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

15035 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Estrella Mountain at Vidrio by Landsea. This High Performance Home offers breathtaking mountain views and a chef's kitchen with endless counter space, walk-in pantry, 42'' Dusk shaker cabinets, hexagon backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white quartz countertops. With 9ft ceilings and plenty of windows, the home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Modern design touches and the latest in-home technology ensure a stylish and efficient living experience. Don't miss out - this gem won't be on the market for long!

View Property

8345 E Oak Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,305 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751765

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come check out this lovely remodeled home in Old Town Scottsdale! Cosmetic and functional updates throughout with a beautiful real grass backyard! Updates include a new roof in 2022, upgraded electrical system, new water main, new drainage system, fresh interior and exterior paint, new flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, dual-pane windows and doors, updated paneled wall. Added Bonus you can jump on the Scottsdale Trolley right across the street! It's free to ride and will take you to numerous set locations. From Dr.s Appts, to school, into town and more! Come see what this beautiful home has to offer!!

View Property

33376 N Jamie Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,251 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766205

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-story home in a vibrant community offering breathtaking mountain views! With 3,251 sq. ft. of expansive living space, this home features a den, loft, and plenty of room for everyone. The airy and bright interior boasts tall ceilings, neutral paint, and huge low-e dual-pane windows that flood the space with natural light. The upstairs primary suite includes a full bathroom. The kitchen features granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, a kitchen island, formal dining space, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered patio, is perfect for unwinding as you overlook the sparkling saltwater heated pool, grassy backyard and stunning mountain scenery. The community offers fantastic amenities, including a playground, clubhouse, pool, and more

View Property

22459 E Calle De Flores -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Perfectly situated in the highly sought after family friendly community of Meridian in Queen Creek, you'll find this stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath home which boasts luxurious upgrades and amenities. This home features an open layout, perfect for entertaining, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light streaming in from the three sliding glass doors leading in the beautiful backyard with your own pool, citrus trees, & view fence, with no neighbors directly behind! Inside, enjoy the gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk in pantry and convenient island/breakfast bar. The primary suite features upgraded bathroom with a walk in shower and a comfortable soaking tub. The remaining bedrooms are spacious and inviting with a shared bathroom

View Property

18926 N 259th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.

View Property

1516 E Dublin Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy Arizona's heavenly weather and fun entertainment in this gorgeous move-in ready home! After being welcomed in by the lovely paved & turfed yard, this immaculate home has a spacious feel with light color tones. This newer 2020 build consists of all 3 bedrooms with their own ensuite restrooms and walk-in closets!!! Tons of storage space throughout, a convenient half bath downstairs and upstairs laundry. Just minutes away from the freeway, downtown Gilbert, and San Tan Village...This gorgeous and peaceful community comes with a heated pool for your enjoyment. What a dream! Even all the furnishings available on a separate bill of sale!

View Property

7832 E Osage Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious family home features four large bedrooms and two bathrooms within 2,313 square feet, including a front living room and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen. The eat-in kitchen boasts ample oak cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, a center island, and a sizable walk-in pantry. Sliding doors open to the covered patio and expansive backyard, which includes a private pool and the privacy of no neighbors behind. The generous primary bedroom offers a double door entry, a private backyard exit, and an en-suite bathroom with a dual sink vanity and a shower. Additional highlights include tile and laminate floors, vaulted ceilings, water softening and reverse osmosis systems, and a two-car garage with cabinets.

View Property

2114 S El Marino -- Mesa, AZ 85202

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,822 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled home in prime location! New luxury vinyl flooring and baseboards, new carpet*Gormet kitchen with new stainless appliances, quartz countertops, modern wood shelving, recessed lighting, white shaker cabs, pendant lighting, large island with breakfast bar and extra storage, built in microwave all open to a dining/living room perfect for entertaining*Oversized master bedroom w/private exit to backyard, oversized closet*New bathroom vanities in both bathrooms*Cozy wood burning fireplace*Picture windows throughout bringing in natural sunlight*Freshly painted inside and out*New landscaping*Peaceful atrium with private access from the bedrooms and entrance*New fans/fixtures/interior doors*

View Property

11016 W Harrison Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming soon! Discover this stunning Tourmaline home with an expansive, inviting backyard featuring pavers, artificial turf, and ample space for outdoor living. This beautifully designed home offers a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath, perfect for a guest suite. An entertainer's dream, it boasts a spacious open-concept great room ideal for hosting gatherings. The modern kitchen shines with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, and a sleek, stylish design perfect for cooking and entertaining. Walking distance to the Avondale Aquatic Center! Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautifully crafted home with impressive features inside and out!

View Property

4037 E Marshall Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,980 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this single level 4 bedroom home in the desirable Power Ranch neighborhood in Gilbert. This home has been lovingly taken care of and upgraded throughout. Enjoy summer days in the sparkling pool and beautifully landscaped backyard. Power Ranch neighborhood offers gorgeous parks, community pools, and walking/biking trails. Located in Higley Unified School district with highly rated schools. You will love everything about this home and neighborhood.

View Property

4518 E Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2 Car garage w/ Huge backyard, Full of potential! Situated in a sought-after area of Gilbert, this property features a spacious layout with plenty of room for family living and entertaining. While it hasn't been updated, its solid structure and care make it an excellent canvas for your personal touches. Enjoy the convenience of nearby schools, parks, and local amenities in this friendly neighborhood. Being sold as-is, this home offers a unique opportunity for buyers ready to invest in their vision. Don't miss the chance to turn this well-kept house into your dream home!

View Property

5028 E Roy Rogers Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

New

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,227 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this updated home in Tatum Ranch on a quiet street. Home has a brand new roof, fresh paint on interior and exterior, hardwood flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, new lighting, new Anderson windows, new landscaping in front yard, new drip system, added a BBQ Grill, R/O system, new blinds in each room, epoxy garage floor and so much more! Home is in meticulous condition, and perfect for the second home located so close to North Scottsdale shopping, horse back riding barns, Mayo Clinic, Desert Ridge, and 101 freeway access. Charming backyard has built-in gas BBQ Island, and firepit. Office/Den is the perfect size to make a 3rd bedroom if needed. Inquire about costs, we have a plan all ready for you! Ready for you to move into!

View Property