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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915 E Cobble Stone Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$589,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,186 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6716595

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Start enjoying Encanterra today! This spacious resort home is situated on a premium homesite overlooking a walking trail and stunning mountain views. This home offers a bright and open floorplan with 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, den and spacious loft. Step inside and you'll find upgraded tile plank flooring. The kitchen has beautiful maple cabinets and gorgeous quartz countertops and custom backsplash. All the bathrooms are upgraded with tile surrounds and upgraded fixtures. The garage is spotless with an epoxy finish, R/O and soft water system. The home is situated on a premium homesite and steps away from La Casa as well as the new Algarve, adult pool and restaurant. The Resort collection at Encanterra is perfect for the seasonal resident or year-round homeowner!

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2930 E Leland Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$589,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This newly painted home w/garages & parking galore!! NO HOA!! 3 car garage, a 12 ft RV gate, & a 60 ft long by 15 ft wide concrete pad behind the gate. A 46 ft long by 5 ft wide concrete walk leads from the garage walk door to back yard. Front door is under a covered pergola seating space & opens to a large front living room & then into the spacious kitchen, great room & breakfast nook. 42'' wood cabinets glow, accented by the beautiful granite and tile work. Master and 3 bedrooms complete the package. Lg master w/walk door to back patio, walk-in closet & beautiful bath w/custom tiled shower. Newer appliances. Interior just painted/freshened up, as well as exterior and trim painted. Large back yard is an open canvas & sale includes the 10 ft x 8 ft shed. Convenient NE Mesa location

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1178 E Sabino Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

Open House

$589,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,239 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687681

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Just steps from the beautiful community pool and Tumbleweed Park and Rec Center. Bright, airy and open is the best description for this home. An island , breakfast bar and large pantry highlight the entertainer's kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances. A sizable walk in closet, large private bath and dual sinks show off the primary bedroom. Located very close to shopping, schools and the freeway access. Lease expired and tenants left.

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3677 E Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$588,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,450 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757367

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in the highly desirable Gilbert neighborhood of Higley Groves! Nestled on a lush tree-lined street across from the local school, this home offers both charm and convenience. Inside, you'll find a beautifully upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a stylish farm sink, abalone backsplash, and refinished cabinets with new hardware. The master suite features double sinks and a walk-in shower, while upgraded tile flooring throughout, 5-inch baseboards, and fresh paint enhance the modern feel throughout the home. New ceiling fans with remotes are hung in every room. Garage floors have beautiful epoxy finish. Wood shelving in garage will convey, however, wood workstation will not convey. Step outside to your backyard oasis with new pavers, a sparkling pool, and a heated Jacuzzi perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Both the pool pump and spa heater were replaced within the last year for worry-free enjoyment. The front courtyard, also with new pavers, offers an inviting space to unwind. Additional newly poured concrete slab in the driveway offers extended parking to the future homeowner. Blackout sunscreens on the windows provide relief from the beautiful Arizona sun when enjoying the calm interior of your new home. This low-maintenance home is ready for you to move in and enjoy! TVs and TV mounts do not convey.

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624 E Laguna Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$588,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,803 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759953

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Solar Powered Energy Efficient Mid Century Modern 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home located in a quiet cul-de-sac. 2 Car Attached garage with a brand new EV Charger. Extra Large Old Fashioned Pool with a 9' depth, a new filter and pump, with new decking. Remodeling: new master bath, new flooring throughout house with baseboard, new light fixtures, new HVAC duct work and vent system. Plumbing, electrical landscaping, and painting upgraded. It is a work in progress. You can finish to your tastes. Profitable rental and you can have an ADU. No HOA for your friends who have motor homes. Near schools and parks in an up and coming area of Tempe, 2 miles from the ASU campus. The lot is huge with alley access. Extra tall block wall in backyard for maximum privacy.

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1114 N Velma Court Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$588,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769960

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this exceptional ADA-accessible 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Cooper Ranch, Gilbert, perfectly designed for comfortable living and entertaining. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere with fresh interior and exterior paint, solid wood doors, and brand new tile flooring throughout. The spacious, brand new extended porch is ideal for relaxing by the pool, while two charming barn doors add a unique touch to the open layout. The home boasts a well-maintained AC system (only 4 years old) and a brand new roof and fascia boards (2021). Outdoor spaces feature stunning travertine pavers, pet-friendly artificial turf, and a professional putting and chipping area designed by Celebrity Greens. With recent upgrades including a new power panel box (2022), water heater for the hot tub (2021)... and a modern kitchen remodel (2020) with new appliances (2022), this home blends style and functionality. Amazing solar powered pool lift for easy access to enjoy the sparkling pool. A 220 outlet in the garage is perfect for EV charging, while an accent wall installed in 2021 adds a stylish flair. This beautifully updated home is ready for you to make lasting memories!

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932 W Macaw Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$588,005

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,303 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782320

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready End of December! Located Near all the amenities and park area.4 Bedrooms 3.5 baths, plus Study, beautiful White cabinets with Quartz Counter tops, Gas range, wood look tile, Herringbone tile backsplash and two-tone paint throughout!! View fenced backyard with covered patio to enjoy. Just steps away from all the amazing Amenities North Creek has to offer.

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683 W Princeton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$588,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,416 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779854

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Prepare to be amazed by this magnificent two-story gem in the desirable Community of Silverhawke! This beauty displays lush greenery, a mature shade tree, a 3-car garage, & an inviting courtyard. You'll love the immaculate interior, boasting spacious living areas perfect for welcoming & entertaining. The home exudes charm with its vaulted ceilings, chic light fixtures, & tile flooring. The impeccable kitchen is fully equipped with granite counters, a mosaic tile backsplash, recessed lighting, a pantry, & white cabinetry w/crown molding. Main suite is located upstairs & adorned with soft carpeting, a full ensuite w/a sliding barn door, & a generous walk-in closet. The home's elegance extends outdoors to the private backyard with a covered patio, fragrant citrus trees, & pavers. Act now! Vacant and easy to show. Appliances included. Additional incentives available.

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4129 E Nighthawk Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

$588,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,782 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782855

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great bones on this home that is priced to sell. Owner bought this in 2010 and is ready to sell quick! Huge primary bedroom on MAIN FLOOR, 3 car garage, pebble-tec pool w/ pop up heads and heated spa! Don't forget the 3 car garage! Great area with NO HOA makes this a real find. Former rental that can be cleaned up w/ paint/carpet, etc (everything works just fine in the home) or fully remodeled and flipped.

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11946 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$587,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761545

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The heart of this ranch-style home is an open floor plan with a family room, a breakfast nook and a large gourmet kitchen. The adjacent primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an attached bath. You'll also find two additional bedrooms and a bath, as well as a quiet study and a guest suite complete with a living area, bedroom, and private bath. Includes covered patio and a 2-car garage!

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375 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$587,979

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,678 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6629644

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

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3109 E Larkspur Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$587,700

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747596

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the epitome of versatile luxury with this stunning property, ideal for use as an income generating investment, or a personal residence. Imagine unwinding by your heated pool, grilling up a feast under your covered patio or perfecting your putt on your very own backyard green. This exceptional & fully renovated home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, & a host of premium features including granite countertops, stylish laminate wood flooring, an upgraded garage floor & ceiling fans in every room! Enjoy the added benefits of solar panels on a new roof, and the convenience of an option to purchase fully furnished for a seamless transition. With no HOA & easy access to freeways, plus a mere 15-minute drive to PHX Airport, this property offers both luxury and convenience.

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