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.

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

5324 E Hillery Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,179,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,308 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733483

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Newly renovated with high end contemporary design finishes located in the highly desirable 85254 zip code. Split floor plan with over-sized Owner's Suite. Large kitchen and bar area with custom cabinetry and quartz counters and backsplashes. Custom built glass wine cellar and racking. Fully covered patio. Viking appliances. Large back yard. Dual pane energy saving windows / doors, smart thermostat with a North/South exposure. Beautiful marble bathroom featuring a double vanity, large soaking tub, and double walk-in shower. Automatic irrigation for grass and plants in back yard. The home is move-in ready and has been well taken care of by Owners. Please contact with any questions.

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3730 E Cat Balue Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,179,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,552 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768541

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream family home! The courtyard entry adds a touch of elegance, while the custom pool and spa create a resort-like atmosphere. The en suite bedroom on the main floor offers convenience, and the spiral staircase leading to the den and additional bedrooms adds character.The gourmet kitchen with double gas ovens is a chef's delight, and the gas fireplace adds warmth and charm. Plus, being close to excellent schools and shopping makes it even more appealing. This beautiful home is the ideal space for creating lasting memories with loved ones!

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32875 N 73rd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,175,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,109 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757401

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your chance to own a gem with views of Boulder Mntn is finally here! Over 300k in upgrades to this 3 bedroom 3 bath split plan. Soaring 12' ceilings, Custom kitchen w/ Thermador refrigerator/ Freezer columns, built in Thermador coffee maker, Double oven, 220 Conv/Micro oven, Dual dishwashers, 15' waterfall island with added storage, custom upper lighted display cabinets, beautiful upgraded lighting, linear F/P. Laundry with additional cabinets, Expansive patio slider wall to take in the gorgeous mountain view! Custom closets throughout, designer paint, built in Vacuum, custom made draperies w/ shades, all grout color sealed, R/O system, spectacular epoxied garage floor. Close to all amenities yet quiet and private. Next to Summit at Scottsdale Shopping Center & walking trail

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1101 E Dolores Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,175,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,038 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720678

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Presenting this Full Spec Luxury home by NEXTGEN Builders, to be built with 4 bedrooms, plus an office/den, and 3.5 baths. This home features an RV Garage and sits on a spacious lot without HOA constraints. Single entry doors open into a stunning great room with 12-foot soaring ceilings, a large island kitchen featuring quartz countertops, GE Profile appliances, Napa fawn cabinets in the island, Napa onyx cabinets elsewhere, and a 16x8 foot sliding glass door. Each bedroom boasts a walk-in closet, while the owner's suite features a lg. walk-in shower, standalone tub, and dual vanities. 8-foot doors throughout. Constructed for durability and energy efficiency, it includes 2x6 exterior framing, spray foam insulation, and a post-tension slab foundation. Paved Road. Photos are of a model.

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14103 S 44th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$1,175,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,975 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710653

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is desert living with amazing mountain views, privacy, seclusion, peace and quiet! This includes additional 1+ acre lot south (APN: 300-04-036) and north (APN: 300-04-034) of the house. Basement home with guest house/shop offers flexibility for various living/working arrangements! Perfect for horses, hobby enthusiast, multi gen living, basement offers a separate living level along with the detached building for extended family or vacation rental. Ideal for small business 1200sf unit located across wash with bridge, keeps home private and work separate! Think of the savings not having to pay for an additional work space or more than one home! NO HOA and centrally located close to freeway and access to the entire valley! Set at the base of the mountain/preserve, perfect quiet, peaceful setting to enjoy sunsets and natural desert life! This multifunctional property is for those nature lovers and those not wanting cookie cutter living. Chef Kitchen. Modernized interior. Located in the county with lower property taxes.

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20132 W Medlock Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$1,175,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742933

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover beauty and comfort in this stunning equine estate, perfectly situated on 2.5 serene acres in the heart of Beautiful AZ Estates. This amazing residence boasts 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 well-appointed bathrooms, designed for both relaxation and functionality. Step into an expansive open floor plan where the large living spaces are highlighted by vaulted ceilings and beautiful tile floors. The oversized kitchen features gorgeous granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and seamlessly flows into the family room, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. The master suite offers a private seating area and an impressive walk-in closet, while each additional bedroom ensures ample space and comfort. The oversized laundry room, cleverly designed to double as a bathroom, adds to the home's versatility and convenience. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and sunsets from virtually every room, with large windows that frame the picturesque landscape. Outside, the property is a true retreat. The well landscaped grounds showcase a sparkling swimming pool, patios, lawn and relaxing spa, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor enjoyment. For equine enthusiasts, the horse facility is a standout feature, complete with, covered corrals, a turnout area, and a round pen. A 4-car garage provides abundant storage and space, rounding out this exceptional home. Whether you're relaxing by the fireplace, soaking in the views, or enjoying the numerous outdoor amenities, this estate offers an unparalleled living experience.

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905 N Sinagua Heights Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$1,175,000

6 Beds

4 Baths

4,253 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747569

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 905 N Sinagua Heights Dr, Flagstaff, AZ—a stunning blend of modern elegance and serene mountain living. This 6-bed, 3.75-bath property spans 4,253 sq. ft., featuring a sunlit great room, a modern kitchen with new appliances, and multi-level decks perfect for soaking in panoramic views. The primary suite offers its own private deck, while the game room and theater provide ideal spaces for entertainment. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac with no HOA, this property is perfect for those seeking both comfort and freedom. Experience this exceptional Flagstaff retreat!

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9378 W Via Montoya Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,175,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,729 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757502

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INCREDIBLE floorplan in The Meadows - 3 separate bedroom wings w/bathrooms. Two living areas, 2 flex spaces - dens, offices, workout/game rooms? Resort-style backyard with travertine hardscape surrounding a bridged pool to gazebo-encircled hot tub. Freshly painted inside and out. New carpet throughout. Gourmet kitchen with massive island and SS appliances. Soft water system, owned solar system, 3-car garage, RV gate. There's MORE! Come take a look!

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13527 E Summit Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,175,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,014 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled within the prestigious enclave of the Villas at Scottsdale Mountain, this stunning single-level home is a well designed open floorplan featuring an elegant great room with a floor to ceiling marble & stone fireplace & countless windows which allow natural light to flood the living space. You are greeted by custom Iron Doors, wood & marble flooring, and a designer kitchen with custom cabinets & brand new state of the art Dacor & Viking appliances. From the back patio enjoy gorgeous sunrise & sunset views, twinkling city lights & surrounding Mountain Views. The perfect ''Lock & Leave'' or enjoy ''Full Time''. Very private & very quiet. Double Gated w/Guard. Lifestyle w/Community pool, spa, tennis, pickleball & nearby hiking, golf, shopping & Dining. Meticulously Maintained!

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5542 E Anderson Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,175,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771922

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully designed freshly painted Oct 2024 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers an expansive 9,210 sqft lot, providing both luxurious indoor living and a fantastic outdoor retreat. Inside, you'll find a spacious great room that seamlessly flows into the breakfast room, eat-in kitchen, and formal dining area—perfect for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring sleek granite countertops, a large working island, stainless steel appliances, and abundant cabinetry, all with stunning views of the private backyard pool through large, bright windows. The family room, complete with a cozy fireplace, provides a warm and inviting space for relaxing. Flooring throughout the home is a mix of plush carpet, elegant tile, and rich wood, adding to the home's overall charm and comfort. The spacious primary suite is your private sanctuary, featuring an ensuite bathroom with a separate shower and soaking tub, a private toilet room, and two large walk-in closets. Home has been freshly painted 10/1/2024 Outdoors, you'll find a covered patio that opens up to a beautifully landscaped private yard, complete with a sparkling poolideal for Arizona's warm climate. The backyard is an ideal space for entertaining, unwinding, or spending quality time with loved ones. The 3-car garage is equipped with built-in cabinets, an electric door opener, and direct entry to the home, offering plenty of space for storage and convenience. Whether you're hosting gatherings, enjoying the pool, or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings, this home combines comfort, elegance, and functionality in a highly sought-after setting.

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2541 E Carob Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$1,175,000

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home in Freeman Farms on a large 11,050 sq. foot lot. This 6 bedroom 4.5 bathroom also features a main floor bonus/game room and second floor oversized loft. Custom kitchen touches include granite countertops, island, upgraded appliances including Thermador ovens and gas range, 42'' stainless steel fridge and a butler pantry with built in wine cooler. Numerous window shutters and ceiling fans throughout most of the home. The resort style backyard features an amazing heated pool with a waterfall, hot tub, built in BBQ and a large covered patio for ultimate relaxation. For added storage there is a 10'X10' custom built shed and a RV gate. The Freeman Farms community offers many parks/playgrounds and lakes. This is a must see.

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14630 S 4th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85045

$1,175,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,976 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6756107

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VIEWS from every room! Gated Community! Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of South Mountain Preserve, this spacious, well maintained, move-in-ready, newly carpeted two-story residence offers unparalleled mountain views from every room. The home includes 5 large bedrooms upstairs with ample natural light and mountain views. A den/bedroom with a separate closet and bathroom is located on the ground floor and is perfect for a home office or guest room. The primary bedroom has breathtaking views, a large sitting area, and an ensuite bathroom. The dream kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances, expansive countertops, and a walk-in pantry. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. In a gated community with access to 100 miles of trails.

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