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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28887 N 126th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780837

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Libertas model on an OVERSIZED pie-shaped GOLF COURSE LOT in the gated community of Trilogy at Vistancia! Private gated paver courtyard as you enter, great place to sip your morning coffee. Step inside to the seamless open floor plan, gas fireplace in the living room, spacious den, large kitchen island, NEW APPLIANCES & breakfast room. Multiple large windows & slider glass door lets you enjoy the wonderful open golf course & mountain views. Cozy up by the exterior fireplace on cold chilly nights & take in the gorgeous desert scenery. Oversized lot of 10,000 sq ft, north/south facing w/ 3 separate patio areas & fruit trees. Brand new carpet in both bedrooms. Extended garage has built-in cabinets, water softener, RO system & central vacuum. The community of Vistancia is a master- planned development that includes beautiful homes, parks & hiking trails, award winning community centers & golf courses, commercial & retail shops, along with incredible rolling hills & desert landscape all around! The future 320-acre 5 North at Vistancia commercial core is coming soon. Vistancia has ranked as the #1 Master Planned Community in AZ for 10 years in a row (2014-2023)! Resort-style living at its best. Come & see why!

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16160 W Indianola Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,572 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751096

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxury resort living in an ideal location close to everything. Welcome home to one of the largest homes in Pebble Creek! This property boasts over 3500sf of living space with zero maintenance yard, 3 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, office, primary bedroom has sitting room and his and her closets, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, large open kitchen with island, formal dining room, breakfast nook and a cozy Arizona room off the kitchen. The solar panel's are a HUGE bonus to this gem adding to extremely low cooling bills!

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2167 E Browning Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777403

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

'Temporary 1-0 Buydown offered by preferred lender for qualified buyers.' Don't miss the opportunity to own this stately home in an ideal S Chandler location, offering 3 bedrooms plus a den with murphy bed and 2 baths. Enjoy 10 foot ceilings adding to the feel of space & grandeur. This wonderful home includes a split floorplan w/ separate entrance into the secondary bedrooms & bath for the ultimate luxury of privacy. This is ideal for guests or multigenerational living arrangements. The ample open kitchen includes RO, maple cabinets, granite counter tops & includes tons of storage and counter space, perfectly lending it to large gatherings. Enjoy a sizeable and serene primary suite complete with an en-suite bathroom including separate shower enclosure & tub as well as private toilet room The home has everything to suit a new owner including the addition recently of a new HVAC. The backyard is ideal for entertaining with a pebble-tec pool thoughtfully adorned with shades to protect everyone from the intense summer sun. All this and just a few minutes from the 202, 101, Downtown Chandler, Downtown Gilbert, Chandler Fashion Park, restaurants and so much more!!

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8420 E Hubbell Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,589 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Note: Professional pics will be uploaded by Tuesday)Beautiful renovated classic Scottsdale ranch home with rare (4) bedroom (2.75) bath. BRAND NEW ROOF, literally( with transferable warranty)! Updated flooring and renovated bathrooms in both master and guest. Large backyard (North facing) with extensive covered patio to enjoy with family and guests while staying shaded. The homes location is as prime as it gets. Located close to freeways and prime roads leading directly into south Scottsdale which is just minutes away for shopping and incredible restaurants. Great cozy neighborhood with no HOA. New wifi capable garage door opener, and newer water heater (2021)

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1828 E Aurelius Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$675,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

1,296 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782373

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly coveted North Phoenix area living with amazing views of Piestewa Peak Mountain Preserve! Close to a half acre lot. Unique opportunity to own this charming 1960's home. Family room with wood flooring & cozy gas fireplace. Updated kitchen with gas cooktop stove & overlooks the bonus room. Upgraded windows, plantation shutters & wood doors throughout. Two large bedrooms & 3rd bedroom is an office without a closet. Outside you have room for all your toys, huge RV gate & sport court. This home is ready to be lived in or you could remove it and built your dream custom home.

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4270 Blacksmith Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$675,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,999 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770391

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully upgraded Hotel California model in Wickenburg Ranch offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Situated on a premium corner lot, the home features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a rare find for this model, and an open floor plan designed for modern living. The upgraded kitchen boasts a large island and a premium gas stove package, ideal for home chefs and entertaining. The guest bedroom is thoughtfully extended by 2 feet, complete with an en suite bathroom for added privacy. The entire home showcases unique upgrades with stylish tile flooring, upgraded lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans throughout. Outside, the spacious backyard impresses with extensive landscaping and a large paver patio, perfect for outdoor gatherings. The three garage offers custom cabinetry, epoxy flooring, and a mini-split AC, providing extra comfort and storage solutions. This home is move-in ready with every detail meticulously planned for luxury living.

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10138 E Coopers Hawk Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

New

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,283 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a Barcelona model, featuring a very generous sized primary suite and a guest bedroom with a built in Murphy bed plus a den in the main house. There is a 1 bed/1 bath casita with a separate courtyard entry. This home has a very open floorplan with a very generous sized kitchen with hickory cabinets, corian countertops, a gas cooktop and large island.. There's a large covered patio plus an extended patio with a gazebo cover providing excellent outdoor space and a secluded view of the Oakwood golf course tee box for hole number 6. The property has a large 2 car garage plus an adjoining golf cart garage. This home is being sold basically turn key for the new owners. The Seller's are offering all the furniture, fixtures, appliances, etc. at no charge. Seller prefers 2/3/25 COE.

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4151 W Victoria Lane Chandler, AZ 85226

$675,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6785648

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Awesome Chandler home that's perfect for entertaining. This 4-bedroom, 2.5 baths home has ceramic tile in all the right places. The Kitchen features New stacked KitchenAid double ovens, farm sink with a window view, bay window, beautiful granite countertops and plenty of counter space (A Chef's Delight). A Cozy fireplace in the Family Room. The Master bedroom has a separate tub and shower, and double French doors out to a spacious covered patio. New A/C systems, new water heater, new windows and patio door, new dishwasher. Large back yard with shady trees and a side garden area. Community swimming pools, heated spa, pickle ball, tennis and basketball courts. Close to all that the Kyrene corridor has to offer, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to freeway

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7308 E Solano Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,457 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725429

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this inviting three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasting a 10' ceiling in the great room. Enjoy the large covered patio and inviting swimming pool, accessible from the living room, family room, and primary suite. The backyard features low-maintenance artificial turf, ideal for a lock-and-leave lifestyle. You'll love the updated interior panel doors and mahogany front door. The spacious primary suite offers a huge bathroom with double sinks, a separate tub, and a shower. Conveniently located near Scottsdale and Paradise Valley dining, nightclubs, shopping, arts centers, golf courses, spring training fields, hiking and bike trails, parks, and the upcoming Ritz Carlton Resort, with easy access to Loop 101. This retreat is perfect for entertaining and a wonderful place to call home!

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5235 W Davis Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,414 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655794

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Old World Charm near Tombstone! This 144 acre ranch has tons of elbow room and boasts a 1938 homestead residence featuring 1414 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. In addition there are two, 495 square foot studio/casitas with full kitchens and baths. This property is perfect for a horse operation and has a 150 x 300 roping arena and cattle pens, a 150 foot round pen, a 60 foot round pen as well as working corrals, 10 stalls and a Mare Motel! The combined 144 acres is divided into 5 pastures with water! The property is ideal for a working ranch, or a compound! The owner would consider carrying terms with a substantial downpayment!! Don't put off your plans to own a ranch/horse/cattle operation and come see this exceptional property.

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8361 E Via De Viva -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705758

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

McCormick Ranch single story townhome in PRIME Del Norte Gardens subdivision complete with community pool, tennis/pickleball and plenty of greenbelts throughout the Ranch. This home has been lovingly cared for and presents in a true Arizona Southwest fashion with custom hand painted tiles, saltillo flooring in main areas, wonderful covered patio spaces. A perfect lock and leave winter retreat. Updates include: AC (2022), water heater (2016), roof (2017). Enjoy the McCormick Ranch lifestyle!

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11625 N 40th Way Phoenix, AZ 85028

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,710 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706586

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Rare opportunity to own in the Roundhill community!! Nestled into the beauty of Stone Creek Golf Club. This immaculate 3bdrm & 2 bthrm patio home has everything you've been looking for. Open concept living area featuring vaulted ceilings with fireplace and lots of natural light. A spacious kitchen with ample room for entertaining. Enjoy dinner out on your private patio that backs on to the golf course, offering gorgeous views and tranquil privacy. You can also enjoy the views from your expansive primary suite that features a large walk-in closet, ensuite and sliding glass doors that take you to your patio. An attached 2 car garage gives you plenty of room for your vehicles and extra storage. New AC and roof were installed in 2021. This home is in a prime location close to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley providing you with multiple options for grocery stores, Costco, dining and shopping. You are also in close proximity to Piestewa Peak and Phoenix Mountain Preserve hiking trails, freeways and the Mayo clinic. Community benefits include a large swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts. Come see for yourself everything this home has to offer.

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