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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2041 E Loma Vista Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$659,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,886 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single-level home in highly desired south Tempe location! This 3 bed, 2 bath, open floor-plan home is perfect for your main residence or investment property. Updated electrical panel, 3-system irrigation system controlled by Wi-Fi, new 50-gallon water heater, new whole home water softener, new RO system for sink, new garage door and new pool door! Vaulted ceilings in the great room with wood shutters and carpet (2021) Refreshed fireplace in the formal dining area and tile flooring with a built-in buffet. New windows installed throughout the home in 2021 plus all new carpet and baseboards. Chef's kitchen with new painted cabinets, all stainless-steel appliances, kitchen island with eat-up bar seating. Master suite with ensuite bath that has dual sink vanities, bay windows, and two closets. Fully paid off solar panels! Two large guest bedrooms with wood laminate flooring. Oversized garage and workshop! The back yard has been designed for entertainment! A mixture of grass and desert landscaping with large plush trees providing you plenty of shade. Private, diving pool that is fenced in for safety with new pool light. Plenty of space for extra patio furniture. Extended covered patio with misting system. Side R/V Gate and cemented area to put your boat, R/V or other items. Just minutes away from ASU, Tempe Marketplace, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the Freeway system make this home an easy to get to haven!

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1333 W Clear Spring Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$659,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,602 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780189

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely, single-level, WATERFRONT home is ready for new owners! Equipped with tall ceilings, natural light and an amazing SPLIT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN you will love the lifestyle this home provides. Enjoy sunset cruises from your very own private pontoon boat with friends and family! Located in one of The Islands only gated communities, The Falls, where residents enjoy tranquil water features, lush greenery, and community pool, spa and BBQ. Islands homeowners have access to kayaking, fishing, amazing parks and playgrounds and community club house. HOA includes all your landscaping and they paint the exterior every 7 years. EV Charging Station.

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43603 N 44th Lane Anthem, AZ 85087

Open House

$659,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,324 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778395

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 2 story home in popular Anthem community. This 4 bedroom/3 bath has a loft and a 2 story open family room. A large laundry room with a sink and counter space. A welcoming mud room with a bench to change your shoes. Master bedroom has a nice setting area with double sinks, shower, tub and private toilet area. Granite counter top in kitchen and stainless steel appliances. Ceiling fans in every room, but one. A room was added which is approx. 363 sq.ft.. This room is used as an office and it has a window and walk-in closet downstairs, but no vent. Covered front and back patio with landscaping. Large backyard to play and enjoy the outdoors.

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20247 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$658,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717674

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

8760 sqft lot - Optional Guest Suite - Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Multi-slide doors at great room - Walk-in shower at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - Wood laminate floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms & 12 x 24 tile in bathrooms - Matte black fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Double gate - Two-tone paint - Garage service door - Cabinets & wet bar sink w/beverage center at guest living room w/entry door into side-car garage.

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18229 E Spring Valley Court Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$658,013

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,678 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6592823

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This incredible home is located at Trilogy Verde River, a premier 55+ and All Ages Golf Resort Community. This beautiful new home features over $145K in upgrades as well as a $10K homesite premium. With an estimated completion date in August 2023, you won't have to wait long to move right into this brand new home offering 2 bedrooms + den and 2 baths in 1,678 SqFt. The popular Valletta floor plan sits on a premium lot and offers a spacious great room layout with split bedrooms. The gourmet kitchen features gorgeous cabinetry with LED undercabinet lighting, Quartz countertops, and an island with a breakfast bar. A 12-foot multi-panel sliding glass door leads out from the great room to the covered patio and backyard with built-in BBQ, pergola, and water/fire features. Other features include upgraded flooring, quartz countertops throughout, laundry room cabinets, and a 2 car garage. Front and backyard landscaping included. The amenities at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman inspired eighteen-hole Golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and Resort style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

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2121 W Sonoran Desert Drive Unit 43 Phoenix, AZ 85085

$657,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,038 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728548

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This beautiful home was perfectly crafted to fit your lifestyle. The open-concept kitchen flows effortlessly into the great room and dining room, making this floor plan ideal for entertaining. Additional features in this home include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and upgraded flooring. Contemporary neutral paint colors throughout makes this home ready for you to add your personal touches.

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18825 W Solano Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$657,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,925 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782013

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS LIKE-NEW 2022 BUILT HOME SHOWS LIKE A MODEL HOME! Contemporary features & upgrades rarely found: NEW Pebbletech pool, Lush green front & backyard landscaping & paver patio, porch, sidewalk, steps & pad($90,000), Sleek front door w/glass, Modern ceiling fans & lighting, 3-tone paint & tall baseboard, Modish feature walls includes vertical fireplace with heat. Builder upgrades include Farmhouse/stone elevation, Gourmet kitchen w/high-end wall ovens & separate gas cooktop/canopy hood + 42'' shaker cabinets with crown molding + Kashmire granite + subway backsplash + satin nickel finishes, Wood-look tile & upgraded carpet, Double slider & oversized patio, Deco stair rail, 10 ft ceilings + 8 ft doors t/o, Soaking tub & shower tile with herringbone inlay. MORE...some warranties still exist Highly desirable floorplan: 5 Bedrooms and 3 Full Baths including a Bedroom and Bath downstairs, PLUS Loft. Huge Greatroom wide open to Kitchen and 2 Dining spaces. All non-primary Bedrooms larger than average! Storage is above expectations with an oversized Walk-In Pantry and under the stairs Walk-in Closet, and extra hall cabinets, as well as Walk-in Closets in Master and spare Bedroom. Enjoy sweeping White Tank mountain views from upstairs front rooms. 3 Lush community parks/playgrounds within mere blocks of this home 9 minute walk to well-rated Canyon View High School 5 minute drive to Belen Soto Elementary School 6 miles to renowned Verrado with hiking trails, golf and popular restaurants Less than 3 miles to multiple freeways This area is very up-and-coming with new shopping, restaurants, etc being built or in the planning!

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2446 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$657,060

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785198

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster! 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 Elevated package includes a Gourmet kitchen w/ hood, GE Cafe' stainless-steel appliances, built-in gas cooktop separate wall oven, 42'' Burlap cabinets, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, a large island, upgraded 6x36'' tile and carpet. 2 car paver driveway and 2 car garage has18' wide door. Nestled within Union Park, residents can indulge in amenities including a pool, 5800 sq ft clubhouse, Pickleball courts, playgrounds, basketball courts and 12 Parks. Central Location to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment. Access to 3 different freeways within 10 minutes and be at the airport in under 30 minutes.

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5790 S Moson Road Hereford, AZ 85615

$657,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,436 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782556

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!!!! This house is AMAZING!!! What an opportunity to own a custom Sante Fe Home built out of Rammed Earth on 4 Acres fully fenced and cross fenced for your horses/animals, your own PRIVATE WELL, site built pole barn with electric, huge outdoor kitchen with hickory cabinets and granite, 10-12 foot ceilings, pellet stove, bar, colored concrete floors, granite throughout, tankless water heater, 20 solar panels that are owned, huge covered patio with beautiful views of the Huachuca Mountains and the Mule Mountains from the front courtyard, pergola with custom Kiva fireplace, coyote proof chicken coop, garden/raised beds, fire safe property, horse corrals, wash rack, round pen and so much more!! ASK YOUR REALTOR FOR ''SELLER FEATURE SHEET'' and that will show you everything and more!!

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4920 E Helena Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$656,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,958 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769923

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Location, location, location! Welcome to our brand-new community in Arizona's desirable zip code. Arabella is conveniently located near Loop 101, Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, Desert Ridge Marketplace, and Paradise Valley's shopping and dining! Our popular ''Little Rock'' floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a loft, a 2-car garage, and a private yard. Designer finishes include white cabinetry with hardware, quartz kitchen countertops, two-tone paint, wood-like tile, and plush carpeting in the bedrooms. This beautiful home will also include smudge-proof stainless steel appliances, blinds, pre-plumbing for soft water, and smart home technology. Estimated completion is fall 2024. Photos of model home, finishes will vary.

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5829 E Ringtail Way Phoenix, AZ 85054

Open House

$655,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,962 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785142

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Dream Home Alert in Desert Ridge! Looking for the perfect place to make home? This brand-new beauty in Talinn at Desert Ridge is ready for you to move in! With 1,962 square feet of modern elegance, this home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile loft—ideal for a home office, playroom, or relaxing retreat. Step into a sleek, contemporary kitchen with white cabinets, stunning quartz countertops, and stylish wood-like tile flooring that flows throughout the home. Located just moments from Desert Ridge Marketplace and High Street, you'll enjoy unbeatable shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Plus, with easy access to the 101 freeway, commuting has never been easier. This gem won't last long, make it yours before it's gone!

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10918 E Texas Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$655,950

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,961 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762831

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6762831 February Completion! The Wedgewood offers plenty of square footage and is stylish inside and out. Wedgewood's expansive open-concept common area holds a gathering room, kitchen with island and step-in pantry, and a casual dining. A study room is perfect for working from home. At the front of the home is a bedroom and full bathroom - perfect for your overnight guests. Upstairs, the owner's suite features dual sinks, shower and a huge walk-in closet. Three secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets share a full bath, and a spacious loft rounds out this beautiful home. Structural options include: study in lieu of dining, soft water loop, garden tub with separate shower in primary, paver front porch, and garage service door.

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