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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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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23120 W Skinner Road Wittmann, AZ 85361

$665,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757949

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new home on 1.4 acres with 5 bedrooms and an extended 3 car garage! NO HOA! Only a short drive to Surprise and Wickenburg. It has designer touches throughout including quartz countertops, soft close cabinets, under cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, large center island, walk-in pantry, and range hood. Perfect for entertaining w/ eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room off the great room, large sliding glass door, 10' ceilings 8' doors. Split floor plan master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets, a large tiled shower w/ double sinks and an exit to the patio.

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23154 W Skinner Road Wittmann, AZ 85361

$665,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772973

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new home with No HOA! On a fenced acre 5 bedrooms and an extended 3 car garage! Quick drive to Surprise and Wickenburg. It has designer touches throughout including quartz countertops, soft close cabinets, under cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, large center island, walk-in pantry, and range hood. Perfect for entertaining w/ eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room off the great room, large sliding glass door, 10' ceilings 8' doors. Split floor plan master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets, a large tiled shower w/ double sinks and an exit to the patio.

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14036 E Barbie Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$665,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6712488

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Desert Charmer in Scottsdale. This 1 acre horse property is ideal for outdoor living & recreational enthusiasts, We have water access to epcor!!! This home has stunning sunsets & mountain views. This 4 bed/3 bath home is open, bright & very spacious. Large kitchen & breakfast room are open to family room. Room for a horse set up on the west side of the home. The perfect balance between wilderness & city living, w/near by access to hundreds of miles of hiking/horse trails, while still being close to fine dining & shopping. Best of all NO HOA.

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6346 W Hackamore Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$665,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687811

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is well suited for anyone seeking a primary residence. Enjoy homeownership without the hassle of dealing with banks. Property Features: • Beautifully remodeled single-level home in a fantastic neighborhood • Upgraded kitchen and bathrooms with granite countertops • New black kitchen appliances • Fresh custom paint, new light fixtures and ceiling fans throughout • Vaulted ceilings and new blinds for added charm • Spacious den, perfect for a home office or entertainment area • Lush green landscaping with covered • 3 bedrooms, plus a large den, 2 full bathrooms

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2125 W Bromm Lane Wickenburg, AZ 85390

New

$665,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,147 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This bright and cheery custom home offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Situated on a corner lot just shy of an acre, it features a thoughtfully designed open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and large picture windows that flood the home with natural light. The home boasts tile floors, elegant granite countertops, 3 full bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room with its own private entrance. Every room in the house is equipped with sliding doors, allowing easy access to extensive covered patios where you can enjoy the beautifully designed desert landscape and rock features. With no HOA fees, low maintenance, and a charming neighborhood, this is the perfect Arizona LOCATION. The spacious 3-car garage offers plenty of storage. Potential for an RV garage, casita, AND pool!

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10447 W Appaloosa Trail Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$665,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,190 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750324

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This stunning corner lot horse property is set on a sprawling 1-acre lot! The property features a spacious RV garage, a paver driveway, a charming brick trim, majestic mountain views, and a welcoming front patio. Inside, the great room showcases a cool palette, recessed lighting, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry with crown moulding, chic pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, direct backyard access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to enjoy breathtaking sunsets in the expansive backyard, complete with a covered patio for al fresco dining, lush natural turf, and endless possibilities to create your dream oasis or equestrian facilities. This gem will sell fast!

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20121 N 76th Street Unit 1014 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$665,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,585 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760104

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautifully updated ground-floor condo located in the gated community of Vintage at Grayhawk! This move-in ready, single-level home is filled with natural light and offers an open floor plan. The living room has a cozy fireplace and easy access to the private patio. The remodeled kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, refinished cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. They primary suite includes dual sinks, granite countertops, an oversized seamless glass shower, as well as a spacious walk-in closet designed by California Closets. The guest bathroom has also been stylishly updated. Additional highlights include all closets designed by California Closets, whole house surge protector, two-car garage and a prime location within the complex offering quick access to resort-style amenities such as a community pool, spa, BBQ area, and workout facility. Conveniently located near Scottsdale's top shopping, dining, hiking, golf, and more!

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15469 W Corrine Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$665,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764060

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home in the sought-after community of Marley Park! The photographer asked if the home was staged!!! No, the current owners just have great taste! OWNED SOLAR will save you a lot of money. 10K in concessions with a full price offer! New pool and above ground hot tub with no neighbors behind the home. The kitchen is very tasteful and functional. Large walk-in pantry and a large laundry room off the kitchen. DOWNSTAIRS master bedroom is huge. Look for the unique features when you tour the home like the dog kennel under the stairs and the built-in bunk beds in the 4th bedroom. Custom touches with built-in cabinets in the den and loft and trimmed-out windows give the home an upscale feel. Front yard was just updated with new landscaping and new drip system. Not in photos.

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1463 E Warbler Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$665,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,295 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765729

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home PLUS an office in a premier location in Gilbert! The chef's kitchen boasts 2 full-size ovens, convection oven, staggered walnut cabinets, walk-in pantry, and large island. Split floor plan ensures privacy with oversized bedrooms and a primary suite featuring dual vanities, soaking tub, shower, and walk-in closet. There is no lack of storage w/ an extra storage room available in the laundry room. The backyard is an oasis, w/lush fruit trees, herbs, & raised garden beds, all watered by a timed irrigation making this an easy maintained yard. Retractable awnings provide comfort and shade at any time of day. 3-car tandem garage w/ utility sink, overhead storage racks & two 50amp outlets. Close to top rated schools, restaurants & shopping.

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1488 W Sundance Lane Globe, AZ 85501

$665,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,684 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming 2 bed 2 bath home features a spacious 616 square ft detached garage and an additional heated and cooled building. Step outside onto the inviting patio, accessible from both bedrooms and the living room, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the fairgrounds to the pinals. The property also offers a shed on the upper lot and ample space for horse corrals or additional parking, providing endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss your chance to experience the regal allure of this hilltop retreat.

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7709 E Rancho Vista Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$665,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776496

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

In the heart of beautiful Scottsdale, this 55+ community, is lovely and well-kept. 3 BDRM 3 BA UNIT ON INTERIOR LOT-MSTR + BDRM downstairs. Welcome to Villa Monterey perfection. This exclusive unit boasts a completely modern, open layout with 3 full bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with plantation blinds throughout. The downstairs master allows for privacy from guests. Recent upgrades include a new foam roof 2022, tile roof 2020, new HVAC 2023, high efficiency dual-pane windows and slider in 2022, Fully remodeled kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances 2023 and new R/O 2022. The backyard has a large, covered patio and plenty of space for entertaining. The beautiful community Ramada and pool features many activities scheduled throughout the year. Located on the most pristine street in the community, the yard features views of Camelback Mountain and Arizona sunsets. Minutes away from Fashion Square, Old Town, art galleries, restaurants and more. This is your opportunity to own such a coveted home, authentic Sonoran luxury.

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