3 Key Reasons Why Buying Your First Home Is Like Planning a Wedding

You may not see the connection right away, but buying a home and planning a wedding are two experiences that require certain skills and challenge you in similar ways. Check out the three key similarities below!

1. Budget

Whether you’re buying your first home or planning a wedding, you are likely facing one of the biggest financial obligations of your life. That’s why, in both cases, it is essential that you pick a realistic budget and stay within it.

Sounds simple, but in either case it can be difficult! Unexpected obstacles may force you to spend more than you planned, or you may find yourself wanting to overspend as you find things that would be “just perfect” additions even though they don’t fit your budget. These temptations can be expected, but it’s important to remember the big picture. When it comes to your budget, pick it and stick it.

2. Details

When it comes to a home purchase or a wedding, there are countless details to consider. It’s not a simple, pre-packaged purchase, there will always be big decisions that you have to make and if you overlook something you may regret it later on.

Some decisions that you face will be similar in both experiences: Does the location work for you? Does it work for your friends and family? What is the parking situation? Is it appropriate for the climate? Will you be satisfied with your decision in the long-term?

Other details will be more unique to the situation: Do you need a cocktail hour? Do you need a walk-in closet? What style of photography would you like? Is there too much traffic noise?

Either way you’ll have lots to think about, and you’ll become acutely aware of ‘the little things.’

3. You’ve Got Style

Both your wedding and your home say something about you, they’re a reflection of your personal style. When being presented with so many choices that are particularly catered towards your personal taste, you’ll learn what you like and what you don’t. However, you’ll also learn what it is that you absolutely need, and what you’re willing to budge on.

Whether you’re choosing a wedding dress that is both gorgeous and functional for your ceremony or deciding whether or not you need an extra bedroom in your home, you’ll learn what it is that you’d want in a perfect world, and what is absolutely necessary for your current situation.

If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, make sure you do so with a trusted real estate professional. Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

6840 N 13th Place Phoenix, AZ 85014

$1,335,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,543 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763871

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Assumable VA loan available! Modern living meets luxury upgrades in this 4/2.5 home located in North Central Phoenix. Built in 2019, this property offers a seamless blend of contemporary design and eco-conscious features, all without the burden of an HOA. The open floor plan highlights clean lines and modern finishes, including finished concrete floors, euro-style cabinets, a redesigned kitchen island with new countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a natural gas cooktop. Expanding on the eco-conscious theme, the property features beautifully designed xeriscape landscaping, complemented by a custom vegetable and herb garden, creating your own personal oasis in both the front and back yards. Sun-blocking window shades and owned solar panels ensure year-round energy efficiency The house boasts 2 beautiful patios, one in front and back, along with a custom veggie/herb garden to round out your outdoor oasis'. Conveniently located near the Midtown Corridor, Arcadia, Biltmore Fashion Square, and Downtown Phoenix, this home offers easy access to top shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as major highways for quick commutes. Don't miss the chance to own this thoughtfully designed, move-in-ready home.

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9622 W Villa Chula Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,335,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,194 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772702

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly Desirable Home in the Meadows Community built by Toll brothers.This stunning home has been upgraded with attention to every detail.. The backyard is a resort-style retreat, offering a walk-in pool, a beautiful Ramada, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Sliding doors open to this spectacular outdoor space, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living.The state-of-the-art kitchen includes upgraded lighting fixtures, premium countertops, and a wine cellar, making it a chef's dream. This move-in-ready home features vaulted ceilings 4 bedrooms,2.5 bathrooms ,office a versatile media or gym room and amazing lighting .Designed by the owner, a talented designer, every wall reflects love, care, and elegance throughout the house. The furniture and artwork for sale also. A MUST SEE HOME

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261 E Bracciano Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$1,335,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,242 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692640

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning elegance, breathtaking expansive elevated golf course views, 3 CAR OVERSIZED GARAGE and this could all be yours... live in the East Valley's premier private golf course community of Encanterra CC. This incredible Create floor plan offers open concept living with 2 primary suites, walk in closets and gorgeous quartz and stone upgrades abound! Luxury vinyl plank flooring, throughout. Separate office, (or can easily convert to 3rd bedroom),open great room with chef's delight, Island kitchen, SS appliances, B/I Sub Zero refrigerator. Automatic shades, triple panels wall of glass allows for indoor/outdoor living!. Enjoy the serene back patio and yard overlooking the #16 tee box and fairway! This is one of Encanterra's premier golf locations!

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7466 E Thorntree Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

Open House

$1,335,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,787 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738319

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Soft contemporary desert home located on a serene cul-de-sac in The Boulders, featuring sweeping views of Black Mountain. Highly sought after floorplan with several entertaining options, soaring ceilings, zero interior steps throughout. Living spaces are open, bright and spacious featuring hardwood & flagstone flooring. Kitchen with Sub Zero refrigerator flows beautifully into family room with gas fireplace. Primary suite is oversized, offering multiple closets and generous bath. 2 additional guest rooms, one currently being used as an office, round out to property to a full three bedroom, three bath. Lot feels oversized and is adjacent to open space, desert vistas abound as well as patio space for dining al fresco. Sophisticated, imbibed with natural light, this home is a distinct find.

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22455 N 55th Street Phoenix, AZ 85054

$1,330,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,529 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VIEWS!! Better than photos can capture. ALL recent major system updates: HVAC, paint inside & out, gas water heater, whole home H2O filtration, all patios resurfaced, recirculation pump, and new large trees planted. Meticulously maintained home flooded with loads of natural light. Inviting floor plan, separate game room, split primary bedroom includes dual vanities, dual closets & patio access to relax & enjoy colorful sunsets. Unwind in the peaceful backyard w/extended patio which offers built in BBQ and an outdoor dining area. A rare lot with mountain AND golf course views create a resort style experience in your very own backyard.

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2524 W Joy Ranch Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,329,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,808 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6727091

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this pristine 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home, barely lived in for four months since its construction, yet enhanced with over $110,000 in luxurious upgrades since move-in. The residence boasts a sprawling 47'x19' RV garage that seamlessly connects to an additional 4-car garage, offering ample space for vehicles and storage. Enjoy the convenience of fully paved access to the property, including an oversized concrete driveway. The property benefits greatly from its location directly across the street from miles of state trust land, which enhances its already amazing views. Inside, the home exudes modern elegance with wood-like tile plank flooring, soaring ceilings, and an open-concept layout ideal for comfortable living. An electric fireplace creates a cozy focal point in the spacious living room, while the large kitchen island invites gatherings with its abundant seating and plenty of cabinet space. A versatile nook provides flexibility for a coffee bar, breakfast area, or window bench. The masterfully designed laundry room includes a practical mudroom area, adding to the home's functionality. Outside, the fully landscaped backyard is a retreat with extensive pavers, artificial turf, and a generously sized covered patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxation. Privacy is assured by a block wall enclosing the backyard. Conveniently situated directly across from state land, the home offers breathtaking mountain views and easy access to hiking and riding trails. Quick connectivity to the I-17 ensures effortless commuting and access to amenities. This home is perfect for those seeking a move-in ready property.

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5837 E Paradise Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85254

New

$1,329,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,421 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780762

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMING SOON...one of the best remodels in North Scottsdale with an expected completion date of 11/20/2024. Everything is being remodeled. New flooring, beam through kitchen and living room, kitchen, quartzite countertops, white GE Cafe appliance package, 2 tone cabinets with lighting, all new windows throughout with sliding doors (off kitchen and primary bedroom), lighted bathroom mirrors and custom primary walk-in closet, new interior and exterior paint, new custom garage door, pebbletec pool and cool decking finishing, all new front and back landscaping (artificial grass, rock), built-in outdoor kitchen, wine bar with 2 wine fridges, tiled living room wall with electric fireplace.

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7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 312 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,329,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,461 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747905

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Experience modern luxury living in this stunning 2-bed, 2-bath unit in Optima Kierland Condominium! Home exudes elegance with recessed lighting, a neutral palette, wood-look tile flooring in common areas, and Berber carpet in bedrooms. The large open layout creates an inviting and spacious atmosphere, ideal for everyday living & entertaining! The gourmet kitchen is a cook's delight, featuring granite counters, flat-panel cabinetry, a prep island w/breakfast bar, and high-end SS appliances w/cooktop gas. Split floor plan adds extra privacy! Oversized main bedroom has a cozy sitting area and an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Secondary bedroom also includes its own walk-in closet & private bathroom. The east-facing orientation captures the breathtaking sunrises and the McDowell Mountains' iconic purple hues at sunset. The Optima Kierland lifestyle offers unparalleled living with premier access to world-class dining, shopping, and golfing. Enjoy exceptional amenities like a rooftop oasis with 360-degree views, a pool, spa, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, sauna, and more. Additional perks include a fitness center, pickleball courts, golf simulator, basketball, yoga studios, and a rooftop running deck. Don't miss this rare opportunity!

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8073 N Harmony Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$1,325,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,969 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756276

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

To be built. New larger floor plan offering 2969 sqft! Plans semi-customizable. This luxurious home will be built on one acre at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. Almost instant access to Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort and world-class hiking/biking trails, yet only minutes from downtown Flagstaff. Pictures featured are from a previously completed home. They are provided as an example of amenities available. Exact amenities and buyer selections will vary. This open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen, a great room that transitions seamlessly to outdoor living with spectacular views of the peaks. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with a pull-through RV garage!! Homes by this builder completed on adjacent lots. Pictures & additional info available upon request.

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1902 E Cloud Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,325,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,810 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740641

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this beautiful new construction home, to be built. Contract now and pick your finishes and upgrades. Spacious pull through RV garage that is connected to an additional 4 car garage. Wood-like tile plank flooring and high-ceilings throughout the home. Open concept living space with a split bedroom floor plan. Large kitchen island with space for counter seating, lots of cabinet space for storage, and a nook to be used for so many possibilities, such as a coffee bar, breakfast table, or even a window bench. Block wall enclosing the backyard for privacy (photos taken before wall was complete). This home is located across from state land, no dirt roads and great views. *PHOTOS are of previously build same floor plan.

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8507 E Vía De La Escuela -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,325,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,270 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761140

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Timeless and fully renovated in McCormick Ranch! Home underwent a complete renovation in 2021. Light, bright and open with a custom marble waterfall island and butcher block peninsula. Black metal doors open to a stunning front courtyard for outdoor grilling, dining or relaxing in the evenings underneath the bistro lights in front of an outdoor gas fireplace. A 12-foot wall of black metal doors opens fully to reveal a charming and private back yard featuring a diving pool, cactus garden, and artificial turf. The floorpan has been opened up for seamless indoor/outdoor living and features a vaulted great room, chef's kitchen, dining room and breakfast nook. The primary suite was expanded for a generous walk in closet and has a fireplace with french doors leading to the rear covered patio.

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3739 E Sagebrush Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

$1,325,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,461 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714172

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom residence nestled in the Lakeview Trails Community! Prepare to be impressed by a spacious open layout showcasing tile flooring, a fresh soothing palette, recessed lighting, and high 12ft ceilings in Living room and Kitchen . The remarkable Gourment kitchen features light gray cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, a chic mosaic herringbone pattern backsplash, double wall oven, a walk-in pantry, and a large center island including a breakfast bar. Discover the main retreat comprised of soft carpet in all the right places, a walk-in closet, and an immaculate ensuite for added comfort. Host memorable gatherings in the fabulous backyard, offering covered and open patios! What's not to like? Make this heaven yours!

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