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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15963 W Montana De Oro Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$582,436

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New home ready for immediate occupancy! This single level 2229 SF single level 3 BR, plus den 3. BA home is located on a north south facing home site. Surrounded by single level homes, no 2 stories. Exciting included features include upgraded cabinets, upgraded Quartz tops, tile Kitchen backsplash, plank tile on the floors, 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors, 3 car garage, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, landscape credit, and so much more. Neighborhood also includes, tree lined streets, Certified Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus for more energy savings.

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4198 N Spyglass Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$582,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701840

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come and see this beautifully upgraded home with Stunning views on the 1st fairway of the Poston Butte Golf course in Sun City Anthem. This home has SOLAR for low energy bills Enjoy two large bedrooms, two baths and a large den complete with French doors. Hunter Douglas window treatments and ceiling fans in all rooms. Enjoy a gorgeous chefs kitchen with gas range, upgraded cabinets and granite countertops. The master bath has an oversized walk-in shower with stunning custom tile, beautiful tile flooring in all main living spaces with upgraded carpet in bedrooms. A gorgeous outdoor travertine patio gives you a spectacular golf course view, complete with lovely desert inspired landscaping, garden lighting and motorized sunshades! Enjoy the beautiful view and AZ weather all year round. There is a Golf Cart garage, complete with storage area, shelving and wall slat hanging storage system with upgraded additional LED lighting. There is also a whole house RO system and water softener, and tankless gas hot water heater. This home has a freshly painted exterior as well! Located in a wonderful community with numerous amenities, there will never be a lack of activities to participate in! Golf, Pickle Ball, tennis, biking, fitness center, pools and spas, bocce ball, clubhouse and restaurant are all just steps away! Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime! See you soon!

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6073 W Caribe Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$582,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,996 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous family home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, no HOA, pool, and an RV gate. Currently used a short term rental and can be purchased fully furnished. Home has open layout and was completely remodeled in 2022.. Great location in Glendale family neighborhood.

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12015 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$581,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742829

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this ranch-style Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered front porch; a relaxing great room with center-meet patio doors; a gourmet kitchen boasting 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a generous center island and a walk-in pantry; a charming nook; a luxurious primary suite showcasing additional windows, a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; three secondary bedrooms, including on with an attached bath; a shared hall bath; a beautiful study; a central laundry and an inviting covered patio. This home also offers dramatic 10' ceilings, wood laminate and 9 x 35 stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway. Tour today!

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1275 W Via Del Palo -- San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$581,566

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,149 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785722

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6785722 April 2025 Completion! Welcome to the Sunrise in Ovation at Meridian! As you step into the foyer, you'll find a flexible space and a full bathroom to the left, and a secondary bedroom with its own full bathroom to the right. Continue into the casual dining area, which flows seamlessly into the gathering room and kitchen, all with views of the outdoor patio. At the back of the home, the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Structural options added include; 8' interior doors, 12' sliding glass door, soft water loop, and garage service door.

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15680 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$581,027

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,492 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760233

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new home completed this November! This home is a wonderful 3-bedroom with a Den or Flex Room. The amazing kitchen / great room is open and has an oversized island. This beautiful home is under construction & backs to an open space with no direct back neighbors. There is wood plank tile throughout except for the bedrooms. Gourmet kitchen with designer hood, gas cooktop, built in oven / Microwave. & upgraded Painted Linen Cabinets, honed granite countertops, and a custom backsplash. Owner's suite has a tiled shower & Honed Granite counters & undermount sinks. Don't miss the unbelievable owner's closet. The flex room is built in so that it could easily be used as a den / playroom or home office. HOME WILL BE COMPLETE IN November. SELLER IS OFFERING RATE BUYDOWNS!

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4230 W Palace Station Road New River, AZ 85087

Open House

$581,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,799 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747349

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this one! Stunning single story Barbaro model home on a premium corner lot in sought after Circle Mountain Ranch! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and just under 1800 SF. Split floor plan with a bright and open concept main living space. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, gas range and opens to the spacious great room with tile flooring, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, multiple windows and neutral tones. Primary retreat with double door entry, ceiling fan, carpet, walk in closet, en suite bath w/ dual sinks. Low maintenance landscape, block wall, extended paver patio & cover and turf! Additionally, this home is equipped with smart home technology. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer - walking/hiking paths, parks, shopping, dining, golf & more all with EZ freeway access.

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17580 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$580,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699992

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

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16408 W Creedance Boulevard Surprise, AZ 85387

$580,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6647548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous ranch-style Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a large kitchen with multi-slide doors for fabulous natural light. Home includes a Master bedroom with generous closet, Deluxe bath with shower and tub. 2 more bedrooms, and a spacious den complete this home. Boasting Quartz kitchen countertops, 42'' cabinets and 6x35 Tile throughout, carpet only in bedrooms. A MUST SEE!

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12012 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$580,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741797

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this must-see Alden home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a center island and a roomy walk-in pantry; an open dining nook with center-meet patio doors; an inviting great room; a thoughtfully designed primary suite offering an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; three secondary bedrooms; two additional baths; a convenient laundry and a tranquil covered patio. This home also boasts impressive 10' ceilings, 9'' x 35'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, extra windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the walkway and driveway.

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9911 S Caballo Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$580,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,444 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782867

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This expansive 2,444 square-foot single-level home offers the perfect combination of space and comfort. With 5 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms, this residence is ideal for large gatherings for those who love to entertain. The home's open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the main living areas. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring modern appliances with a gas stove, ample cabinetry, a large center island, and a breakfast bar. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area that comfortably accommodates family meals and gatherings. The living room is designed for relaxation and socializing, with plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. 3 car garage & HUGE yard! tankless water heater!

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13138 N 173rd Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$580,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,745 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760540

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home combines modern luxury with everyday convenience, making it the perfect place to make your own. Located in a newly developed and highly sought-after neighborhood, this brand-new construction (2023) boasts both luxury and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus flex spaces, great room, chef's kitchen, and a large interior courtyard, this home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality for today's modern lifestyle. Chef's Kitchen: The heart of the home, featuring gourmet appliance package including double wall oven, gas cooktop, and drawer microwave, chic white cabinets with 42'' uppers, decorative tile backsplash, and an expansive island - ideal for culinary enthusiasts or entertaining. Large Great Room: Open and airy with plenty of natural light, perfect for family gatherings or relaxing after a long day. The 12' center-slide glass door provides direct access to the patio. Eat-In Kitchen: Spacious for hosting dinner parties, holiday feasts and gathering for family meals. Owner's Ensuite: Nestled at the back of the house and split from the other 3 bedrooms, your private retreat with a spa-like bathroom, oversized walk-in shower, double vanities, and a generous walk-in closet. 3 Additional Bedrooms: Spacious and thoughtfully designed with ample closet space. 2 Bonus Flex Spaces: Versatile areas that can be used as home offices, playrooms, or workout spaces. Large Interior Courtyard: A serene outdoor space for al fresco dining, lounging, or gardening. Across the Street from a Beautiful Park: Enjoy walking, playing, or relaxing in the lush greenery right outside your door. Minutes from Costco and Other Shopping and Dining: Convenience at your fingertips with easy access to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in one of the most desirable new neighborhoods!

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