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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454 E Hackamore Street Mesa, AZ 85203

Open House

$674,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778415

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Completely renovated modern Spanish farmhouse style home in the heart of Mesa. This home has all the bells and whistles, and no stone has been unturned. Awesome split ranch layout that provides total privacy for the master. Everything is new in this home, including stylish waterproof & scratch-proof flooring throughout. At the heart of the home is a chef's kitchen with plenty of shaker cabinets, a gorgeous 6' square quartz waterfall island, and all GE Profile stainless steel appliances. The kitchen includes a herringbone backsplash for that extra touch of elegance. Huge open floor plan that's ideal for large gatherings of family & friends. Luxurious tile work in both the master and hall bath with Kohler sinks and matte black Delta faucets. Stylish doors and moldings throughout with four sets of barn doors with custom heavy-duty hardware that all slide like butter. A beautiful 48 rustic barn door leads into the large master bath, which includes a private toilet. Matte black windows with 3 sets of sliders open to a yard featuring a large turf area, herringbone patio with special lighting, and a Pergola that screams five-star resort living. Brand new 5-ton AC unit and a freshly painted roof with Kool Seal paint help reduce energy costs up to 30% per manufacturer. Custom deco wall in the dining area, shiplap walls, and sleek benches by the front foyer add those extra special touches. Stylish flaked epoxy garage floor and beautiful lighting fixtures throughout are just the icing on the cake. Great schools and a serene, peaceful neighborhood complete the package. This is the house you've been waiting for, so run, don't walk!

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5393 Crescent Edge Drive Prescott, AZ 86301

Open House

$674,999

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783801

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE IMPROVEMENT !! MOTIVATED SELLER... Beautiful Former Model Home in the beautiful Granite Dells neighborhood. This home features 1656 sq ft home, 2 bedrooms plus den/office, 2 full bathrooms, and an open floor plan. Custom tile fireplace, quartz counters, KitchenAid appliances, washer, dryer and refrigerator included! Tile shower with a separate tub in the primary bathroom. Energy efficient, Owned Solar, epoxy garage floors with built-in cabinets and work bench. Low maintenance landscaping. Spacious backyard for entertaining with new outdoor kitchen/ BBQ or enjoy the views and sunsets. Enjoy neighborhood amenities, which are recently upgraded, that include a pool, pickleball and workout room. Easy access to Prescott & Prescott Valley.

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3419 W Thoreau Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$674,998

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,366 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750368

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Live the Anthem Lifestyle! This MOVE IN READY home has an EXCELLENT FLOOR PLAN w/ 2 large flex rooms PLUS HUGE loft. Downstairs has the primary bedroom/bath PLUS 2nd bedroom & full bath. Upstairs has Large bedrooms, jacknjill bath & 4th bathroom. Wonderful features include; VAULTED ceilings,2 NEW HVAC, NEW Hot water Heater, NEW PAINT inside & out, NEW Granite, NEW jacuzzi showers, NEW LVP, carpet & more! Relax in the backyard oasis w/ extended covered patio, POOL, SPA & WATERFALL. A grassy park is across the street for neighborhood fun! The Anthem Community LIFESTYLE includes a 63 acre park w/ Big Splash Water Park, ball fields, large workout facility, tennis, Pickleball, Bball & volleyball courts, skate park, plus large pond! Minutes to I-17, outlet mall, restaurants & shopping!

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3172 W Via Dona Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$674,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,375 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774426

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. The Great Room, kitchen and dining room share an open floorplan that serves as the heart of this single-level home, leading out to a covered patio through sliding glass doors. The owner's suite is privately tucked away at the back, while three more bedrooms and a bonus room complete the residence. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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18955 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$674,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the beautiful Topaz with a lot large enough for an 8' gate. All bedrooms have walk-in closets. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. 12x8 sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Stainless steel 36'' gas cooktop, wall oven, microwave, and glass canopy hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with pullout trash drawer. DT White Ice granite countertops in the kitchen with undermount single bowl sink. Garage service door, 8' tall garage door with two remotes. Upgrade flooring includes DT 6x36 vicinity Honey tile in all areas except bedrooms and closets. Dual sink in bath 2, gas stub for future BBQ, interior two tone paint and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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18593 E Ranch Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

$674,978

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,553 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751752

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Do not miss this beautifully remodeled 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in masterplanned community of Cortina in Queen Creek! Sitting on a corner lot, across from one of the community parks, the curb apeal is unmatched with new professional landscaping. The front porch is perfect for your morning coffee, watching the kids play or chatting with the neighbors. Walk inside and you are greeted by an open, light and bright floorpan! Just remodeled with new tile, upgraded carpet, cabinet doors, countertops, paint, fixtures, hardware and more! This dream kitchen offers lots of storage with white shaker cabinet doors, gorgeous quartz countertops and black accessories. Look out over the large island to the great room, with plenty of space for a large kitchen table, sectionals, couches or more! Perfect for spending quality family time or for entertaining. The primary suite is spacious and private with a spa like en suite! Offering Corian surrounds, separate tub and shower and a walk in closet with ample storage! The secondary bedroom with it's own en suite offer privacy for guests, or would be a perfect home office space! The split floorpan perfectly offers 3 more large bedrooms and bathroom. Out back is a true oasis with all new turf, plants and enough stamped concrete for dining or lounging! Do not miss out, schedule your appointment today!

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3165 E Indigo Bay Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$674,950

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,274 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765310

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in a desirable Gilbert neighborhood, this spacious 4-bed, 2-bath home is a perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Set on a North/South-oriented lot with no rear neighbors, enjoy peace and privacy along with stunning features inside and out. Step into an open-concept living and dining area with vaulted ceilings that create an airy and inviting atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a center island perfect for meal prep and casual dining. The split floor plan offers maximum privacy, with the primary suite featuring a cozy sitting area, direct access to the backyard, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. The spacious backyard is an entertainer's paradise.

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29408 N 244th Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$674,950

5 Beds

2 Baths

3,100 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled custom home on premium corner lot. No HOA. Large lot that can accommodate guest quarters, RV storage, pool, or horse set up. Mountain views. Tiffany style chandelier in foyer. Archway with wood Vega poles. 3 skylights create light & bright interior. Stainless appliances. Large pantry. Master bathroom with freestanding shower, tub, & walk in closet. Laundry room with custom cabinets & built in wine cooler. Energy saving synthetic stucco. $Priced below appraisal(see doc tab).

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15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 1141 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$674,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,401 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666784

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

! BACK ON MARKET newly PAINTED upgrade MAY 2024. MOVE IN READY Kierland Greens condo. This roomy 2-bed, 2-bath condo delivers lots of natural light. Large & bright living room with top of the line travertine flooring, crown molding & plantation shutters. Beautiful granite countertops in kitchen with a convenient pantry, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinet space. Primary bedroom provides a private bathroom with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and an enclosed glass shower. Situated near all the action of Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter and stunning golf courses. Easily get your steps in while having fun! Kierland Greens has all the beautiful ammenities one would expect. Very low turnover in this community. Beautifully maintained complex with pool and gym. Make it yours!

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3438 W Little Hopi Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$674,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,423 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771166

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Desirable corner lot with gorgeous shade trees, paver driveway and an RV gate. Large 2423 square foot single level floor plan with a dedicated den off the entry, a large formal dining area and a spacious kitchen with a diagonal island opening to the family room. Great master suite with all the amenities. Lots of storage space throughout. Large laundry room with space for an extra frig or freezer. Neutral color paint and carpet. All appliances included. Private backyard with a large patio for entertaining and a sparkling pool.

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1243 N Ambrosia -- Mesa, AZ 85205

$674,900

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,097 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776563

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

stunning 5 bedroom 4 bathroom completed updated rare basement home with pool. this rare home boasts ample living space, professional designer touches and remodeled by licensed contractor. owner agent with fast answers. home is also available for rent or lease purchase.

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1331 S Illinois Court Chandler, AZ 85286

$674,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,334 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779533

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this lovely home in PRIME CHANDLER LOCATION! This single level, 2334 sf, 4 bedroom home offers about everything you could possibly need. Open concept floorpan, eat-in kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, island w/ barstool seating, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. Primary suite includes soaking tub, separate walk-in glass shower, and large walk in closet. This home sits on a nice cul-de-sac lot and is a great home for entertaining! East facing backyard has pebble-tec pool, built-in BBQ w/ bar seating, and mini fridge and covered patio with misting system and speakers. Charming curb appeal with paver slab for additional parking at RV gate and slab behind gate for all your toys! Garage features epoxy floors, built-in cabinets with workbench, and storage racks. All around GREAT HOME and Chandler Excelling Schools.

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