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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17616 W Mission Lane Waddell, AZ 85355

$545,990

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,915 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779665

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ONLY 1 NEIGHBOR! ***PICTURES MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL HOME** This Gorgeous NEW home is move in ready! Primary bedroom on the 1st floor 2,915 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, HUGE LOFT and a 2- car garage! This home features a modern, neutral color palette, offering 36'' white shaker cabinetry, a large kitchen island, quartz counter tops, new, energy efficient stainless steel appliance package, and 9' ceilings throughout. It also includes a soft water loop, dual pane low-E windows, multi-zone thermostat, window coverings and a smart home system. The exterior features front desert landscaping, a covered patio and generous backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this community is near Costco, Safeway, and shopping.

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17826 W Sanna Street Waddell, AZ 85355

$545,990

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,915 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779667

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PREMIUM CUL-DE-SAC AND CORNER! ***PICTURES MAY VARY FROM ACTUAL HOME** This Gorgeous NEW home is move in ready! Primary bedroom on the 1st floor 2,915 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, HUGE LOFT and a 2- car garage! This home features a modern, neutral color palette, offering 36'' white shaker cabinetry, a large kitchen island, quartz counter tops, new, energy efficient stainless steel appliance package, and 9' ceilings throughout. It also includes a soft water loop, dual pane low-E windows, multi-zone thermostat, window coverings and a smart home system. The exterior features front desert landscaping, a covered patio and generous backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this community is near Costco, Safeway, and shopping.

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15843 S 177th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$545,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,326 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6614463

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

exquisite single-level home completed in 2023, offering you the unique chance to own a barely-lived-in property in a highly coveted community. This short sale gem delivers a blend of sophistication and convenience designed with active adult living in mind. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an entertainer's dream, this home has it all. Key Features You'll Love: Spacious & Functional Layout: Boasting 3 bedrooms plus a versatile den, this home provides the perfect mix of privacy and room for guests, hobbies, or your ideal workspace. Modern Elegance: Built just last year, experience the latest in design and style, from high-quality finishes to an open-concept flow that enhances comfort and functionality. 3-Car Tandem Garage: Enjoy the convenience of ample parking and storage options, with space for your vehicles and all your recreational gear. Prime Community Living: Nestled in an active adult community brimming with amenities and social opportunities, this home combines serene living with endless options for entertainment and leisure. Don't miss out on this blend of new construction quality and vibrant community lifestyle.

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17238 N 47th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$545,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,880 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689815

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located in the highly desirable Tatum Lane community of Northeast Phoenix. Enjoy the benefits of a newer AC unit and exterior paint, both updated in 2019, along with a new water heater installed in 2024. The bright and airy living room boasts soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light. The kitchen is well-equipped with lots of cabinet space, extensive counter space, a pantry, and a breakfast bar ideal for gatherings. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a serene retreat with an attached ensuite and dual vanities. Additionally, you'll find two more bedrooms and a flexible loft space to suit your needs. Set on a deep lot, this home is conveniently located near Paradise Valley Park and offers easy access to Loop 101 and 51 Freeways. The home is situated on a deep lot, close to Paradise Valley Park and conveniently near Loop 101 and 51 Freeways for easy commuting and access to everything Northeast Phoenix has to offer.

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4524 W Crosswater Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$545,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,102 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769506

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Set in the beautiful & family centered community of Anthem, this charming home shines with its updated kitchen and bathrooms. White cabinets, White quartz countertops with breakfast bar. Spacious great room with designer nooks. Upstairs laundry, spacious loft. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac and close to everything Anthem has to offer! Shopping at Anthem outlets, restaurants. Anthem community club house offers fully equipped gym, indoor basketball, heated Olympic sized pools, water park, amphitheater, volleyball, golf, pickleball, baseball & football fields, Adult & little leagues, hiking, biking, Walking paths weave throughout the community. Huge jungle gym, train, pavilion, skate park, lakes & urban fishing.

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18424 W Monte Lindo Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$545,735

6 Beds

5 Baths

2,868 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A new build home featuring 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, along with a loft and a 2-car garage that includes an 8-foot garage door. This spacious open floor plan incorporates a live-in suite. The kitchen is highlighted by a stunning island with an attractive backsplash and a generous walk-in pantry. Enjoy tile flooring throughout, with comfortable carpet in the bedrooms. The large covered patio at the back is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Situated in North Copper Canyon, this community provides a pool and a range of amenities. This is a high-performance residence equipped with smart technology for living in your element!

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19333 W Luke Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$545,428

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,173 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747237

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Modern luxury coupled with stunning finishes make this new home one of a kind! Spend quiet mornings while sipping your morning coffee as the sunlight floods your great room every morning from your sliding glass door. Enjoy testing new recipes in the gourmet kitchen with modern black and white cabinets and gold hardware. Enjoy a spa like experience in your oversized Super Shower with floor to ceiling tile and spend a quiet evening in your private owner's refuge. Enjoy the durability of luxury vinyl plank flooring that can stand up to kids and pets! Work from home with ease or enjoy your favorite hobby in the Enclosed Study. This home features a private bedroom with it's own bathroom and linen closet, complete with a beautiful tiled shower. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY

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2600 E Carmichael Street Unit 1 Coolidge, AZ 85128

$545,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752331

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your future dream home! This proposed new construction offers an exciting opportunity to create the perfect living space designed for your lifestyle. Once contracted, this thoughtfully designed floor plan will be built to meet the highest standards of quality and modern design. This stunning 4-bedroom home is highlighted by spacious walk-in closets in each bedroom, offering ample storage. The home also features a two-car garage for convenience and added storage options. The heart of the home is an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area, creating an inviting space for everyday living and effortless entertaining. Designed with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living, the home boasts direct access to outdoor spaces from the dining room, living room, and the luxurious primary suite, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of your surroundings and enjoy seamless transitions between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation. This home combines modern elegance with functional living, perfectly suited for those who value contemporary design and a connection to nature. The compact yet spacious layout is ideal for easy living without sacrificing style. To begin the process, Adair Homes must be contracted for construction. The buyer will first purchase the lot from the seller, and then engage a builder specializing in build on your own lot projects. You'll work directly with the builder to select the floorplan, elevation, and finishes to customize the home to your preferences. For added convenience, the builder's preferred lender can streamline the financing process with a single loan that covers the lot purchase, site improvements, home construction, finishes, and the long-term mortgage. The entire construction timeline is estimated to take up to 12 months from the time the new home construction contract is signed, offering a realistic timeframe for bringing your vision to life. This is a unique opportunity to build your custom home in a setting that combines the best of modern living and nature. Don't miss out on the chance to create a home that is truly yours!

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5057 N 145th Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$545,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,727 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home in the Cove at Palm Valley North truly embodies luxury with the Arizona lifestyle! 3 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms master bedroom has a walk-In shower & tub double sink. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, staggered cabinets, beautiful tile backsplash, granite countertops is a chef's dream, especially with the large island and gas cooktop. Inside, 8' doors come with a desirable awesome floorplan. The well-groomed outdoor space is impressive, with a beautifully maintained backyard featuring an extended patio, sparkling pebble tech pool, synthetic grass, practice on your very own putting green! It's the perfect setup to enjoy the Arizona weather year-round. This home offers both elegance comfort, making it a true must-see! Easy access to shopping, restaurants, freeways!

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6736 E Vaquero Circle Hereford, AZ 85615

$545,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,068 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750363

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 3br+ office,2.5bth, 3 car garage 2068ft 2yr new home siting on 1.422acers with its open floor plan and spectacular views which you can enjoy from your just completed fully landscaped back yard with patio, real grass and fire pit area. Block wall surrounds the back yard for your privacy and offers RV gate for easy access. This is a must see home. Come by now to see it before its to late.

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19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 2055 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$545,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780489

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Situated within the guard gated Talon Retreat in Grayhawk, this recently updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end unit condo offers an open great room floor plan with McDowell Mountain views from every window. The kitchen has stainless steel GE appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash and wood flooring. The primary and guest bathrooms have also been thoughtfully upgraded, adding to the modern charm of this home. Step out onto one of two balconies and take in the morning sun and beautiful mountain views. An attached garage has direct access inside the unit offering convenience and comfort. Upgrades in the last 5 years include interior paint and countertops throughout, new kitchen appliances, new washer and dryer, new window coverings, new fireplace surround, new wood look tile floors in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms, new carpet, new baseboards throughout, new plumbing fixtures and lighting fixtures, new water heater, Nest thermostat and NAC water conditioning system. Just steps away from this unit is Cachet's community pool, spa and clubhouse, which includes a fitness room. Enjoy access to Grayhawk's additional amenities including tennis courts, walking paths, Grayhawk Park, and two world class golf courses. The Grayhawk community is located in the heart of North Scottsdale within minutes of the 101 Freeway and endless shopping and dining destinations.

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416 Bury Court Rio Rico, AZ 85648

$545,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,202 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761588

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home nestled in the scenic beauty of Rio Rico! This stunning 4 BR/3.5 bath home offers an abundance of upgrades. Situated in a serene 4.87-acre parcel, this home provides the perfect blend of tranquility & convenience. Upon stepping inside the residence you will be captivated by its charm, & meticulous attention to detail. The large windows & high vaulted ceilings add a sense to the space & natural light creating an inviting atmosphere throughout. This beautiful home has 2 a/c units, an office, bar, breakfast room, formal dining area, living & family room. Plenty of room for family & friends to gather inside or outside. The custom-built kitchen has plenty of cabinetry with pull-out drawers and Corian countertops, a gas stove-top, a pantry closet, and a breakfast nook with a bay window. The master bedroom has a large bathroom with a dual vanity, tub, and walk-in closet. The 517 sq. ft. two-car garage has additional space for storage. The fully landscaped front yard has a circular driveway with an inviting fountain. The landscaped rear yard offers a wraparound patio and the best scenic views of miles away. This home gives you the best of both worlds inside and outside. Only minutes away from Historic Tubac, art galleries & boutiques, shopping & golf resort/spa. Easy access to the freeway.

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