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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8972 E Arizona Park Place Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$619,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766971

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STUNNING SCOTTSDALE RETREAT! This fantastic 1446 SF haven boasts the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality! With 2 bedrooms plus a den, a spacious living room, and an open-concept kitchen, this home offers effortless flow and entertainment possibilities. Enjoy the private backyard oasis, perfect for relaxation and alfresco fun. And rest assured, this home has been meticulously maintained, with new flooring throughout, updated bathrooms, and a hassle-free experience - the cold AC is a refreshing treat, and everything is in working order, with no issues to worry about! And the best part? It's nestled in the most coveted area of Scottsdale, between Shea and 92nd Street, just moments from top-rated restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment hotspots. Schedule your visit today

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3907 E Delta Avenue Mesa, AZ 85206

$619,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773433

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED! This charming, split-level type home offers everything you need. Providing 6 beds, 3 baths, RV gate, desert landscape, & a 2-car garage w/extended driveway. The highly updated interior boasts clean lines that promote a modern feel! Fresh neutral palette, tons of natural light, ceiling fans, dual-pane windows, recessed lighting, & high-quality laminate floors throughout. Upstairs or main level, you'll find a semi-open layout showcasing a large living area with vaulted ceilings that add to the airy feel. The renewed kitchen boasts SS appliances, quartz counters, espresso cabinetry, a pantry, and a peninsula w/breakfast bar. The primary bedroom has two closets w/mirror doors and a private bathroom for added comfort. The two secondary bedrooms are completing this level. On the downstairs or lower level, you'll find a spacious family room! There are also 3 additional bedrooms, one of which is large enough to serve as a second primary suite. Enjoy the charming balcony off the dining area! If entertaining is on your mind, the backyard awaits you! With its covered patio, so much room for gatherings, and a fenced sparkling pool, this space promises year-round enjoyment. Located in a desirable Mesa area, close to shopping, parks, school, and freeway access. Wow, just WOW!

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3118 W Espartero Way Phoenix, AZ 85086

$619,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,934 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6747861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new home! This spacious residence boast a generous one of a kind 4 car garage, perfect for a car enthusiast or those in need of ample storage. The home features an oversized master suite with elegant tile flooring, offering a serene retreat. With a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, there's plenty of room for everyone. Enjoy the stunning cherry wood laminate flooring that graces the main floor, adding a touch of sophistication to the living areas. The home is bathed in natural light thanks to the North/South exposure creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. Conveniently located near Sunset Ridge K-8 school, community pool, TMSC plant, shopping and dining. The neutral painting throughout the home provides a versatile backdrop for your personal style. Don't miss the opportunity to make this house your new home.

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7322 E Greenway Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$619,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,257 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776826

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home at 7322 E Greenway St, Mesa! This fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom trilevel oasis offers 2,257 square feet of luxurious living. Step inside to discover new LVP flooring and plush carpeting that flow seamlessly through each space. The kitchen and bathrooms boast sleek new counters and appliances, bringing a fresh, modern feel to every corner. Outside, enjoy Arizona living at its best with a fully landscaped yard, complete with lush new grass turf in both the front and back. And don't miss the sparkling, brand-new pool - perfect for relaxing or entertaining, with all-new equipment ensuring years of enjoyment. This home has it all, from contemporary upgrades to an inviting layout. Tour today and experience this Mesa gem firsthand!

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1755 W Butler Drive Phoenix, AZ 85021

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757199

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the highly sought-after Royal Palm neighborhood, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home boasts a serene and inviting setting with a large, lush front lawn and gorgeous mature trees. As you enter through the private courtyard, you're welcomed by an open layout featuring a formal dining room and spacious family and living rooms, divided by a charming dual-sided fireplace. At the heart of the home, the galley-style kitchen seamlessly connects the main living areas, making it perfect for entertaining. With granite countertops, plenty of cabinet space, and an adjacent eat-in area, it offers both functionality and flow for easy hosting. Recent upgrades include Anderson windows and doors throughout and Rhino Shield paint on the exterior, providing peace of mind with a 25-year warranty. Both bathrooms feature modernized showers with lifetime warranties, and the roof coating comes with a 10-year warranty. Step outside to your personal oasis,a large covered patio complete with a built-in wood-burning fireplace and cozy seating area, perfect for year-round entertaining. The sparkling pool provides the ultimate relaxation spot, surrounded by a low-maintenance yard. There is also a working GREENHOUSE in the back perfect for growing your own vegetables and flowers!This home is just steps away from Royal Palm Park, a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and strong sense of community make it one of Phoenix's hidden gems. You're also close to some of the best dining in the area, including Otro Café, Richardson's, and The Vig North Central. Plus, nearby farmers markets like the Uptown Farmers Market ensure access to fresh local goods year-round. Enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful suburban retreat with easy access to all that central Phoenix has to offer.

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9065 E Gary Road Unit 147 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$619,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,001 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765428

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

SHORT TERM RENTAL ALLOWED. You'll love this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath townhome that sits nestled in the gated community of Arroyo Madera Estates in Scottsdale! New roof, A/C unit, carpet and paint! This home features 2 master bedrooms (1 up and 1 down). A premium lot with North/South exposure. This home has an open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings. Large loft upstairs with lots of natural light. All bedrooms are large with large, walk-in closets. 2 car attached garage with direct entry into the home. Private yard, balcony, and security system. This is an all gated community with 2 large heated pools and spas along with resort like landscaping. Centrally located with access to all the freeways, recreational multi use path, great shopping and dining!

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29757 N 133rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$619,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768766

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCED on this BEAUTIFUL UPGRADED Vibrant Model in Trilogy at Vistancia. CHEF'S GOURMET Kitchen Features GRANITE Counter tops, DESIGNER Back Splash, SS Appliances, Gas Cooktop with Separate Wall Oven. STAGGERED Cabinets with Roll Outs, Under Cabinet Lighting, Island. Whole House RAIN SOFT Water Filtration System. Surround Sound, Upgraded DESIGNER Lighting Throughout, Wood Plank Tile Floors with Upgraded Carpet & Pad in Bedrooms. Smart Room Features Cabinets Galore with Sink & Desk. Relax in the Den with Built In Cabinets & Wine Frig. Plantation shutters, Ceiling Fans, & Stone Fireplace in Great Room, 4 Panel Slider to Fabulous PRIVATE Back Yard Featuring, SYNTHETIC GRASS, PERGOLA, FIRE PIT, B/I GAS BARBECUE, PUTTING GREEN, LUXURIOUS THERAPEUTIC HOT TUB & AUTOMATIC SUNSHADES. Designer Front Screen Door. Neutral pallet throughout & close to cul de sac for quiet area. Epoxy garage flooring for easy clean ups. Perfect Home to Entertain and Enjoy the AZ Trilogy Lifestyle.

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7601 E Roosevelt Street Unit 1010 Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$619,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,967 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772879

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Great central location! This home features 3 bedrooms plus a large loft/office area with a home office nook. Minutes from ASU and Old Town Scottsdale with easy access to the 101 and 202 freeways. Quiet, small complex with a community pool. Enjoy sunsets from your balcony or landscaped backyard with turf and extended paver patio. Custom master closet, soaking tub, and double sinks in the master bath. Granite counters in the kitchen and baths, upgraded faucets, and a Blanco kitchen sink. Custom sunscreens on all south windows to improve efficiency. Directly on the Scottsdale greenbelt with miles of lakes, parks, and trails. 2 car attached garage with ev charging

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651 W Orchard Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$619,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,836 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740366

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sellers will offer incentive with the right offer! Perfect for the NEW YEAR ''2025'' This amazing home awaits you in the highly sought-after Neely Ranch community. Upstairs, newer carpet, four spacious bedrooms with an extra-large loft space. Updated primary bath with quartz double sinks and a tiled walk-in shower with privacy barn door. Lower level offers epoxy flooring and updated half bath, den is off the kitchen. Kitchen has updated quartz countertops, an island plus an extra-large walk-in pantry including laundry (Appliances included). Updated electrical, recessed LED lighting and dimmers throughout the entire smart-home. Salt Water pool, x-large backyard w/ privacy greenbelt behind home. Gilbert School District. Minutes away from Gilbert Town Square- Entertainment for everyone.

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317 W Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$618,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,042 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming Soon! Prime Location in Gilbert! Discover this beautiful, single-story home on an expansive lot, just steps away from a massive park. This home offers three spacious bedrooms, a versatile den that could serve as a fourth bedroom, two bathrooms, and a roomy three-car garage. Inside, enjoy a formal living and dining area, along with an open-concept great room that flows into a beautiful kitchen, that boasts stylish white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, including stainless steel appliances and sparkling quartz countertops. The large island provides bar seating with views of the lush, grassy backyard. Outside, unwind under the covered patio, surrounded by mature trees and a vast backyard with endless possibilities for creating your ideal outdoor space. This home also features newer flooring and AC system for added comfort. Perfectly situated near Gilbert's best entertainment, shopping, dining, parks, and schools, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

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1253 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,253

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,760 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock, where our single-story Lily design is under construction now. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy great room. This space opens up to your private, covered outdoor room - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Convenience of the 3-car garage that leads directly into the drop zone, making organization a breeze. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, and a flexible office space, this home has everything! Plus, we're including $55,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help. Home completion is estimated in October 2024.

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1252 W J Waltz Way Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,007

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781072

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the unique offerings of this home and buying journey. Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock. The single-story Agave design, presents an open-concept floorplan featuring an inviting kitchen and a bright great room with a separate dining area that seamlessly connects to the private, covered outdoor room. The 2-car garage leads to a convenient drop zone, flex room/office, and more. $59,000 in upgrades are included. ***Special financing options are available.***Blossom Rock's amenities are designed to inspire outdoor living, including community parks, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, signature events, and more. Moreover, perfect blend of tranquility and adventure to enrich your everyday life.

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