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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22335 N Celtic Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85139

$650,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,721 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768522

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEST HOME ON TOUR!!! Welcome to this impressive home in the highly sought-after Cobblestone Farms community of Maricopa! This property offers everything you need for luxury living and entertaining. As you step inside, you'll find an open and inviting floor plan, perfect for both daily living and entertaining. The main level features a full bedroom and bathroom— great for visitors or multi-generational living. Upstairs, the master suite is a true retreat, complete with a private balcony overlooking your backyard paradise. The backyard is an entertainer's dream with a sparkling pool, swim-up bar, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen—ideal for Arizona living! Cobblestone Farms provides parks, a community pool, splash pad, and convenient access in and out of the city for commuters.

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725 E Washington Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,969 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777247

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on a spacious lot surrounded by mature trees, this stunning 1,969-square-foot, 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers privacy and tranquility. Step inside to discover brand new luxury vinyl flooring in the main living areas and new carpet in the bedrooms, creating a modern, inviting atmosphere. The main living room features a cozy electric fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. Both bathrooms have been tastefully updated, with the primary bathroom showcasing a separate jetted tub, a walk-in shower with multiple shower heads, dual vanities, and a spacious walk-in closet. The primary bedroom also offers a separate exit to the backyard and a new sliding door that leads directly to the sparkling diving pool—ideal for cooling off during Arizona summers. The gourmet kitchen is a true showpiece, featuring elegant granite countertops, a natural stone backsplash, high-end cabinetry, a sleek hood, and built-in oven and microwave. Designed for both functionality and luxury, it also includes a large pantry, providing ample storage for all your culinary essentials. Whether you're preparing everyday meals or entertaining guests, this kitchen is equipped to meet the highest standards of modern living. This home also includes a usable RV gate with a slab already poured, perfect for storing your trailer, fishing boat, or other toys. Located close to downtown Gilbert, you'll enjoy the convenience of popular restaurants like Postino, Joyride Taco House, and Liberty Market. With easy access to the US 60 freeway, commuting and travel are a breeze. This home blends style, convenience, and a serene setting. It's a must-see!

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41448 N Bent Creek Way Phoenix, AZ 85086

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771488

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully updated home, remodeled in 2022 with new flooring, fresh paint, and a modern kitchen featuring an expanded waterfall island, new appliances, and upgraded lighting. This home includes 3 bedrooms, plus a versatile 4th bedroom/office with a closet. Enjoy energy efficiency with owned solar panels, a newer HVAC system, tankless water heater, and water softener. The backyard is a private oasis with a hot tub, gas fire pit, misters and offers a beautiful view of Daisy Mountain. Smart home features include a Nest doorbell, voice activated outdoor misters and fans, Yale lock, and programmable thermostat. Perfectly located, just a short walk to Ironwood Clubhouse and half a mile from Daisy Mountain trailhead.

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8622 E Cambridge Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,290 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Old Town Scottsdale Home. New Exterior and Interior Paint, baseboards, and carpet. Close to freeway to get anywhere easily in the valley.

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14829 W Pershing Street Surprise, AZ 85379

$650,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,505 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772071

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Gorgeous Home has a Casita with it's own exterior access and a Full Bathroom. The main House has a Huge Master Bedroom upstairs along with 3 additional Bedrooms. The formal living room/den/playroom is right off the entry, there's a formal dining room, Huge Kitchen with an attached Family Room! The Fabulous Kitchen has upgraded cabinets, a HUGE Island, Gas 5 burner cooktop and separate oven, microwave. There's a large walk-in pantry and a butler's pantry with sink and space for a wine/beverage refrigerator. The 3 car tandem garage has plenty of cabinets for storage and it's own A/C system, just in case you want to use the 3rd car portion as a workout area. Backyard has a covered patio, paver firepit area and a pergola paver patio. There is a solar system to.. help with the electric bill. These homes are so well insulated - I have the same floor plan and with smart thermostats and energy management (we keep the house at 70 degrees except for 4pm-7pm) our August bill was $380 and we don't have solar. HOA amenities include 3 pools, a splash pad, recreation center, firepit and 2 fireplaces, 20+ parks (each with it's own theme) and beautiful tree lined streets. Veranda Park with a half Basketball Court and Playground is just 1 block South!

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1780 S Yellow Brick Road Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$650,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,569 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773298

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic custom built home on 2.61 acres with panoramic mountain views! This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom also has a den/office area and wonderful back courtyard offering outdoor entertaining space including built-in BBQ and huge views of Granite Mountain. Living room has fireplace and is adjacent to the open kitchen offering granite counter tops, pantry, tile floors, newer appliances and access to back courtyard. The large owners suite offers dual walk in closets, separate his/her vanities, large travertine shower & separate garden tub & private toilet room w/sink. The oversized owners bedroom and access to back courtyard. Spacious 2nd & 3rd bedrooms. 2.61 acres offers plenty of space for barns, arenas, extra garages, workshops, etc. The attached extra deep garage has epoxy floor finish.

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2665 E Gillcrest Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$650,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,658 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 bedroom + downstairs office, 2.5 bath home in a great lake community with pool, gym, basketball courts, clubhouse, parks and children's play areas. This home features beautiful granite counters and sleek stainless-steel appliances. The primary bathroom offers a luxurious separate tub and shower and a double sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet to fulfill all your storage needs. Freshly painted walls and professionally cleaned carpets. The convenience of this location is unmatched with an elementary school conveniently located within the subdivision, and community amenities.

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8640 W Monaco Boulevard Arizona City, AZ 85123

$650,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

3,536 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773844

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Custom home w/Casita on the golf course! Enter thru Custom metal door w/Wrought Iron detail into beautiful, tiled courtyard w/gas fireplace. From the private courtyard you have access to a Bonus Room w/mini split, entry to private Casita/Guest House & entrance to main home. Another Custom Door welcomes you into the main living area w/soaring ceilings & gorgeous views of the backyard pool & golf course! Entertainers Dream w/Formal Dining, Great Room w/fireplace, Kitchen, w/gas cooktop, French Door Refrigerator, Butler's Pantry, Wine Rack, & a large Granite Island. Primary suite w/step up Garden Tub, Walk thru Shower, Separate Dual Vanities, & huge walk-in closet. Backyard Oasis w/Covered Patio, Pool, Spa, Outdoor Bath, RV Gate, RV Parking & Hookups. So many features - a must-see!

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21950 N 100th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,940 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781931

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

I humbly introduce you to the property that checks all of your boxes. Freshly painted, four bedroom, split floorplan that has not one beautiful kitchen, but two! This property takes indoor-outdoor living to a whole new level. Oversized collapsible slider, custom granite and stone outdoor kitchen, table, private pool, pre-wired surround sound system, and no neighbors behind, puts this home in a league of it's own. This move-in ready property is only missing one thing . . . YOU!

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136 N 11th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007

$650,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

1,720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Versatile property offering a main home and two studio units. Primary home is a charming three bedroom two bath. Two attached studio units located in the back. Main house is month to month lease allowing a perfect owner occupant and investing opportunity. Live in the primary home and allow the two studio units to offset your mortgage by $1,918 per month! Primary unit is currently M2M at $1650. Flexible R-8 Zoning allows for six attached units to be constructed. This block has a great mix of new developments and historic homes. Property is located in the Woodland historic district, a vibrant and evolving area that is walking distance to Historic Grand Avenue, downtown campuses, and all the best dining and nightlife Phoenix offers!

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29623 N 205th Avenue Wittmann, AZ 85361

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,416 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775482

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4 BR, 2BTH home. It has an oversized garage with expansive bays. This property features a beautifully landscaped yard with an automatic irrigation system. The back yard is surrounded by a block wall with no-climb fence around property perimeter with an automatic gate situated on a 1.67 acre cul-de-sac lot. Plenty of room for horses or 4-wheeled toys. Built in 2018 by 1 owner/GC to the highest standards. Meticulously maintained and cared for, this move in ready home has no HOA making it an ideal choice for those seeking privacy and quality of life.

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40568 N Spotted Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$650,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777852

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Entertainers & Car Lovers take notice! Want to know why this home can be better than a new build? Move in ready is one reason, but having the window treatments and landscape completed are the major cost savers here. Plus this location is fantastic. Tucked away in a quaint neighborhood, but with all the new grocery stores and restaurants nearby. Beautiful, upgraded home with wood plank tile throughout. Amazing kitchen with a gas cooktop. Large kitchen island for entertaining, open to DR and family room. The home has solar & energy efficient thermostats. The 5 car garage shows off with an epoxy floor, built-in cabinets, and room for cars & toys. HOA approved RV parking with the RV Gate, Pad, and Hook Up.

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