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

11910 E Amanda Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

Open House

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753721

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A MUST SEE Home in Gold Canyon. Photos don't do justice to this charming 3 bedroom 2 bathroom newer home located in Gold Canyon. Enjoy your time on the front patio morning or night. Inside you will find the 2 additional bedrooms (one with murphy bed) to the right and office to the left. Continuing, the beautiful tile floor leads you into a spacious entertainers kitchen. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wall ovens, quartz counter tops, island and dark cabinets. Kitchen opens up to family room which has stunning views. Main bedroom is located off of the family room in the back of the house. Backyard features artificial turf, easy to maintain landscaping and a great space to host!

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16435 W Cypress Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

$649,800

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,732 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736265

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2 car garage + SEP GOLF CART Garage Enjoy exceptional lifestyle in the highly sought-after Robson Community at PebbleCreek, a vibrant active 55+ community! Looking for larger home with options for 2 BONUS ROOMS... This Cabrillo Model on spacious corner lot, featuring an open concept kitchen great for entertaining, with a 6-burner Monogram gas stove & wall oven, granite countertops. Upgraded Solid Oak cabinets with glass fronts. Two luxurious owner suites, a versatile flex-room, and an oversized laundry space perfect for hobbies or crafts. Bonus room great for an in-home office. The owner's suite offers dual-sink vanity, oversized soaker tub, and 2 spacious walk-in closet. Modern amenities include hardwired for surround sound and security cameras. Pre-wired for 220 in garage HOA age restriction uses 80/20 rule of 80% age 55 or over and 20% can be 40 and over. Buyer to verify. Extended covered patio, ceiling fans, a gas stub for BBQs, and a low-maintenance backyard, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Soft Water loop installed. Wok reversable burner plates! Living in Robson Community at PebbleCreek means enjoying world-class amenities. Golf memberships available for 3 championship courses, play a match of pickleball or tennis, or take a dip in the community pool. Engage in nearly 100 different clubs and activities that cater to a variety of interests, ensuring an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Recent upgrades include fresh interior and exterior paint and added attic insulation for enhanced comfort. Embrace the exceptional living experience that awaits you in Pebblecreek. Don't wait to start enjoying the best of active adult living!

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22560 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$649,767

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,267 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699276

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Includes An Extended Covered Patio, Den With Modern Glass Doors, Upgraded Front Door, Aristokraft Benton Paint Colada Cabinets With Upgraded Hardware, Gourmet Kitchen Appliances With Wall Oven & Microwave And 30'' Gas Cooktop, Stainless Steel Hood And GE Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. Della Terra Quartz Kitchen Counters In Bianco Pearl, Custom Tile Backsplash At Kitchen And Upgraded Blanco Super Single Bowl Sink. Frameless Walk-In-Shower At Primary Bath With Custom Tile Surrounds, Door From Primary Closet To Laundry Room, Pendant Prewires Over Kitchen Island, Upgraded Flooring Including 12x24'' Avery White Tile At Upstairs Baths And Laundry As well as Polaris Lighthouse Luxury Vinyl Plank Downstairs, And Upgraded Carpet. Pavered Driveway, Walkway And Porch.

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1840 N 36th Drive Show Low, AZ 85901

$649,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6613082

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream mountain retreat nestled in the picturesque community of Country Club Manor. This charming home offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its beautiful surroundings, modern amenities, and thoughtful design, this property is sure to captivate both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing getaway. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an inviting and open floor plan that seamlessly combines functionality and comfort. The spacious living room features large windows that flood the space with natural light and provide incredible views. This is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures or to gather with friends and family.

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12011 S 185th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$649,500

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,543 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766444

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 4-bedroom 3-bathroom Shea home is nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac which bumps right up to the Sonoran Desert Mountain! Walk up the paver driveway to the charming gated courtyard and enter into your new home with an elegant trey crown molding ceiling. This home boasts neutral wood like tile throughout as you enter an open kitchen and great room. The open concept living space features a soaring ceiling with large windows and a generous sliding glass door allowing natural light which gives the area a warm comfortable setting. The kitchen has a gas range and gourmet hood, silk granite countertops and upgraded elegant white cabinetry. A few steps away, relax in the great room with surround sound speakers which add to entertainment and comfort. The backyard is fully landscaped with pavers and gorgeous travertine along with a louvered pergola with ceiling fans, misters, and smart LED lighting where you can sit and cool off on a hot summer day or night. A few other upgrades to mention in this one of a kind home is the owned solar system, water treatment and softener, epoxy floor garage, and convenient storage racks and shelfing. The Estrella Mountain Ranch has amazing amenities which include two clubhouses, pools, lakes, restaurants, hiking trails, and tennis and pickleball just to name a few. This is a must see, so arrange a tour today!

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18789 E Blue Sky Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$649,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,537 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751220

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home is like new, lightly lived in, over $73,000 in upgrades at time of purchase directly from the builder. Featuring 12 ft. ceilings, light and bright, open great room, perfect for the lock and leave resident. Located on the golf course, home is part of the Tonto Verde golf community, with 36 holes of golf, gated, pool and fitness room. Great clubhouse with dining. You are automatically a social member of the club with dining and clubhouse privileges. Golf memberships available! Golf Cart access to Tonto Verde via a dedicated path from Blue Sky. This unit is the larger of the floor plans offered.

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42715 N Courage Trail Anthem, AZ 85086

$649,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,458 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777081

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will be blown away by the stunning Anthem property located in Anthem Parkside. This former model home has 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, a separate den/office and a great room! This home sits on a 10,000 sqft lot with a 3 car garage. The kitchen has ample amounts of storage and opens up to the living room where you can relax and get cozy by the fireplace. The master bathroom has dual sinks, walk in closet, garden tub and shower. The backyard is equipped with everything you need to entertain in the extremely inviting oasis. Enjoy the Bullfrog Hot Tub under the stars while your chef created master piece cooks in the wood fire pizza oven. To top off a lovely evening serve up a slice of pizza under the pergola while staying warm by the fire pit to create a unique dining experience

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44529 N 44th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85087

Open House

$649,336

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,394 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723522

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New home ready for move in. Single-story Calrosa floorplan with Territorial style exterior. This open floor plan features three bedrooms plus a flex room that can serve as a home office, game room or sitting area. The owner's suite has a spacious walk-in closet and bathroom with two separate vanities, separate tub and tiled shower. The spacious kitchen features stainless steel wall oven with gas cooktop, and a large island with ample sitting space. The stylish cabinetry in a creamy white tone is complemented by upgraded quartz countertops and wood color plank tile. Great home with spacious sitting and socializing areas. Home warranty included.

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10015 W Verde Lane Avondale, AZ 85392

$649,250

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,654 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748882

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Find your dream home at Acclaim- Fulton Home's newest master planned community! The Seal Rock is an amazing home featuring 10' ceilings, 8' doors, gourmet kitchen and Atrium glass door to patio. Also included: 2'' faux wood blinds, ceiling fans, paver driveways and much more. Fulton homes are 'Zero Energy Ready' and include tankless water heaters, spray foam insulation, electric vehicle ready and pre plumbing for solar installation. Residents of this incredible community will enjoy an aquatic center with a community pool, basketball courts, pickle ball, sand volleyball, bocce ball, greenbelts and children's playgrounds. This home has an estimated completion date of Fall 2024. Buyer may be able to upgrade appliances at an additional cost.

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22909 N Las Positas Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$649,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,837 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776318

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxurious living in this exquisite 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom + Den home, perfectly positioned within the exclusive Corte Bella Country Club. Offering privacy and elegance, this San Ysidro model spans 1,837 sq ft and is ideally situated with breathtaking views of the 13th fairway and green. The home features a redesigned kitchen with white cabinetry, designer backsplash, upgraded countertops, and a full stainless steel appliance package. Recent upgrades include a 2022 new A/C unit, a 2018 water heater, and a 2023 irrigation system overhaul. Enjoy a resort-style backyard providing a private escape with extended patios, multiple entertaining areas, fresh gravel, 2020 misters, and a newer BBQ Bar Top. Perfect for relaxing enjoying the views or hosting lively gatherings. The custom media wall with a fireplace and the den wall changed with entrance off the hallway enhance this home's charm and functionality, especially with den having its own private exit to patios. Secure your piece of paradise in this gated community, renowned for its seclusion and refined living. Don't miss out on this popular San Ysidro model with golf views from almost every room, a gem for those seeking luxury and comfort.

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1024 E Mountain Vista Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$649,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765395

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow ! Great single level home with no neighbors behind, creating beautiful mtn views of So Mountain from the fam rm & main suite ! This home borders a wash & the quiet street which borders the local park. Beautiful wood floors thru-out most of the home. Gorgeous granite counters & white cabinets in the kitchen, which is open to the family room, & separated by the kitchen breakfast bar island. Pantry is behind the door labeled ''Private''. The formal liv/din rooms at the house entrance is currently furnished as a large liv rm. The office has a double door (no closet). The beautiful main suite is at the back of the house, w/sep tub & shower/ walk-in closet/ private toilet/ twin sinks & view of S Mtn. The backyard is a gorgeous oasis w/ pool/ mural walls/ meditation areas & beautiful views !

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202 S Sunset Pass Payson, AZ 85541

$649,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748539

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Dream Home on the Rim in Payson - surrounded by gorgeous custom homes and less than 7 min from Renowned Golf Club at Chaparral Pines & The Rim Club, less than a mile from Safeway grocery store and convenient shopping, dining, gas & bank. Buyers able to select Cabinet Color, Granite Color, Interior & Exterior Paint and Flooring if under contract before install. Not much around here under $700K so hurry - estimated time of completion 12/01/2024- just in time to enjoy for the winter! Additional Photos of this home will be posted as it progresses. Buyer to verify all facts & figures.

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