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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21248 N 262nd Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$675,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,442 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767184

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GOLF COURSE JOURNEY WITH CART GARAGE AND A SEPARATE ENTRY FOR GUEST SUITE IN THE FRONT OF THE HOME. A private courtyard leads to the custom entry door. Inside are tile floors throughout the living areas and carpeted bedrooms. Upgrades include Solar Panels, Custom Wood Media Wall, two sets of sliding doors to the extended patio, Built-in BBQ and more. See the list in the documents tab. But perhaps the most valuable: THE LOCATION and the VIEW.

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1600 W Ashley Way Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,612 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775662

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this beautifully designed 3-bedroom tucked away among towering ponderosa pines on a private cul-de-sac of the desirable University Highlands neighborhood. The open-concept kitchen features elegant quartz countertops with a waterfall edge, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar. The kitchen seamlessly connects with the warm living room that has vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace. The living room takes you to the spacious covered patio that sits high up in the trees giving you a sense of peace and privacy! This home has a split floor plan with the primary suite situated at the back of the house, complete with a private deck that gives backyard access. The large walk-in closet has custom built-ins and is well suited for your entire wardrobe. A luxurious primary bath has an executive height counter, dual vanity, and a shower with a trio of high-end fixtures. Did we mention there is a giant crawlspace that could easily be converted to a sizeable workshop? All this with no HOA and a close proximity to NAU, town and amenities.

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7318 E Palo Verde Drive Unit 16 Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,489 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782873

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This easy-to-maintain, single-level townhome is nestled in the Villa Palo Verde community, just minutes from the vibrant heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a den, and a 2-car garage, this home is perfect for year-round living, a second home retreat, or an investment property (with min. 3-month rental). Step through the private, gated courtyard into the great room, where wood plank ceilings and skylights create a light atmosphere. The home features tile flooring throughout, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and granite tile counters in the kitchen. Recent updates include a new HVAC system (2021), water heater (2022), and freshly recoated flat roof (2023). Relax on the large patio or take a short stroll across the street to the community pool.

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10609 E Evergreen Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$675,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,384 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Nestled in a serene all single-story community with breathtaking mountain views, this immaculate home on a corner lot offers an open-concept design perfect for entertaining. A luxurious sliding glass wall invites natural light and seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The modern kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Relax in the spacious primary suite with a spa-like ensuite bathroom. Enjoy outdoor entertaining on the private patio overlooking the beautifully landscaped backyard. Additional features include a comfortable home office, laundry room with cabinets & plantation shutters throughout. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home today!

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25720 N 140th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779155

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready to Live in Your Dream Home? This 3 bed, 3 bath beauty is packed with jaw-dropping updates and designer touches that make it feel like a luxury retreat - but with all the comfort of home. From the moment you enter, you'll be struck by the natural light pouring in through oversized windows and the stunning herringbone plank tile flooring. Every room has been carefully designed with modern ceiling fans and lighting. It's all about the details here. The kitchen? Wow. Think extended island with a farmhouse sink, touchless faucet, sleek quartz countertops, and custom soft-close cabinets. Plus, with top-tier KitchenAid and Bosch appliances, cooking feels like a dream. The master suite is your own private escape. The en-suite bathroom features a custom shower with multiple heads and heated floors for that spa-like vibe. Need entertainment? There's a superhero-themed game room -- yes, you read that right. And for the ultimate hangout, the backyard is it. A custom BBQ station, an amazing pool with a water wall and bubblers, plus a covered patio that's perfect for hosting large parties or just chilling with a cold drink. Low-maintenance artificial turf and outdoor lighting that you can remotely adjust. On top of all this, you've got solar panels for energy efficiency, plus a 2-car and RV garage with climate control. This home isn't just beautiful -it's designed for an extraordinary way to live. Come see what makes this place so special!

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15881 W Berkeley Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$675,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,911 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782706

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This former model home is an absolute dream and has it all. Move in ready at its finest. Upgraded Anderson windows. Exterior screen doors on East side of home and front door, Custom Shutters and blinds, Remote shade on front door, New kitchen lighting, Epoxy Coated oversized garage flooring with 3 storage areas and an office, Patio door with second bottom lock, Newer AC unit, Reverse Osmosis Water System, Soft water System, Waterless Tank Hot water Unit new in 2023, Extra insulation above garage, Hot tub, 1 yr old washer and dryer set, inside and outside of home has been painted in the past 5 yrs, 3 elevated garden beds at side of house and Orange, Lime and Grapefruit trees. Firepit, Pool with water features, Garage office can also be converted into a golf cart garage, Garage has A/C

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19803 N Desert Song Court Surprise, AZ 85374

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,461 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home abounds with grace & elegance throughout! The large formal dining room & open living room are perfect for enjoying time w/ family & friends. Cool decking covered patio is a perfect place for entertaining or just enjoying your morning coffee! Den near front entrance. Master suite has bay window, large bath with jetted tub & SEPARATE SHOWER, two separate sink areas, water closet, and extra large walk-in closet. Guest bedroom has ensuite bath! Bright kitchen with bay window has double door pantry and extended length breakfast area with center island. Neutral tile & carpet in all the right places & surround T/O. Powder room is a great plus in this model! The golf cart garage & built in cabinets AND LEASED SOLAR are the frosting on the cake!

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2120 N 125th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$675,000

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,751 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this expansive 3,751 sq. ft. home, situated on a desirable cul-de-sac corner lot. Features 4 Bedrooms + Loft: Four spacious bedrooms located upstairs alongside a large loft with a private balcony ideal for lounging or entertaining.Fresh flooring throughout, new carpet, updated paint, and stylish light fixtures create a polished, contemporary feel. Flexible Main Floor, Formal living and dining rooms, a sizable eat-in kitchen overlooking the cozy family room, and a den with a closet that can be converted into a 5th bedroom or home office. Fully updated kitchen with new appliances, sleek finishes, and plenty of space for entertaining or family meals. 3-Car Garage with Plenty of storage space. and Paid Solar.

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4506 E Matt Dillon Trail Cave Creek, AZ 85331

New

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788203

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the desirable Dove Valley Ranch in Cave Creek, where community and quality come together. This gated enclave features Shea Homes, renowned for their enduring craftsmanship. The home boasts stunning mountain views and a private lot with open space on the side and back. Inside, you'll find engineered hardwood floors, newer appliances, updated cabinets, and granite countertops. Enjoy the convenience of a built-in vacuum, an updated pool and heater, a large covered patio, and a built-in BBQ. The home also features a newer AC system. Move-in ready, this home is ideally situated near playgrounds, a golf course, and numerous walking, biking, and hiking trails. Plus, shopping, dining, entertainment, and highway access are all within easy reach. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity!!

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1750 E Ocotillo Road Unit 2 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$675,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786857

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover a rare opportunity to own this designer townhome in the exclusive community of the Villas at 1800. Nestled on a quiet road, with 3 private balconies to view of Piestewa Peak, this gated and highly sought-after neighborhood offers unparalleled privacy and charm. Homes in this community are seldom available, making this an exceptional find. This fully updated, two-story Santa Barbara-style townhouse greets you with soaring vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes the master suite, laundry, kitchen, and living areas on the main floor, while upstairs cable railing leads you to a spacious loft and access to two generously sized bedrooms. With a private courtyard entrance and a low-maintenance backyard, this townhouse is more than move-in readyit's ready to impress. This home was completely updated in 2021, with fresh paint and flooring throughout the house and garage, upgraded baseboards, and new wood tile flooring in the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. The kitchen boasts updated cabinets and brand-new Frigidaire stainless steel appliances. The master suite features custom lighting, and the master bathroom has been completely transformed with a new vanity, flooring, toilet, and large walk-in shower. Upstairs, you'll find brand new carpet and a remodeled bathroom. With a private courtyard entrance and a low-maintenance backyard, this townhouse offers both practicality and an inviting appeal. Additional features include a water softener, reverse osmosis spout at the kitchen sink. Both A/C units were replaced in 2019 and the hot water heater was replaced in 2020. The community also features a sparkling pool and convenient guest parking. Located just steps from the canal and biking/walking path, you'll enjoy effortless access to outdoor adventures, including nearby hiking trails and breathtaking views of Piestewa Peak. The prime location also places you within walking or biking distance of some of Phoenix's best restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations. Conveniently close to the Biltmore area, the 51 freeway, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and top-tier retail and grocery stores, this home perfectly balances tranquility and urban convenience.

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1676 W Cavedale Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,889 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783266

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Fireside, where community and convenience meet! This 3-bedroom + office, 2-bath home offers a warm, inviting space perfect for couples or small families. Nestled in a vibrant community, residents enjoy access to top-notch amenities, including a sparkling pool, children's water play area, tennis courts, rock climbing wall, fitness center, and regular community events. Inside, the open layout flows seamlessly, making it perfect for gatherings. Step outside to a spacious backyard with brand-new turf, ideal for outdoor games and relaxation. With quick access to Highway 17 and proximity to Taiwan Semiconductor, this home combines comfort and connectivity. Fireside awaits you! Don't miss this one.

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6861 W Dale Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$675,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,319 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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