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

280 S Evergreen Road Unit 1333 Tempe, AZ 85288

$565,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

1,853 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693190

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Very rare 4 bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhouse in Villagio at Tempe offers a spacious and versatile layout, perfect for families , investment or for those who value extra room for guests or home offices. The LARGEST floor plan at 1853SF. 2-car garage adds convenience and storage space. Its rarity within the community, with the last 4-bedroom hitting the market three years ago, highlights its desirability and potential for investment or long-term residency. Owners replaced the areas with rugs and installed Luxury vinyl flooring, freshly painted , new window blinds.

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9854 W Ross Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$565,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678518

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This 4-bed, 2-bath home sits on a huge 15,284 Sq. Ft. lot! The home offers vaulted ceilings, a freshly painted interior, tile and laminate flooring throughout. Be greeted upon entry to a gracious amount of living space. The owner's suite boasts a walk-in closet and private bathroom offering dual sinks with a separate shower and tub. The eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and plenty of natural lighting. Make your way out back to an above ground hot tub and a SPARKLING PEBBLE FINISH POOL entirely resurfaced in 2022. Relax comfortably under the paved and extended covered patio. Here you will be conveniently located just minutes from Peoria's most popular shopping, dining and entertainment spot

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11995 E Pivot Peak -- Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$565,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,230 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3 car tandem garage w/ 8' door & lots of storage! 3 bed 2.5 bath energy efficient house in Master-planned community of Peralta in Gold Canyon. Immaculate w/ countless upgrades! Chef's kitchen features gas cooktop, maple cabinets w/ double roll-out shelves & soft-close drawers, granite counters, pendant lights & walk-in pantry. Every bedroom has walk-in closets w/ extra shelves. Upgrades include: 36'' vanities, fixtures, ceiling fans, tile throughout, extra storage area, dedicated laundry room, extended covered patio & more! Low maintenance yard w/ storage shed. Community parks, pickleball & basketball courts, covered picnic area w/ grill, corn hole, horseshoes, fire pits under twinkle lights, walking trails, children's play area. Peralta Trails Elementary School is in the community.

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36038 N Puente Alto Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$565,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,769 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717592

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning home that will deliver perfection to any buyer. Home is upscale and the sellers did many upgrades after moving into the property including glass and iron front door, upgraded springs on garage door, upgraded all appliances in property. landscaping is immaculate with fencing around property, travertine tile on patio and front entryway, electric screen enclosure on patio installed, cabinets painted, ventilation system installed. Back porch fireplace is perfect. Quiet location with privacy has a greenbelt in the back of home. Mountain views are amazing. Home is amazing please get this one while it is available.

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22663 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$565,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,165 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722640

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming home nestled in the lovely Spur Cross Community located on a corner lot next to a small green belt area. Don't miss this opportunity to have a home within a home! Gen Suite with separate exterior entrance, living area, kitchenette, bedroom and full bath. Home has additional 3 bedrooms, Great room, Kitchen Island, 42in upper Cabinets, Shutters throughout. Back yard includes covered patio, pavers and turf! Clean and move in ready!

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1723 E Windsong Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$565,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736870

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This two story 4-bed, 2.5-bath home is located in the Ahwatukee Foothills. The prime location offers an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and leisure. The fresh interior, high ceilings, ample windows create an airy and bright feel. Enjoy the comfort of the backyard with the built-in pool. Noteworthy enhancements done in 2024 include new roof, water heater, stove, showers and vanities in both bathrooms, pool resurfacing, carpet, quartz countertops, interior paint, blinds, fixtures, and landscaping. Situated within the esteemed Kyrene School District, renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, and in close proximity to The Foothills Golf Club, this property offers access to top-tier amenities and recreation, catering to a lifestyle of sophistication and convenience.

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1631 N Lynch -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740039

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tucked away in the serene community of Montecita at Mountain Bridge, this residence is charming throughout. With three spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed baths, the split floorplan gives everyone the space they need - all located on a premium lot with no neighbors behind. The private pool with water feature calls to you from the backyard oasis for the perfect cool-off - any day, any time. Community amenities galore, and less than 20 minutes' drive to Valley airports, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake & the Salt River as well as hiking trails and mountains everywhere you look. You'll find so many amazing opportunities for enjoying life in the Valley of the Sun here.

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11 E Irene Street Pearce, AZ 85625

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,384 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743046

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Approaching this beautiful, well maintained, Santa Fe style home sitting on 2.4 acres with fabulous views of the Dragoon Mountains, the first thing you will see are 18 pistachio tree. Entering the home you see a large great room from which you can walk out onto the covered patio with views of the Chiricahua Mountains. The large kitchen comes with granite countertops and an abundance of cabinet space. Step down into the main dining room featuring gorgeous Texas mesquite hardwood floors. The large main bedroom has an attached bath with walk in shower. This horse property includes a 48'x36' barn with 4 stalls, bathroom w/ shower and an additional 48'x12' of covered hay storage. The horse pasture is surrounded by electric fencing. Add to this a greenhouse with irrigation of sprinklers.

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16806 W Halifax Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$565,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,825 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745049

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Easily could be called a Next Gen-Home because it has 2 Very Lg Split ensuite Bedrooms. 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bathroom Single Level 2825 sq ft Home. Gourmet 21'X13' Chef's Kitchen w-built in Double Ovens & Microwave, Corian Counters, Lg Kitchen Island, Additional Cabinets+Pantry. Spacious Great Room with Lg Windows Inviting the out doors inside. Formal Dining Rm & Eat-In-Kitchen Nook. Home has a Solar System+with loan assumtion. Duct Work Reworked. Newer Sun Screens provide for Hi-Efficiency Ratings. The Entertaining Lg Back Yd has an Extra Lg Patio. Oversized Lot with RV gates. Home is on a Corner Lot in a Cul-de-Sac. Beautiful Grassy Basket Ball Park at the end of the Cul-de-s

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8844 E Charter Oak Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$565,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,557 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749595

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search for your new home ends here! Located in the highly sought after Pima Vista neighborhood of Scottsdale is a 2 bedroom + separate office, 2 bath, 1,557 sqft home that is priced to sell, ready for you to make it your own. The Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, living room features a charming wood burning fireplace, primary suite has a jacuzzi tub, and backyard has a covered patio with tall oleander bushes, making is feel more private. Neighborhood offers paths, greenbelts, tennis courts and a community pool. A+Schools! Don't hesitate. Put in an offer TODAY!

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7710 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 206 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$565,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

954 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755867

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

* Highly Desired unit in The Courts at Gainey Ranch; Exclusive Guard-gated Community in Heart of Scottsdale * Sunset & Mountain Views from Great Room Picture Window & Balconies; Open Layout is Light & Bright Featuring Updated Kitchen, Baths, Lighting/Fans, Custom Shades, Security/Screen Doors, Trex-style Deck off Great Room, Fireplace, Large Laundry Room with Full Sized Washer/Dryer, Private Garage with Storage, Private Balconies * Amenities include Tennis, Pickleball, Renovated Estate Club w/ State of the art Fitness Center, Rec/Entertainment, Indoor/Outdoor Bar, Olympic-sized Heated Pool & Spa; Tree-lined Paths & Park, Additional Private Courts Community Heated Pool & Spa steps away * 24/7 Security, Perfect for your Lock & Leave Lifestyle * HOA covers almost everything * Don't miss it!

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310 W Pacifico Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$565,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,874 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752715

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in the heart of Old Town Litchfield Park just a short walk from The Wigwam Resort and the new Litchfield Square which is estimated to be completed in December 2024. This charming block home is in a quiet cul-de-sac with all the desirable features such as, No HOA, RV gate, private diving pool refinished in 2023, built in BBQ and a huge covered patio on a large lot. Hardwood flooring in the living areas is original to the home and it has a brand new A/C. Pitched roof redone July 2024 and flat roof redone July 2023. Patio completely redone also 2024.

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