3 Questions to Ask If You Want to Buy Your Dream Home

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.

Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help determine if now is a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place? 

This is truly the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money.

For example, a survey by Braun showed that over 75% of parents say “their child’s education is an important part of the search for a new home.”

This survey supports a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University which revealed that the top four reasons Americans buy a home have nothing to do with money. They are:

• A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
• A place where you and your family feel safe
• More space for you and your family
• Control of that space

What does owning a home mean to you? What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of homes sold in December (the latest data available) was $232,200, up 4.0% from last year. This increase also marks the 58th consecutive month with year-over-year gains.

If we look at the numbers year over year, CoreLogic forecasted a rise by 4.7% from December 2016 to December 2017. On a home that costs $250,000 today, that same home will cost you an additional $11,750 if you wait until next year.

What does that mean to you?

Simply put, with prices increasing each month, it might cost you more if you wait until next year to buy. Your down payment will also need to be higher in order to account for the higher price of the home you wish to buy.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long-term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by even a small increase in mortgage rates.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, and Fannie Mae have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase over the next twelve months, as you can see in the chart below:

Bottom Line

Only you and your family will know for certain if now is the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.  Give me a call for some professional advice – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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838 E Harvard Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$668,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,733 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6706778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This property features four spacious bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and a luxurious primary suite upstairs. The loft overlooks a grand living room, offering an open and airy feel. The farmhouse-style kitchen is a chef's delight, perfectly blending rustic charm with modern amenities. The family room, complete with a cozy fireplace, is ideal for gatherings and relaxation. Architectural creativity shines throughout this home, with the primary suite boasting a modern design, a custom barn door bathroom enclosure, a garden tub, and a separate shower. Step outside to your own private oasis: an expansive backyard with artificial turf, diving pool, large yard, built-in BBQ, and a dedicated dog-run. New AC and Pool Pump 2022 EV Hookup in 3 car garage. New roof 10/2024 Located on a corner lot in a tranquil cul-de-sac, this home promises both privacy and community charm. This home is ideally situated close to Freestone Park in the coveted Circle G Meadows community. With no HOA and plenty of room for your RV and toys, you'll enjoy both convenience and freedom. Don't miss the opportunity to own this unique, beautifully designed home! Seller is willing to contribute flooring allowance to enhance a cohesive look throughout.

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3012 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$668,880

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,419 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6629974

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom plus den condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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2440 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

Open House

$668,680

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,511 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748781

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW HOME at Aster! This home offers 2,511 sq ft of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large 2-car garage, walk-in closets in every bedroom and the primary and secondary bedrooms feature their own ensuite bathrooms for added privacy and comfort This home features the Elevated Design package of upgrades, including 42' White cabinets, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, large island, luxury vinyl plank and tile floors, stainless-steel GE Profile kitchen appliances and single bowl sink. Bathrooms have quartz countertops & Kohler undermount sinks. Quality and energy efficient tankless hot water heater, Tech Shield roof barrier & wet cellulose insulation. Union Park, residents can indulge in amenities including a resort, pool, clubhouse, Pickleball courts, playgrounds and more

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12312 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$668,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,497 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696707

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4-bedroom 3-bathroom home that boasts 10 foot ceilings, 8 foot interior doors and a 3 car garage. Designer finishes throughout make this home as beautiful as it is functional. The gourmet kitchen features an oversized island, upgraded countertops and cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances. You will love the finishes throughout the home including designer selected tile flooring, upgraded carpet and pad in all bedrooms and gorgeous backsplash in the kitchen and Owner's Bath. Find time for yourself in your huge Owner's Retreat with a large bathroom featuring a Super Shower with tile surrounds and oversized walk in closet. Your 16' multi-slide glass door opens to a large covered patio and oversized backyard. 2x6 construction and extensive new home warranty.

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3802 W Mission Lane Phoenix, AZ 85051

$668,000

7 Beds

4 Baths

2,618 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763951

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Calling all Investors, This turn-key house provides immediate cash flow, with individual rooms already rented out. (pad split). The property includes six fully furnished bedrooms designed for maximum rental income, as well as a separate one-bedroom, one-bath guest house. This arrangement provides flexible living options and helps to offset mortgage costs while generating a reliable income stream. With its appealing features and prime location, this property serves as both a smart investment and a cozy home.

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3734 E Rochelle Circle Mesa, AZ 85215

$667,970

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,972 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

End of year builder inventory closeout, price cut to sell. Charming Farmhouse style in new gated infill neighborhood. EOY completion Great infill location with desirable schools, EZ freeway access during the weekdays and a great gateway location for the weekends to head to the Salt River watershed lakes, mountains or a local hike! Nice finishes: 8' IRON front door, KitchenAid appliance pkg, white Shaker style cabinets with tall uppers w/ LED lights underneath Thick quartz kitchen tops, Subway tile backsplash. Wood look tile throughout, NO CARPET! 3 car tandem garage features a side door with paver path to front driveway. Stereo and Security prewire. 8' interior doors with oil rubbed bronze hardware and fixtures. Builder finance incentives. Taxes est. Most pics are of a model home

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15402 W Old Oak Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$667,400

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,529 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765107

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME TO MARLEY PARK WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE PLEASURE OF FINE LIVING. COME VISIT THIS AMAZING HOME AND FALL IN LOVE WITH IT. BEAUTIFUL UPGRADES: TILE FLOORING,GRANITE COUNTER TOPS,WHITE CABINETES,BACKSPLASH TILE,SS APPLIANCES, SPACIOUS ROOMS: DINNING,BEDROOMS & FAMILY RM. ENJOY THE OUTDOOR ON YOUR OWN POOL AND COVER PATIO WITH UPGRADES TO DELIGHT YOUR VIEW. WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO DESCRIBE THIS BEAUTY.SOLAR PANELS ARE PAID OFF.YOU MUST IMMERSE YOURSELF IN IT. UPSTAIRS LOFT HAS BEEN USED AS A 2ND MASTER BEDROOM.

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2442 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

Open House

$667,100

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785157

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! 2,455 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, Loft and a 2-car garage. All three bedrooms have their own bathroom. Highly upgraded Elite package of upgrades including 42'' white cabinets, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, a large island, GE Profile stainless-steel gas appliances & single bowl sink. Upgraded carpet, LVP and tile flooring & undermount Kohler bathroom sinks. Large 2 car garage with 18' wide door. Union Park, residents can indulge in amenities including a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, Resort pool, Pickleball courts, playgrounds, basketball courts and 11 Parks. Central Location to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment. Access to 3 different freeways within 15 minutes and be at the airport in 30 minutes.

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2726 S Rita Lane Tempe, AZ 85282

$667,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,481 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6771207

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home located in the heart of Tempe boasts five bedrooms and three full bathrooms in a split floor plan. As you walk into an open living room there is a formal dining room off to the side. It has a spacious updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets and a premium induction range and double oven among other state of the art appliances. This home has two master bedrooms, one with a large soaking tub. All bathrooms are updated, and all the bedrooms are large with plenty of closet space, plus 2 hall closets and additional cabinet storage along the hallway.There is a sun/Arizona room that has A/C giving you more space and living area. The home has large front and back yards with easy to keep irrigated landscaping. The home is close to ASU and downtown Tempe, and sits in a good neighborhood for walking and with nearby parks. This home is perfect for any lifestyle but would also make an excellent investment property with close proximity to ASU, and Tempe dining and retail. It is also conveniently near Mesa shopping and Asian grocery markets, and with Scottsdale just a short drive away. Welcome to your Next Home!

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7824 E Quintana Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$665,515

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6788443 March 2025 Completion! The Winsor is a thoughtfully designed 2-story floor plan offering 2,883 sq. ft. of living space with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and a versatile loft. As the second largest design in the Discovery Collection at Hawes Crossing, this home features a bright formal dining room at the front, perfect for enjoying natural light. The open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room provide an ideal setting for entertaining family and friends. A multi-generational suite on the main floor includes its own bathroom and living space, while the remaining bedrooms and a customizable loft—perfect for a playroom, study, or additional living area—are upstairs. The primary suite offers a spacious walk-in closet and double sinks, delivering comfort and convenience for modern living. Structural options include: multi-gen suite, formal dining.

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1227 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$665,208

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,488 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740174

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock, where our 2-story Skylar design is under construction now. Open-concept floor plan featuring huge and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, spacious great room that opens up to your private, covered outdoor room. Downstairs office and additional flex room. Convenience of the 4-car garage with 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, this home has room for everything! Plus, we're including $43,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help. Home completion is estimated in October 2024

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2280 E Snowflake Drive Pinetop-lakeside, AZ 85929

$665,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738835

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful cabin home located in the prestigious gated community of Pineridge Estates in Pinetop.This home is located on a nice lot with great curb appeal. This home has been gently used as a second home . Once you enter the door, you will be greeted by the open floorplan and vaulted ceilings.The kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space for all of your dining needs. A dedicated dining area to host your guests and family. The large family room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace with stone from floor to ceiling is an eye catcher and will be the focal point of this space. Upstairs is the the primary bedroom and two secondary bedrooms. The primary has its own combination tub/shower and walk in closet. The two secondary bedrooms also offer a loft which has been a fun area for kids to hang out in and have as a fort. There is a large loft that adds so much extra living space to the home. This is a great place to cozy up on the couch and watch movies while enjoying the views of all the surrounding windows.Enjoy the scenery from your back and front patio..many relaxing evenings enjoyed sitting and watching the sunsets. This home is located in close proximity to town and wonderful shops and restaurants. The home is 30 minutes from Sunrise Ski Resort and many lakes located in the area. This home has been recently painted on the exterior....offers two hot water heaters for much hot water needs. It is hard to find a home with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a loft in a community such as Pineridge Estates.

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