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

1646 N Chestnut Circle Mesa, AZ 85213

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,769 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786978

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your Dream Home Awaits in Mesa, Arizona! Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac on a spacious .3-acre fenced lot, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch style home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and outdoor living. Spanning 2,769 square feet, every corner of this home invites you to relax and unwind. Step inside to discover the open canvas for your personal style. You'll find fresh paint throughout the home and garage, and professionally cleaned tile and carpet. Envision yourself in this open-concept spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an abundance of cabinet space, perfect for culinary adventures and entertaining. The remodeled master suite shower brings a touch of luxury for you to relax after a long day. Outside, a backyard oasis awaits! Dive into the in-ground diving pool, or host memorable gatherings in your Arizona room, looking over the beautifully landscaped and fenced yardideal for outdoor dining, lounging, and even extra parking on the extended drive in the back. The expansive yard offers endless possibilities for play, pets, and gardening. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood in Mesa, this home is close to great schools, parks, and shopping, with easy access to everything the city has to offer. Don't miss this rare gem!

View Property

15409 W Corrine Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$610,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 4-bed, 2.5-bath, 2-story home on a corner lot in the desirable community of Marley Park! This home features a wrap-around balcony and porch, large rear patio with built in BBQ perfect for enjoying outdoor living. Inside, you'll find a generous loft upstairs, while the primary suite is conveniently located on the first floor, complete with a separate den/office for added privacy. The backyard boasts a sparkling pool, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. With a 2-car garage and leased solar panels for energy efficiency, this home offers both style and sustainability. Don't miss out on this beautiful property!

View Property

1419 California Drive Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$610,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651628

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning single-level home in the Chino Valley is a hidden treasure, surpassing the allure of new constructions. Its flawless design and meticulous layout make it a true gem. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage, this spacious abode offers everything you need. As you step inside, the open and airy ambiance, created by the high-volume ceilings, instantly embraces you, making you feel right at home. In summary, this single-level home surpasses expectations with its impeccable design, thoughtful layout, and luxurious features. It is a haven of comfort and elegance, offering a true sense of home. This remarkable home goes above and beyond with its thoughtful features and attention to detail. Each of the 3 bedrooms boasts its own spacious closet, ensuring ample storage

View Property

1023 E Fairmont Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,761 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Near ASU and downtown Tempe this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a 2-car garage and RV gated/storage area that is covered with access from front and back. This residence boasts a perfectly flowing layout showcasing tile and wood vinyl flooring, soothing color palette and plantation shutters. The kitchen connects to the living and dining areas with oak cabinetry, a mosaic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, induction oven, modern track lighting and sleek quartz counters. A/C unit is 3 yrs old. French doors lead to a covered patio. Entertaining will be a breeze on the patio with rope lighting or near the fire pit. Home includes security doors and roller shields in rear. New sewer lines in past few yrs.

View Property

930 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$610,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,330 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749579

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated, one-owner home in the highly desirable Leisure World community, celebrated for its exceptional amenities. Since 2004, this home has undergone extensive updates, including new LVP flooring in the kitchen, all new carpet, and paint both inside and out, and a newer roof. Both bathrooms and the kitchen have been stylishly renovated, featuring custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and modern appliances. The master bath offers a zero-step shower and grab bars for ease of access. The home is ADA compliant. Enjoy the large front patio with a rose garden, pergola, and travertine pavers—perfect for entertaining. Plus, it's equipped with surround sound and wiring for data and security systems. Among the lowest HOA fees in the neighborhood.

View Property

19618 N 19th Place Phoenix, AZ 85024

$610,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,005 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717356

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Roof, recently updated AC, Beautiful family home in a tranquil community located on a premium oversized cul-de-sac lot that backs up to a mountain preserve. Property boasts views from the front and the back decks of the valley lights and night stars; 4 bedrooms all upstairs, fireplace downstairs. Beautiful granite countertops and wood cabinets; RV gate with large concrete pad for RV or boat storage or future pool; backyard is an oasis for relaxing, fire pits, desert plants and several fruit trees and private view of the mountain preserve. Close to shopping and 101 access.

View Property

899 S Roanoke Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

$610,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,892 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723501

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in a prime Gilbert neighborhood, offering an exceptional blend of modern luxury and serene surroundings. This meticulously maintained property offers the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor tranquility, making it an ideal choice for discerning buyers. Bathed in natural light, this home boasts extensive remodeling with attention to detail. Featuring waterfall countertops, the kitchen is both stylish and functional, catering to culinary enthusiasts. Custom accent walls in the living room and primary bedroom add character and charm. Experience luxury in the spa-like primary bathroom, offering a retreat within your own home. Enjoy a large, private backyard adorned with fruit trees and a sparkling pool, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. New roof in 2021.

View Property

26511 N Thornhill Court Peoria, AZ 85383

$610,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728282

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a beautiful, professionally designed model home that you won't want to pass up! This is the Ashton Woods Oasis floorplan, with the lot situated in a cul-de-sac with great views. This home includes several upgrades to start with a pavered driveway and entry, epoxy coated garage floor, water softener, and a solar system! Moving inside you will find the upgraded lighting throughout, built-in speakers, modern accent trim walls, master walk-in shower with rain shower faucet, upgraded laundry room with cabinets, counter and sink, and a 4-panel sliding door, that provides abundant natural light, and invites you to the covered patio. The backyard is aesthetically landscaped with pavers, artificial turf, and tile beneath a pergola creating perfect space to enjoy the outdoors.

View Property

19004 N 25th Way Phoenix, AZ 85050

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730783

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful & well maintained home is now available! This home has too many upgrades to list! It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, large corner lot on a cul-de-sac, large pool & new fencing around it, citrus trees in the back yard (orange & lemon). Full length covered rear patio, large kitchen with granite countertops, & lots of cabinet space. Here are some of the recent updates on the home: Roof- 2011 Kitchen remodel 2011 Pebbletec added to pool 2014 Trane 19 Seer AC unit 2014 PAID OFF & owned Solar system 2015 Aeroseal of the ductwork 2016 New Anlin windows for the entire home 2020 New kitchen appliances 2021 New variable speed pool pump 2023 New washer & dryer 2023 This home has RV parking space & gate, is close to 101, 51 & 10 minutes to Desert Ridge.

View Property

7177 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*** OVER $100k in UPGRADES! *** Welcome to your Beautiful Home in the HIGHLY desirable Lake Community of Sierra Verde in Arrowhead Ranch! This MOVE IN READY, NEWLY REMODELED 4-bed, 3-bath Beauty offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Features Include New Wood Tile Flooring, New 6-inch Baseboards, Newly Upgraded Bathrooms with Travertine Tile Floors, Showers w/Granite Counters & Custom Finishes. New Pool Equipment, Pebble Sheen Finish & Removable Pool Fence. Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Convenient Coffee Bar. Freshly Painted in Neutral Tones Inside and Out! Ring Doorbell! Newer Hot Water Heater! The second floor boasts Engineered Wood Flooring & Designer Built Walk-in Closets Large yard with grass area and no homes directly behind for open feel and privacy! The epoxy-coated garage includes built-in cabinets, a workbench, and a new smart garage door opener. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer are included for your convenience. The community offers ample walking and biking paths, parks, and gorgeous lake views, while A+ Sierra Verde School is just a short walk away. Enjoy easy access to Thunderbird Conservation Park, Arrowhead Mall, P-83 shopping, dining, entertainment, and freeways for effortless commuting. With so many upgrades and a prime location, this home is an absolute must-see! Don't miss your chance to make it yours!

View Property

3951 W Talc Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$610,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,913 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756189

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the heart of San Tan Valley! This property features modern finishes throughout, including a 2-car extended garage allowing space for up to 4 cars. The spacious kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island—perfect for entertaining. You'll also find a rare builder upgrade by Toll Brothers—an extra sliding window in the kitchen, a feature no longer offered, along with an extended patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Relax in the inviting living room or step outside to your private backyard oasis with low-maintenance landscaping. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and parks, this home has it all! A must-see in a fast-growing community

View Property

22698 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762473

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO WAIT TO BUILD! This is your opportunity to move into the growing Madera Community and ASSUME 5.25% VA loan. This lovely JUNIPER plan built by Tri-Point has been lightly lived in for 18 months! Beautifully completed low maint back yard with artificial turf and established landscape. This ''like new'' home features 4 Bds, 3 baths, PLUS Flex rm, 10 ft ceilings,luxury vinyl plank flooring thru-out, custom window shade on patio door with remote open and close. The open concept kitchen highlights 42'' upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar with pendant lighting, 2'' faux wood blinds, Owner suite includes large walk-in closet with separate Tub/Shower. Exterior door to patio. Gorgeous amenites of the pool & park is a short walk away!

View Property