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

1212 E Indianola Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85014

Open House

$614,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,738 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this well-built 1950s mid-century modern with a total 2023 remodel from top to bottom. Upgrades include a new roof, new electrical panel, dual pane windows, energy efficient HVAC, all new flooring, fully upgraded kitchen with huge island and quartz countertops, all new appliances, newly renovated bathrooms, paver patio, sidewalk and driveway, tankless water heater, irrigation system. On suite bathroom in the master bedroom with a walk-in closet, 3 additional large bedrooms, as well as a bonus room/home office. Step out into privacy in your fully fenced backyard with a beautiful patio to enjoy the Arizona sunshine! Located in the heart of Central Phoenix minutes from downtown, Arcadia/Biltmore and highway 51. This is truly the perfect location!

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23969 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684307

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your exquisite new home residence. Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. Popular multi-generational living layout. Talk about curb appeal. Love at first site with the modern upgraded elevation. The inviting front entrance opens up t a very spacious layout. Abundance of much desirable features including spacious great room open to gourmet kitchen complimented by10 ft ceilings and center meet door to open to the covered patio and backyard. Perfect for all gatherings. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living or a flex space that an be utilized best for your desired livability. Jack and jill bathroom off bedroom 2 & 3 . Split

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21864 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730732

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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16711 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,664 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767427

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This Parklane floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a garage extension, and a glass no-step walk-in shower. Notable features include 8' interior doors, built-in appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and gas stubs in the kitchen, backyard for BBQ, and laundry for a gas dryer.

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37750 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This captivating Flagstaff floorplan features an expansive great room, Media room, Extra Suite with kitchenette, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary suite and resort like bath with freestanding tub. The great room and adjacent patio are ideal for hosting gatherings. The tandem 4 car garage is perfect for storing offroad toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price 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.

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32018 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,012 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755506

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Larkspur - 4 bed/3 full baths. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers. Upper and lower cabinets at owner's entry, and cabs in laundry room. AZT Steel gray granite tops in kitchen and all baths. Upgrade flooring - Mohawk Wood laminate Driftwood in all areas except beds & closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. PHOTOS OF THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.

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2212 W Chisum Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$614,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784079

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Perata plan, a 3 bedrrom, 2.5 bathroom floorplan offering 1,976 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior with artificial turf in the front yard enhancing the home's curb apeal. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry, you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every corner of this beautifully crafted home. Stepping into the home, the white paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned create a sense of grandeur. This home's kitchen and greatroom open to a spacious outdoor space with a gas stub for BBQ ensuring the possibilities of effortless outdoor entertaining. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features stainless steel GE appliances including a 36'' chimney hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. There are white-painted 42 upper shaker cabinets at the kitchen perimeter and shale cabinets at the island with satin nickel and matte black hardware. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen stainless steel kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms feature Moen Eva 8 widespread brush nickel premium faucets. The bathrooms continue the theme of elegance with shale painted shaker cabinets and crisp white cultured marble tops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs, bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable 6x36 Natural wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts a serene 12x24 AZ Futura Tile in the shade Ivory which compliment the enlarged primary bath shower with white cultured marble surrounds and 3/8 glass, perfect for unwinding after a long day. All flooring is elegantly trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. This home is complemented by a soft water loop located in the garage for added convenience. Union Park offers Tree-lines streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and 5,500 sq ft recreation center with resort style pool and kiddie pool, shared ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment, and shopping.

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11458 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,474 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787361

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..

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865 S Oak Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

New

$614,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,243 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787824

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!

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3043 E Rose Lane Phoenix, AZ 85016

$614,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696353

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.

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21225 W Wilshire Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$614,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see

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3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$614,857

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.

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