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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4417 S 111th Drive Tolleson, AZ 85353

$551,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,524 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780759

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A rare find! You'll surely love to own this beautiful 4-bedroom residence in Tolleson! Meticulously maintained interior boasts a desirable great room graced with bountiful natural light, wood-look tile flooring, and neutral paint that creates an inviting vibe. Impeccable kitchen offers recessed lighting, glossy stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, stylish tile backsplash, plenty of white cabinetry with crown moulding, and a peninsula equipped with a breakfast bar. Romantic primary bedroom provides a private ensuite with dual sinks, a sit-down shower, and a walk-in closet. As a bonus, this gem includes a fully equipped guest's quarter! Spacious backyard features a covered patio, pergola, and artificial turf. Seize the opportunity while it's still available!

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4634 N 177th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$551,190

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769363

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW, energy-efficient home available in GATED COMMUNITY! The well-designed Bailey is perfect when a bit more space is needed. Each of the five bedrooms in this floorplan features a spacious walk-in closet. White cabinets with quartz countertop and grey tile flooring and carpet in bedrooms. ALREADY INCLUDED - washer, dryer, window blinds (except slider), refrigerator, soft water loop and more!!!! Residents will enjoy future amenities right at their doorstep including parks, pickleball, soccer, play area, walking trails, basketball court, ramada with outdoor kitchen, gas grill and fireplace, and more!!! Each home is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings!

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16837 W Fetlock Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$550,296

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,420 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

On the hunt for a new home? Here's a wonderful home in the heart of Surprise that just released to the MLS. Very spacious high performance Wrightson plan. This popular floor plan includes a Gourmet Kitchen, Loft, Study space, Tub/Shower combination in the primary, Home Automation, Geofencing, whole house air purification system, and 5 bedrooms with 3 full baths. With one full bed and bath located down stairs. All rooms are very spacious!

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Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

1 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752994

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

commissions

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93 S County Rd 1120 Street Greer, AZ 85927

$550,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

520 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689446

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located on Main Street, Zoned for a business or your private cabin! Open 87 days of the yr. If you have been to Greer since 2021, you have seen the Coffee Cure & seen the lines for coffee, food, fudge, wine, jewelry & t-shirts. Cabin has 2 bedrms & 1 bath, a basement that is an approved commissary kitchen with in-floor drain & 3 compartment sink. Cabin has new windows, new flooring in bedrms, new electric & new plumbing. Liquor License (in state producer) & Starlink internet included with acceptable offer. All this on 1.34 acres of land! 1200 customers per week come to the food & coffee trucks. This does not count for customers who walk up to the other vendors. Exterior animal sculptures included (appx. value for re-sale = $20K) 40 foot garage is new, insulated, heated + a window A/C unit

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20033 W Turney Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,270 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful newer home with great upgrades. 3 bedrooms with a den, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage and North/South facing. Paver drive and sidewalk lead into soaring 11 foot ceilings and luxurious wood plank tile to a gourmet kitchen with upgraded tall white cabinets, gas stove, stainless steel appliances and quartz counter tops. Open living and dining concept, ceiling fans, curtains, and blinds make it feel like home. Luxurious Master bath with full glass walk in shower, huge closet and mirrors and two sinks. Edison light fixtures give a soft touch. 2 Enormous glass sliding doors extend living space into the outdoors, a short walk to 2 huge grassy parks complete with shaded tables. Verrado is one of the biggest master planned communities around with great amenities. Come see it today!

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Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$550,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

1 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756933

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

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6090 N Stratford Court Rimrock, AZ 86335

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,090 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767709

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Beaver Creek Preserves! A gated community nestled in Northern Arizona, 30 minutes south of Sedona. Complete with community walking trails, clubhouse, community pool, and work-out facility. Brand new, never lived in home built in 2023, with 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage and an RV garage. Enjoy the serenity of Beaver Creek Preserves. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas. The modern rustic charm of the finishes and mountain views, one you do not want to miss!

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22274 E Cherrywood -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

New

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,083 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786964

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Best Lot in La Sentiero! This stunning home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot with an RV gate that opens directly to the park! Located in Queen Creek, it's just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Step inside this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence, complete with a spacious 3-car garage. The open-concept layout is filled with natural light, highlighting the home's modern finishes. The upgraded kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring extended cabinetry, sleek white quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Key features include: stylish wood-look tile flooring in high-traffic areas, a grand front entry with a dramatic hallway leading to a spacious great room, a generously sized laundry room with room for an extra refrigerator or freezer

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2423 E Pony Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.

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3630 W Folley Street Chandler, AZ 85226

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778680

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3 bedroom home on a large lot with a sparkling private pool. Kitchen has been updated with white cabinets, subway tile style backsplash, butcher block countertops, open shelving, stainless steel appliances. Updated wood flooring, updated bathrooms with a tile surround walk in shower in primary bath. Large master with walk in closet. Separate office was added with AC but is not included in sf, great for remote work. Backyard has am extra large aluminum patio cover, pool kool decking has been refinished, new pebbletech finish on the pool. Large grass backyard for activities. Large RV gate with area for toys and NO HOA. Large park on side and back of home so only 1 neighbor which makes this lot very private. Great home and neighborhood, for the price. Each bathroom has been thoughtfully updated, providing a fresh and modern feel. Enjoy year round comfort with a brand new AZ system & the added benefit of a new porch cover, prefect for outdoor relaxation. The backyard oasis is a true highlight, featuring a sparkling private pool with a new pebble tech finish, refinished Kool decking and an extra large aluminum patio cover-ideal for entertaining or unwinding under the sun. The expansive grass backyard offers plenty of space for activities, while a large RV gate provides convenient access for toys or additional storage. With no HOA, you can enjoy your home and lifestyle without restrictions. Separate garage office with AC (not included in sq footage) offers a perfect set up for remote work, allowing you to maintain a work life balance effortlessly. Located close to 101 & 202 highways, within walking distance of Dutch Bros Coffee, Chandler Mall and a variety of delicious restaurants, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips. The neighborhood is family friendly, filled with kids and young families, creating a welcoming community atmosphere. This exceptional home, with its prime location next to a large park & only one neighbor, is a rare find. Don't miss your chance to create lasting memories in this beautiful space. Come fall in love with your new home.

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4413 W Box Canyon Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$550,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,705 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700890

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Partially FURNISHED & STUNNING! This 2 bedroom + DEN, 2 bath home is on highly desired VIEW lot. Garage is 30 ft. deep. The backyard will wow you w/GORGEOUS water feature, firepit, pergola, landscaping lights, Travertine patio, artificial grass & large potted Palm trees. You will love this home from the gated paver courtyard to the amazing backyard & everything in-between! Kitchen has Quartz counters, 2-tone Cabinets w/knobs, roll-out shelves, tile backsplash, SS appliances, Gas range, convection oven, pendant & under cabinet lights. So many upgrades from the wood look tile flooring, Plantation shutters, tiled showers, comfort height toilets, Valet area w/upper & lower cabinets. HUGE Garage has 8ft. door, Storage Space/exercise area, Cabinets, Shelving & Epoxy Floors.

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