks the vista, walk-in pantry and laundry room are steps away. Solid wood, Alder cabinetry throughout All walls are metal 2x4 & property framing is steel beams. Property has fire suppression system. Tile roof. Quality! The lowest level boasts 2 guest rooms with ensuite baths. LL living room includes a bar with a beer tap, wine cellar, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, sink, surround sound & fireplace. Don't forget the gun closet & the bonus room! Step onto the wrap around patio and you are among the trees & views. Can you smell that fresh, pine air? Property sides to National Forest. Toys? Bring them! There is plenty of room in the 5 car garage. Storage cabinets & work bench flank the walls making an efficient space. 220 outlets in the garage. RV Parking on the side slab with electrical plug-in. Large storage room accessed from lower level patio. Come see it all!

View Property

20622 W Colter Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,299,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,282 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752369

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Breathtaking GOLF COURSE MOUNTAIN & CITY VIEWS from this David Weekley Serendipity home! With 3 bdrms, 2 dens, 3.5 baths, you & your guests will have plenty of room to spread out, as each bedroom has its own bathroom. The large owner's suite features stunning views, luxurious shower and soaking tub, as well as access to the laundry room. The gourmet kitchen includes extra cabinets, and huge center island. The ''Walk-Through Pantry is spectacular! There is also a ''Command Center'' (tech area). The beautiful backyard has artificial turf & extended covered patio Wait... there's more.. the 2.5-car garage has a mini-split & overhead storage. There's an over $100K amount of options, upgrades, and updates in this home!!! Also leased solar reduces utility bills. Includes 1-year Home Warranty The addition of the hobby room, which is 12x24 adds another 124 square feet to the floorplan.

View Property

21616 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,299,000

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748243

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BIG REDUCTION TO SELL! $15,000 SELLER CREDIT FOR CARPETING & UPGRADES AVAILABLE! Own this 6 bed, 4.5 bath Amazon model in Fireside near the school! With a 4-car garage, heated pool, 4,302ft² & located on a premium view lot with no neighbors behind, this won't last long! The main floor includes your open concept great room, upgraded kitchen, formal dining room, den/bonus room, primary bedroom suite (which is epic!), powder bath, laundry, & a casita/mother-in-law suite with a private entrance & bathroom! Upstairs you'll find the additional 4 bedrooms (all with walk-in closets), a loft, tech space, & two more bathrooms! The back yard is filled with beautiful travertine, a heated (& cooled!) pool with smart equipment + controls, a pergola-covered outdoor kitchen + firepit , & view fencing without neighbors behind you! The front yard's desert landscape is maintained with an auto drip system, as is the courtyard! The home also features a TON of upgrades including but not limited to a new dishwasher (2024), AC (2022), solar system, RO water system, soft water system, new back turf (2022), misters on the patio, outdoor security system, new pendant lighting, in-ceiling surround sound speaker system, landscape lighting, and more! New Carpet installed (9/30) in the primary suite, too!

View Property

3802 E Piccadilly Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,553 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Mid-century modern inspired single level home is quintessential Arcadia Lite! Located on an oversized, corner lot with electric RV gate, play pool & 2 car garage with EV charger. Beautiful curb appeal that welcomes you home in quiet pocket neighborhood. Bright and open, the kitchen features a big designer island and dry bar with clean, modern lines (calling your inner Art Collector for these walls!) Split floorplan with primary on one side and other 3 bedrooms on the other - kitchen/living space in between, makes it a great living flow with plenty of privacy for the primary. A new sparkling pool, putting green and lounge area make the outdoor living so functional and great for hosting.

View Property

4148 N Westview Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,523 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767459

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled home in Historic Bel Air neighborhood with 4 bed, 3 bath, 3,523 sq. ft. RV parking, with electric RV gate and 13k lot, Whole house has been updated. Updates include 2 master suites, quartz counters, new plumbing, new windows, electric RV gate, RV parking, new gates, new appliances, new flooring, new baseboards, new cabinets, new electrical, new Trane AC units, new roof, new paint, fire place, new insulation, new tile, new pavers, new pergola's, new fixtures, new toilets, new baseboards, new paint.

View Property

1105 N Indian Paintbrush Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,472 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6689974

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This amazing 4 bed, 4 bath multi-level home in Payson is now for sale! Enjoy the breathtaking golf course and panoramic mountain views from a recently remodeled and expanded deck. The home itself is nestled in the Community of Chaparral Pines and boasts a stunning façade, manicured landscape, and a 2 car garage w/paver driveway. Inside you will find a spacious living area w/elegant tile flooring, stylish light fixtures, abundant natural light, and neutral palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, SS appliances such as a wall oven & wine cooler, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, featuring soft carpet, private deck access, walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite! Don't forget about the cozy den, perfect for an office! Also including a HUGE deck w/a built-in BBQ where you can enjoy a summer cookout w/friends and loved ones, this home is a dream come true! Don't let this incredible opportunity slip by!

View Property

8743 E San Victor Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,299,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,819 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6763640

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully remodeled home in McCormick Ranch backs onto a serene greenbelt and features an open, bright floor plan with soaring ceilings. The spacious layout includes formal living and dining areas, plus a family room with a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, luxury wet bar & dual master suites. Gourmet kitchen boasts brand new white quartz countertops, Wolf appliances, a Sub-Zero fridge, double ovens, two sinks, & breakfast bar. Both master suites have walk-in closets and backyard access. The backyard is a green oasis offering a built-in BBQ, pool & spa! The master bathroom is a freshly remodeled dream. Roof & AC replaced in recent years. Milgard windows, & garage w/ cabinets & epoxy floors. Bonus, 2 rentable community casitas! Move-in ready!

View Property

4850 E Poinsettia Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,902 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6738636

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This fully remodeled & expanded property is designed with modern comfort & luxury in mind. W/updates to the kitchen, Master suite, HVAC system, roof, windows, & the addition of spray foam insulation, it offers energy efficiency & a nearly new home. It also features an ADDED 2C garage, heated and cooled for your cars & toys. Recognized as the ''Best Home on the 85254 Tour,'' this stunning residence includes dual master suites, 3 spacious bathrooms, & an open-concept floor plan. The chef's kitchen is a true showpiece, perfectly situated to overlook a well landscaped backyard, complete with fruit trees, a gazebo, & maintenance-free synthetic grass. Pool Available too! Car enthusiasts will love the 4+garage, in the best neighborhood and A+scottsdale School distric Property upgrades: New 3-ton AC 2024 Roof 2020/2024 for addition New windows New Master Suite 19x19 New Master Bath 15x19 w/ soak tub, shower, toilet and bidet 2-Master Suites Foam insulation throughout 4+ Car garage cooled/heated Work room All new Electrical Wiring New Low voltage lighting Epoxy Garage floor New Pavered Driveway for 8 cars

View Property

19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 1127 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,834 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766674

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover this exquisitely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome in the prestigious Grayhawk community, perfectly situated on the golf course. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated with the finest luxury finishes, offering a perfect blend of style and sophistication. Step into the spacious living area featuring a grand fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings, complemented by a custom wet bar and three wine fridges—a true entertainer's dream. The gourmet kitchen boasts Café appliances, quartzite countertops, and ample space for the most discerning chef. Retreat to the luxury master suite, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring a sleek glass and tile shower, a serene soaking tub, and an expansive walk-in closet. The outdoor space is equally impressive, with brand-new landscaping, a tranquil fountain, and a hot tub ideal for unwinding after a long day. Whether enjoying the backyard oasis or taking in the golf course and mountain views, this home offers an unparalleled Scottsdale lifestyle. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in Grayhawk's finest. Schedule your private showing today!

View Property