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.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

8301 W Escuda Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,307 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous single-level home in a peaceful cul-de-sac is the one for you! Enter through the custom double doors to find a living room that beckons you to unwind and a formal dining room ready to hold special occasions. The kitchen is equipped with built-in appliances, granite counters, a center island, a breakfast bar, and a breakfast nook perfect for casual dining. The primary bedroom boasts direct outdoor access, an ensuite with dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a huge closet. Venture outside to discover a sizeable low-maintenance backyard with a covered patio, hot tub, and a refreshing pool. This community includes restaurants, AWARD WINNING golf courses, Activity Center, library, pickleball courts and exercise facility to name a few. Join some clubs and watch your calendar fill up!

View Property

5028 Spring Garden Lane Prescott, AZ 86301

$649,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,845 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776000

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the peaceful community of Walden Ranch, this home blends modern comfort with timeless elegance. The low-maintenance stucco exterior and tile roof reflect quality, while the oversized paver driveways and walkways wrap around the property, adding charm. Brick accents, exterior shutters, and board-and-batten details enhance the home's curb appeal. Inside, an open-concept, split-bedroom floor plan greets you with a spacious great room. The kitchen features newly refurbished white cabinetry, quartz counts, center island, and pendant lighting. GE appliances, including a 5-burner gas range and microwave, complete the kitchen, while the adjacent dining area is bathed in natural light from the large windows and a 9-ft slider that leads to the back patio. The master suite offers raised-height dual vanities, a walk-in shower with a built-in seat, and ample closet space. A private door opens to the back patio, where you can enjoy scenic views. Two guest bedrooms come with ceiling fans, and the front bedroom was extended during construction. The first guest bathroom includes a raised-height vanity and a full tub with a shower. The large laundry room, equipped with upper cabinetry and a hanging bar, doubles as a mudroom. With 10-ft ceilings and 8-ft doors throughout, the home feels spacious and open. New luxury wood-look vinyl flooring runs through most of the home, with wood laminate in the bedrooms, offering a carpet-free environment. The expanded, covered back patio overlooks a fully fenced backyard with no neighbors to the east, providing extra privacy. The HOA's deeded open space adds to the tranquility, with views of the Granite Dells and Constellation Trailhead. A storage shed in the side yard and a 3-car tandem garage with smart features, a utility sink, and plenty of natural light complete this thoughtfully designed home.

View Property

15045 N 20th Place Phoenix, AZ 85022

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,537 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776568

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

welcome to this gem in the desert overlooking the city with stunning mountain views. rare remodeled from top to bottom and professionally designed home with attention to detail. home is also available for rent or lease purchase. owner agent with fast answers.

View Property

3540 N Sonoran Hills Mesa, AZ 85207

$649,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780637

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience upscale living in an award-winning gated community offering an extensive list of amenities such as pickleball & tennis courts, a beautiful boutique-style spa & fitness center, numerous parks & trails, and a world-class golf course. This gorgeous 5-bedroom home features vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and spacious kitchen with center island and SS appliances. With an open layout, neutral color palette, and modern finishes, this home gives off a refined sophistication. Retreat upstairs to your luxurious primary suite with covered walk-out balcony to enjoy the beautiful Arizona sunsets. With one bedroom and full bath on first floor and 3 additional bedrooms on the second floor, this home is flexible and functional, as well as elegant. 2021: New laminate wood flooring in upstairs hallway, master bedroom and upstairs south-facing bedroom; kitchen water filtration system installed; new range, refrigerator, and washer/dryer. 2023: UV safe tint on Western facing windows; new dishwasher and microwave.

View Property

349 E Atlantic Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$649,900

6 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,671 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780941

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This impressive FULTON home boasts a full basement and solar panels, nestled in a resort-style lake community on over a quarter-acre lot. The residence includes four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in the main living area, as well as two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a bonus room in the basement. Evident pride of ownership shines throughout the property. Updates include new flooring in 2023 and a new gas stove. The backyard is an oasis with lush fruit trees, a built-in BBQ, and ample space for a potential pool.

View Property

14200 W Village Parkway Unit 2254 Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$649,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,723 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781698

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Ready to tee off into the ultimate lifestyle? Cachet at the Wigwam offers an unbeatable value, perfectly located on the 10th hole of the Red Course with stunning golf course views. Step inside to find elegant flooring, soft neutral tones, and a versatile den that offers endless possibilities. The stylish kitchen features large cabinets with crown molding, a tile backsplash, quartz countertops, matching appliances, and a breakfast bar. The primary suite includes a tiled shower, dual sinks, and a spacious walk-in closet. Unwind on the covered patio, taking in the beautiful Arizona evenings under the firepit and breathtaking scenery. Fantastic amenities include a pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. This is AZ outdoor/indoor living at its finest!

View Property

2474 E Westchester Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$649,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! SELLER SPENT $$$$$$ TO REMODEL THE HOUSE, VERY CLEAN AND NICE AND THE BEST QUITE NEIGHBORHOOD

View Property

937 N Vale Street Mesa, AZ 85201

$649,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,227 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782626

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This expansive 3,227 sq ft ranch-style home sits on a generous 17,960 sq ft lot, offering the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Located just minutes from Arizona State University (ASU), Old Town Scottsdale, Sloan Park (home of the Chicago Cubs), and Sky Harbor Airport, you'll enjoy the convenience of being close to great shopping, dining, and entertainment, with easy access to the 202 and 101 freeways. The home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a den that includes custom built-in cabinets. The family room is warm and inviting, centered around a cozy brick fireplace—a perfect spot for family gatherings. The formal dining room boasts elegant wood floors, while the living room features built-in cabinets, adding both character and functionality to the space. Outside, the large private backyard is a true retreat. Enjoy the inviting pool, complete with a custom hydraulic pool cover and a shade structure, making it perfect for relaxing or entertaining. There's also an outdoor shed for additional storage, ideal for tools or gardening supplies. The Arizona Room, with windows that open to the outdoors, brings in plenty of natural light, further enhancing the home's seamless connection to its serene surroundings. This property is an exceptional find, offering ample space, comfort, and a highly sought-after locationperfect for those who want to experience the best of Mesa's living with a private backyard oasis.

View Property

16036 W Sandia Park Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$649,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,273 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733325

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled Windrose model with too many updates to list here. Triple garage and large fenced yard. Very modern colors with floating custom media wall. Vinyl flooring, granite counter tops, newer Stainless appliances, under cabinet kitchen lighting, inside laundry, pavers and cool decking on the back patio and fenced front courtyard. HVAC system replaced in 2018. Outside painted recently; newer PVC irrigation with drip system and new control box. Newer sinks, lighting and painted cabinets throughout - plus so much more.

View Property

11910 E Amanda Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753721

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A MUST SEE Home in Gold Canyon. Photos don't do justice to this charming 3 bedroom 2 bathroom newer home located in Gold Canyon. Enjoy your time on the front patio morning or night. Inside you will find the 2 additional bedrooms (one with murphy bed) to the right and office to the left. Continuing, the beautiful tile floor leads you into a spacious entertainers kitchen. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wall ovens, quartz counter tops, island and dark cabinets. Kitchen opens up to family room which has stunning views. Main bedroom is located off of the family room in the back of the house. Backyard features artificial turf, easy to maintain landscaping and a great space to host!

View Property

4497 S Watauga Drive Gilbert, AZ 85297

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,324 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785256

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership shines through in one of Gilbert's most sought-after communities! This split floorplan truly appeals to everyone—and I mean everyone. With tile flooring throughout and abundant storage, this home sits proudly on a corner lot, offering an extended covered patio, mature trees, and a ready-to-plant garden. Inside, the open kitchen invites you to entertain, with ample space for gatherings big and small. The centrally located den adds versatility, perfect for a game room or home office. This home is a must-see for those ready to embrace both comfort and community!

View Property

18412 N 48th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$649,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,659 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786173

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Belmont at Triple Crown! This perfect 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a convenient lifestyle in the heart of a desirable gated community. Step into a spacious, open-concept floor plan perfect for entertaining with natural light that highlights every room. Enjoy Arizona's sunny days and beautiful evenings by the private pool, ideal for relaxation listening to the fountain or hosting poolside get-togethers .Resort-Style Amenities: Take advantage of the community pool, spa, fitness center, and clubhouse—all just steps away within this exclusive 85254 neighborhood. Prime Location: Located in Scottsdale, close to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and more.

View Property