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

29810 W Bellview Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,900 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777916

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come and see this beautiful house with neutral tones through out, open floor plan, lots of natural light in the living area. Huge island in kitchen. Split floor plan, the back patio is huge, this house has pleanty of land, over 1 acre ready for you to give it your personal touch.

View Property

22861 E Estrella Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,689 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Constructed in 2021 and situated in the sought-after Spur Cross community, this residence boasts a thoughtfully designed floor plan and an attached RV garage. The interior features an open great room concept, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms within 1689 square feet. The kitchen is equipped with espresso maple cabinets, granite countertops, a modern subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. Multi-panel center sliding glass doors open to a covered patio, an extended paver patio with a gazebo, and a private backyard with grass for kids and pets to play on. The primary bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom with a dual-sink vanity, a large shower, and a walk-in closet. The secondary bathroom also features a dual-sink vanity and a combination bathtub/shower. Additional amenities include a two-car garage with a utility sink and overhead storage, and the highlightan attached RV garage with front and rear doors. Community amenities include a fabulous pool, sports courts, a playground, and common areas.

View Property

40528 N Parisi Place San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

Open House

New

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,361 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785524

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this meticulously cared-for and beautifully updated home. Offering easy access to all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options you could ever need, this property combines modern convenience with timeless style. Step inside to discover a spacious and open floor plan, complete with soaring vaulted ceilings that create a bright and airy atmosphere throughout. The newly renovated kitchen and bathrooms showcase beautiful finishes, including timeless countertops, white cabinetry, and modern fixtures. The luxurious primary ensuite is truly a retreat, featuring a spa-like bathroom with a breathtaking freestanding bathtub and an incredible shower with an incredible control panel. It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Additional upgrades include elegant crown molding, new HVAC in 2020, new paint and custom garage cabinets that offer ample storage space. The expansive three-car garage is ideal for car enthusiasts or anyone needing extra storage room. Step outside and enjoy your private oasis. The backyard has been recently landscaped with care and features an outdoor shower, a refreshing pool with custom LED lights and a relaxing water feature. The backyard misting system ensures cool comfort year-round, while the lack of rear neighbors provides added privacy. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply relaxing in your own slice of paradise, this home offers everything you could want and more. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home!

View Property

9322 W Juniper Road Strawberry, AZ 85544

Open House

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,368 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705096

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Welcome to your new haven in Strawberry! This charming home offers the epitome of country living, nestled among majestic oaks and pine trees on a generous .5-acre lot. Step inside to discover a spacious great room with BRAND NEW vinyl floors, a soaring vaulted ceiling, and a recently remodeled kitchen. The kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring a gas range, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, new cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and a cozy breakfast nook. Unwind in the luxurious primary retreat, complete with an ensuite bath boasting a soaking tub, dual vanity sinks, and a separate walk-in shower. Additional bedrooms share a beautifully remodeled bathroom, ensuring comfort for the entire family. Outside, revel in breathtaking mountain views from both the front and back of the house. The serene atmosphere is enhanced by the absence of an HOA, allowing you the freedom to bring your horses and embrace your future options. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Strawberry and surrounded by an abundance of riding trails, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this flexible and welcoming property your own slice of paradise. Come see this home today and experience the allure of country living at its finest!

View Property

28715 N 64th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

Open House

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6784043

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this open airy 3BR, 2BA floorpan with many modern amenities such as upgraded blackout shades throughout entire home. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring elegant white cabinets, a wall oven, microwave, gas stovetop, farmhouse sink, rounded quartz island & quartz countertops with a walk-in pantry. Included are a refrigerator and washer/dryer. Luxuriate in the spa like owners bathroom suite with an oversized tiled walk in shower w/bench, double sinks, and a large closet. Bedrooms are carpeted & tile flooring flows through main areas. A large coat closet & gas tankless water heater complete this inviting home! Enjoy outdoor living with a sliding door leading to a low-maintenance backyard with turf and brick accents, surrounded by mountain views and overlooking a scenic canal

View Property

18003 N 135th Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

Open House

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,634 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735710

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful,completely remodeled 4 Bedroom/2 Bath home with paid off solar! All of the details have been thought through making it stylish, warm and functional. The home is perfect for entertaining or a quiet night by the cozy, electric fireplace. All work was permitted and completed by licensed contractors. New Wndows, Electrical, Plumbing, Fixtures, Paint, Flooring, ductwork, courtyard tile, Appliances and more. Roof was replaced in 2020 and HVAC in 2019. Seller to pay the $5000 SCW Asset Preservation Fee if COE by 12/31. Enjoy all of the amenities that the 55+ Sun City West provides! The new owner(s) will be able to pick out a backsplash of their choice for the kitchen and it will be installed by close of escrow.

View Property

5526 S Grenoble Street Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,020 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780096

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller offers 5K towards buyer's Closing costs! The things this home has to offer!!! From the 3 Beds, 2 baths, the Glass Doors Studio/DEN to the Tankless Gas Water Heater, the water Softener and water Filter, to the hidden Safe, extended cabinets at kitchen, the quartz countertops, Murphy Bed for your guests, to the surround system in the great room and the TV on the patio, colorful outdoor Jacuzzi to relax under the pergola, the outdoor lightening, Variety of Fruit Trees, and top it off with the separate doggy play area. Come see it and you will fall in love!

View Property

3956 E Constitution Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$569,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,954 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Segretto- The private and quiet community nestled in the heart of Gilbert- just minutes from the Agritopia Epicenter (home of some of the best dining in Gilbert), San Tan Marketplace and just a mile from the 202 freeway entrance! This adorable home features a bright and open floorplan with an oversized living room perfect for gatherings and entertaining! The gorgeous kitchen features white shaker cabinets, trendy backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island and breakfast bar. All fixtures throughout have been upgraded and updated including toilets, faucets and light fixtures. Don't forget the tankless water heater. This home backs to county island homes for ultimate privacy. Backyard beautifully landscaped with grass and a spacious covered patio!

View Property

2471 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$569,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,121 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6739474

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after community of ADORA TRAILS in Gilbert! This single story home has 4-bedrooms, 3-full baths, a Den/Flex space & sits on a desirable corner lot. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open & inviting floor plan, perfect for modern living & entertaining. The 2nd guest bedroom, full bath & den'/flex space are perfectly appointed off the foyer of the home. The kitchen features granite countertops, ample cabinet space, a kitchen island with pendulum lighting & breakfast bar seating that seamlessly flows into the formal dining area & spacious family room complete with a 12' sliding glass door, overlooking the expanive covered patio. The primary suite has everything you could ask for complete with on on suite bath with dual sinks.... seperate shower/tub, a private toilet room & spacious walk in closet. The 3rd & 4th bedrooms are accompanied by their own full bath, making this home the perfect floorplan for a family, residents that work from home and/or someone who likes to entertain with guests! Outside, the easy maintenance front yard is perfectly designed & the backyard is complete with desert rock & ready for a new owner to create their dream oasis. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Tan Mountains, this family-friendly neighborhood offers the perfect blend of natural beauty & modern convenience. Residents of the master planned community of Adora Trails enjoy access to a wealth of community amenities including: 10-Acre Neighborhood Park, 12 Miles of Walking Trails, 10,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse/Activity Rooms, Fitness Center, Community Swimming Pool, Water Playground, Adora Trails Lake Featuring Fresh Water Fishing, Picnic Tables, Grilling Stations, Shaded Ramadas Playgrounds & Championship Basketball Courts.

View Property

11950 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$569,995

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741755

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exciting Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a gourmet kitchen offering 42' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, an island, and large butler's and walk-in pantries; an open dining nook; an impressive great room with center-meet patio doors; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a sizable walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; a spacious study; three secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; a central laundry and a cheerful covered patio. This home also boasts soaring 10' ceilings, wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, extra windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway.

View Property

682 E Aurora Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$569,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768688

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Almost Complete! This gorgeous Santa Rosa II home offers a beautifully designed split floor plan with 4 bedrooms (in lieu of the home office) and 2.5 bathrooms. The spacious great room and kitchen, highlighted by a stunning vaulted ceiling, create the perfect setting for entertaining. The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring our Loft-inspired ''Looks'' collection with sleek dark blue cabinets, brushed nickel hardware, stylish floating shelves, and sparkling quartz countertops. The luxurious Primary Suite offers a serene retreat, complete with a spa-like bathroom and a generous walk-in closet. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully crafted to create a blend of modern comfort and elegance. Don't miss your opportunity to own this beautiful home—make it yours today! Up to 6% of Loan Amount can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

View Property

15848 W Kendall Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$569,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,534 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784441

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-story residence features an attahed private suite that is perfect for those who need additional privacy, with an attached suite that features its own kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and private entrance. In the main home are three additional bedrooms - including the owner's suite - plus an open living area with a back patio. Photos are of model home not actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property