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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1060 S Redberry Drive Show Low, AZ 85901

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,791 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691403

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3 bed, 2.5 bath, living room, fire place, dining area, kitchen, LG appliances, kraftmaid cabinets, laundry with sink, solid wood oak/tile floor, 2 car garage, front porch, back patio, single level on a slab, metal roof, gutters

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6621 S Calle De La Cereza -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$625,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,927 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784667

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WWWWWHOA........Hold your horses!!!!! This is it!!! Remodeled Ranch house with metal roof on almost 5 acres with a Private Well, Pool with solar, Shop with electric, THE BEST 12 stall barn I have seen in Sierra Vista with pastures that include auto/waterers-high quality fencing that is cross fenced with turnouts, the value of this barn is out of this world and includes a wash rack too! Property includes an over built huge chicken coop, garden areas with fruit trees the most amazing views of the Huachuca Mountain and the Mule Mountains, and so much more!! Ask me or your realtor for Seller's 'Feature Sheet' this document will tell you ALL the extras to detail this one-of-a-kind property has to offer. There is not enough space here to list all!! That is how wonderful this property is!!

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1622 E Cortez Street Phoenix, AZ 85020

$625,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

2,050 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721387

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unique horse property in the heart of town on almost a full acre parcel. So large it feels like you have no neighbors and can enjoy the tranquility and a perfect location, minutes away from everything you need! Survey is available for lot split. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms (converted to 3) and 1 full bath with lots of upgrades and impressive woodwork, spacious upgraded eat in kitchen and large bedroom. In addition there is a basement with a separate entrance and two additional rooms. This is a rare find. Don't miss it. Buyer is responsible for verifying all material facts.

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6764 W Firebird Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$625,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,327 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763127

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wonderful home in highly desirable Arrowhead Ranch community. This 4 bedroom 3 bath home features an open floorplan and vaulted ceilings. Upgraded kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and recessed lighting. Maple floors in entry, kitchen, walkways, landing and stairs. New Carpet in all other rooms. Plantation shutters throughout. Fabulous master with his and her closets, a huge walk-in shower w/ bench, double sinks on vanity with upgraded granite. Home has been just freshly painted throughout. 4th bedroom is a den with double doors, original option included having a closet for a bedroom. Nice backyard with sparkling pool and covered patio. Great location- close to beautiful lakes, walking and biking trails. Close to freeways, shopping and restaurants.

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22743 E Avenida Del Valle -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,899 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764641

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You know when you walk into the perfect house and get that feeling that THIS IS THE ONE? Be ready to experience that! This home has all the bells and whistles buyers are looking for! AMAZING floor plan! HUGE great room w/ 15 ft sliding ''wall of glass'' & a kitchen to die for! Massive island w/upgraded granite, gas cooking! TONS of storage too! Split primary w/luxury primary bath! Epic laundry room too! Secondary bedrms are generous sized! Yards are low maintenance w/back having turf & tons of privacy! 3 car garage w/epoxy floor, security system, the list just goes on! Close to great shopping, restaurants and entertainment! And did I mention paid solar! Community pool, walk paths & great neighbors too!

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12409 N 60th Lane Glendale, AZ 85304

$625,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,644 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770245

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is it! This gorgeous home is on a quiet street in a well maintained subdivision. You'll be close to highly sought after schools & parks, and only minutes from the 101 and the I-17. Notice the fantastic curb appeal and low maintenance lawn and rv gate. There is wood-like tile flooring in all the main living areas, separate living & family rooms, spacious bedrooms with one bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Your new kitchen offers custom countertops, island with breakfast bar, tile backsplash, and contemporary cabinets with lots of storage space. It has vaulted ceilings, and open floor plan, and ceiling fans in all the right places. You'll definitely spend a lot of time in the oasis of a backyard with above ground spa, pool, covered patio, built in bbq, fireplace and bar. no maintenance landscaping. You will love so much about this gem of a home so hurry and come take a look. It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.

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36021 N 32nd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$625,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,669 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771722

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fantastic home is where your future memories are sure to be made. This beautiful two-story home offers 5 bedrooms 3 baths and an inviting open floorplan. Great room with high ceiling. Open kitchen with Island and Stainless steel appliances. The large primary bedroom has a sitting area and On suite includes Separate Shower & Tub, Double sinks and a Huge Walkin Closet. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Large lot with easy to maintain back and front yards. Extended covered patio, 3 Car Garage, upstairs laundry, double sinks in secondary bath. Great Community includes heated pools, spas, play areas, tennis courts, walking paths and much more. Conveniently located near restaurants and Shopping. Come and see your new home.

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3040 N Saffron -- Mesa, AZ 85215

$625,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,365 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776002

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home sits on a sprawling 11,239 sqft lot with no HOA AND PAID OFF SOLAR!! Offering 2,365 sqft of interior living space, the home features a cozy fireplace in the family room, high ceilings, and large dual-pane sunscreen windows for plenty of natural light. Plush carpet and tile flooring run throughout. The upstairs primary bedroom includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen showcases granite countertops, elegant cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast bar. The backyard is as beautiful as the interior, featuring a covered patio, balcony, and a low-maintenance yard with grass, gravel, and trees. Enjoy the private heated pool and spa! Additional exterior storage, RV parking, and a 2-car garage add to the home's appeal!

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4167 N Brigadier Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$625,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,514 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776342

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy the luxury and RESORT STYLE LIVING with this HIGHLY UPGRADED Sun City home. Your new beautiful ''Journey'' model is offered FULLY FURNISHED and located on a PREMIUM WASH LOT offering stunning Sonoran Desert views. The exquisite outdoor living space features a private courtyard, paver driveway, extended paver patio, synthetic grass, fencing and beautifully landscaped yards. Every detail has been added starting with the gorgeous CHEFS KITCHEN cabinet layout w/granite counter tops, BUTLERS PANTRY, wood-look tile flooring, tray ceilings, built-in fireplace feature and a double sliding glass door leading to the patio. Additional details include a GOLF CART GARAGE, First Impression security door, ceiling fans and a large walk-in shower and double vanity in the primary en-suite. STUNNING HOME THAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO APPRECIATE! Merrill Ranch also offers the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

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920 E Mitchell Drive Unit 102 Phoenix, AZ 85014

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,212 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784888

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome Home to Mitchell Lofts! Discover unparalleled luxury in this breathtaking 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse, ideally located in one of Phoenix's most sought-after neighborhoods. Spanning an impressive 2,200 sq ft, this sophisticated residence offers an open-concept design that seamlessly blends style and functionality. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the soaring vaulted ceilings in the expansive living room, creating a grand and airy atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring pristine granite countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances, a wine fridge, and custom cabinetry. The seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas makes it perfect for both intimate gatherings and entertaining guests. ((CONTINUED)) The master suite is a serene retreat, offering a spacious layout with a luxurious ensuite bathroom. Indulge in the spa-like experience with dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a freestanding soaking tub. Every detail has been carefully crafted to create a sanctuary for relaxation. The lower level is just as impressive, with two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a spacious family room - perfect for privacy or hosting. Beautiful ceramic tile flows throughout the main floor, while luxury vinyl plank flooring graces the lower level. For those who love outdoor living, a spiral staircase leads to a stunning rooftop deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and beyond. Additional features include a two-car garage, storefront-style windows with custom coverings, and tasteful design elements throughout, making this townhouse the epitome of modern luxury.

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2748 E Canyon Creek Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$625,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782491

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step inside your new dream home that is just minutes away from the 202 freeway and the San Tan Mall, this home has too many updates to list. It is a must see! The newly remodeled kitchen boasts all stainless steel appliances, granite/quartz countertops and a farmhouse style sink. The garage has an epoxied floor along with plenty of storage space while the large loft affords extra room for children to play or to just lounge & relax. New carpet in the bedrooms and closets, and upgraded light fixtures throughout make this home shine. Enjoy the lagoon style pool with a baja shelf & built in cleaning system that was built in 2022. The home also has 2 new A/C units with Ecobee thermostats & a new water heater, all installed in 2022.

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3367 Turkey Track Road Pinetop, AZ 85935

$625,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,565 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776847

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in Pinetop Lakes Mtn Homes, with Recreation Center privileges, this immaculate 3 bed/2 bath cabin has been beautifully maintained and shows pride of ownership at every turn. Soaring ponderosa pines and easy to maintain landscaping. The wood-burning fireplace with a Napoleon insert is surrounded by stacked stone and a rustic, gnarly mantle. The heated garage has built-in cabinets and a work bench. This cabin has been very loved over the years and continually updated, most recent improvements include all new Composite outdoor decks, new log railings, and remodeled master bath. Located in the heart of the White Mountains within minutes of 3 golf courses, multiple national forest trailheads for hiking/biking and many other summer and winter activities for the outdoor enthusiast to

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