5 Mortgage Rules You Should Know by Heart

If you’re buying a house or refinancing your loan, here’s what you need to know.house_f4nehsc_large_large

For millions of Americans, a mortgage is the biggest debt they’ll ever have to repay. Unfortunately, as anyone who’s ever gone through the process can attest, mortgages involve pages and pages of legal documentation that can be nearly impossible for most people to comprehend. To simplify mortgages, there are some basic guidelines that anyone can learn and commit to memory. Below, we’ll go through five useful rules about mortgages.

Rule 1: Keep your mortgage payment to 25% or less of your income.

Housing costs are typically the largest expense item in your household budget, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to break the bank. Lenders look closely at your income to determine how much you can truly afford to pay for a monthly mortgage payment, and one simple guideline they use is to take your available income and multiply it by 25%. If a mortgage would require larger payments than that, after taking into account both the loan itself and associated payments like property taxes and insurance, then a lender will generally be less comfortable in giving you the loan.

Rule 2: Avoid private mortgage insurance by making a 20% down payment.

Mortgage lenders typically require borrowers to obtain private mortgage insurance or PMI if they make a down payment that’s less than 20% of the value of the home. PMI protects lenders against the risk that the value of the home will fall below the outstanding principal balance on the mortgage, leaving the borrower “underwater” on the loan. For borrowers, however, it’s an added expense that essentially provides no value to them. As difficult as it can be to save up a 20% down payment, the hundreds of dollars in PMI that it will save you could make the difference between being able to afford a slightly more expensive home and having to settle for less.

Rule 3: Understand how adjustable rate mortgages work and what risks are involved.

Fixed mortgages are easier to understand because the interest rate that they charge never changes, so you can count on monthly mortgage payments remaining constant throughout the lifetime of your loan. That’s not the case with adjustable rate mortgages or ARMs, which only remain fixed for a set period. Most lenders refer to ARMs with two numbers, such as 5/1. The first number refers to how long the initial rate remains in place. The second number describes how often the rate adjusts after the initial rate ends. For a 5/1 ARM, the initial rate stays in place for five years, and then changes every year after that. When rates change, they’ll also change your monthly payment, so make sure you understand the illustrations that your mortgage documents will provide so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the end of the initial term.

Rule 4: Know whether you’ll actually be able to deduct your mortgage expenses.

Many people look forward to being able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and other key expenses of owning a home. But one thing to keep in mind is that all of these tax breaks are only available if you itemize deductions on your tax return. If the cost of your interest and taxes isn’t enough, when combined with other itemized deductions, to exceed the standard deduction you’re entitled to receive, then buying a home won’t do you any good from a tax perspective. That shouldn’t necessarily stop you from making a purchase and taking out a mortgage loan, but it should inform you as to the true cost of doing so.

Rule 5: Be careful diverting retirement money toward a home purchase.

The tax laws governing retirement accounts allow you to make withdrawals from an IRA of up to $10,000 toward a first-time home purchase without having to pay the typical penalties for early withdrawal of your retirement savings. However, just because you can use IRA money toward a home purchase doesn’t mean you should. First, even though you won’t owe penalties, you will owe income tax on the money you withdraw, potentially leaving you with a big tax shortfall at the end of the year. More importantly, diverting that money from your retirement savings will leave you in a less favorable position in the long run with the size of your nest egg. As a potential source of down payment money, tapping an IRA can seem like a smart move, but be aware of the long-term consequences before you pull the trigger.

Buying a home will probably be the biggest purchase you ever make. Being smart about the debt you incur to buy your home is essential to avoid the mistakes that so many homeowners made during the financial crisis. Keeping these rules in mind will take you a long way toward a better understanding of the mortgage process and your mortgage loan.

 

Source:  http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/28/5-mortgage-rules-you-should-know-by-heart.aspx?source=iedfolrf0000001

7127 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 6011 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,195,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,406 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759582
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
EXCEPTIONAL, HIGHLY UPGRADED 2,406 SQFT 6TH FLOOR CONDO WITH TWO LARGE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED BALCONIES, AND GORGEOUS VIEWS! This exceptional 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom condo features extensive floor-to-celing glass, a spectacular and highly upgraded gourmet kitchen, a well conceived open floor plan, superior finishes, 2 beautiful and quiet balconies, gorgeous views, 2 designated parking spots, and an attractive and upgraded laundry room. All found within the luxurious Optima Camelview Village, with it's unbeatable location & state of the art architecture/amenities. Amenities include: Two Outdoor Zen Pools, Spas & Bbqs One on each side of the community (heated year round). 24,000 sq. ft. Fitness Center (Recently Remodeled). Mens & Womens Locker Rooms w/ Steam Rooms, Showers and Private Lockers. Indoor Lap Pool & 2 Spas (Heated year round), On-site concierge, Putting green, Hybrid Basketball / Pickle-ball Court, Racquet ball court, On-site restaurant (metropolis), conference room, 24/7 Security, Reservable party room and multi-purpose fitness/yoga room.

3185 E Stella Lane Phoenix, AZ 85016

$2,195,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,303 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6776443
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on a private cul-de-sac bordering a lush preserve, this residence is located in the prestigious, guard-gated Biltmore Greens community. As you enter, you'll be captivated by soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive, light-filled living areas. High-end sliding glass doors create a seamless transition to the vibrant backyard, where a private pool awaits.The modernized kitchen showcases sleek cabinetry, an oversized island with waterfall-edge countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances, including a built-in coffee maker and custom ice drawers. The primary suite serves as a luxurious sanctuary, extending to a private patio, inviting you to unwind in a spa-like atmosphere. The ensuite bathroom offers a large shower, a deep soaking tub, and finishes that emphasize a refined earthy palette. Ideal for entertaining or relaxing, this home is a fantastic opportunity to personalize and elevate your Arizona lifestyle in the beautiful Biltmore community. Don't miss the chance to make this sanctuary your own!

9801 N Solitude Canyon Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$2,195,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,615 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757650
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exquisite luxury home nestled within the guard-gated Eagle Mountain Golfing Community. This stunning residence boasts an impressive 4,615 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, offering an ideal retreat for both relaxation and entertainment. The home features 3 spacious bedrooms, including 2 guest suites and a huge primary suite, this home is perfect for hosting family and friends. The dedicated office space, complete with built-in cabinetry, provides a serene environment for work/study/extra bedroom. At the heart of this home lies a gourmet kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. An adjoining built-in wine closet and host bar make entertaining effortless and enjoyable. Step outside to discover your private oasis with a heated pool and spa. There is a built-in BBQ with a large covered patio to relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings. Step out of the home and onto the front balcony to see breathtaking mountain and golf course views. It's the perfect setting for morning coffee or late afternoon, and into the evening, gatherings for entertaining. The space flows from the inside directly to the outside allowing the doors to remain open at all times for guests and family to move about freely. This home combines elegance and functionality, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking a sophisticated lifestyle in a vibrant community. Don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary property. 2022 HVAC systems (3), 2021 roof re-coating.

4327 E Capricorn Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$2,195,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
5,638 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702284
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream estate in the gated community of Vasaro in South Chandler. This luxurious home epitomizes elegance, with no detail overlooked. From the grand entrance to the stunning backyard, every feature exudes sophistication. Soaring ceilings, exposed wood beams, & custom finishes throughout. An open-concept Great Room connects seamlessly w/formal dining area, wine room, kitchen, & game room. A gallery hallway leads to the private owner's suite, featuring gas fireplace, dual closets & vanities, plus a bonus room perfect for exercise or a second office/craft room. The guest wing includes an office/library, half bath, media/playroom, & three bedrooms w/walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom. Outside your backyard oasis is complete w/oversized play pool, custom rock features, & spa. Entertain on extended paver patios, under the gazebo w/built-in BBQ, or in the play area w/artificial turf. This estate is a must-see, offering unparalleled luxury & craftsmanship.

9975 E Broken Spur Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,195,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,960 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6712549
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Lookout Ridge Lot 1, a luxurious retreat nestled within the prestigious Desert Mountain community. This furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home spans 2,960 square feet and features an open floor plan that perfectly frames the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, twinkling city lights at night, and stunning sunsets. Step inside to a freshly painted interior that exudes a light and bright ambiance, making every room feel inviting and serene. The spacious living area seamlessly flows into the outdoor patio, designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. The patio offers a heated spa, and a fun little putting green to practice with friends and family. This home is designed for easy living, offering a convenient lock-and-go lifestyle ideal for those . who love to travel or maintain a low-maintenance home. Membership is not available with this property, but can be purchased through the Desert Mountain Club, waitlist in place. Additional information on membership applications can be found in the document tab. Embrace the unparalleled lifestyle and luxury that Desert Mountain offers with 7 golf courses, 10 restaurants, Spa and workout facility, tennis and pickleball, 20+miles of private hiking trail and many other fun activities.

9441 N 129th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,195,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,462 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715590
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover luxury in Scottsdale with this stunning home featuring 5 en suite bedrooms and an open floor plan perfect for modern living. The spacious layout seamlessly integrates the living, dining, and kitchen areas, making it ideal for both entertaining and relaxation. Enjoy serene hikes just minutes from your door, while the renowned Mayo Clinic and BASIS school are conveniently nearby. With upscale finishes, abundant natural light, and a prime location, this residence offers both comfort and convenience in one of Scottsdale's most sought-after neighborhoods.

7035 E Juniper Village Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$2,195,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746488
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
$100,000 PRICE REDUCTION! GORGEOUS REMODEL CUSTOM HOME. OVER $400,000 IN UPDATES! Upgrade list is included in the documents. Owner is a professional interior designer. Newly designed back patio with pool, hot tub and spacious sitting area. You will feel like you are on a permanent vacation! Four bedrooms, all ensuite. Primary bedroom has two walk-in closets. Open kitchen and great room layout. Dining area with wine closet, and separate living room area with a bar that opens to the back patio. Contemporary plaster throughout the home. Beautiful stone and wood floors. Beamed ceilings. Home is on the 13th hole of the Prospector Golf Course. Gorgeous, mature landscaping surrounding the home. 1,925 SF ROOF DECK WITH TWO FIREPLACES PROVIDES PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE GOLF COURSE, CITY LIGHTS, SUNSETS, SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN and Silly Mountain. TWO JACK NICKLAUS GOLF COURSES. Not a golfer? Enjoy tennis, pickle ball, bocce, hiking and many other activities. Country Club living st its best. You will love it here! Buyer and/or buyer's agent to verify all pertinent information including square footage. Club amenities under a separate agreement.

8418 E Windrunner Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,195,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,967 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769956
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Another Southwest Urban Ventures creation, this stunning sophisticated remodel located in guard gated Talon Retreat at Grayhawk, is a true showcase of craftsmanship and elegance. This home perfectly balances comfort with functionality while embracing the latest design trends. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a redesigned open concept layout that effortlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen ares, ideal for modern living and entertaining. The spacious greatroom features expansive windows and glass door, allowing natural light to pour in and offering fantastic Arizona indoor / outdoor living. Custom built shelving and designer lighting add a touch of sophistication. The kitchen has been completely reimagined for the chef in mind, boasting high end appliances including a five burner gas range, wall oven with microwave (air fryer) combo and a sleek, oversized island with seating for casual dining. The walk in pantry is a masterpiece of design, featuring custom coffee station and plenty of storage for everything from dry goods to small appliances. Both master suites have been transformed into luxurious spa inspired retreats with freestanding soaking tubs, large glass enclosed showers, double vanities, and designer fixtures. The exterior spaces are meticulously curated for luxurious outdoor living. The pool area has been renovated to provide a lavish setting for relaxation and social gatherings, complemented by an outdoor kitchen with built in grill, cozy seating area, and linear water feature, ideal for year-round enjoyment. This home not only showcases the exceptional talents of Southwest Urban Ventures architectural and design team members, but also offers an unmatched lifestyle of luxury and comfort. Discover the unique charm and sophisticated elegance of this beautifully remodeled North Scottsdale residence. Grayhawk community luxury amenities include guard gated entrance, community heated pool and spa, lighted tennis courts, as well as walking and biking sidewalks. The Grayhawk Golf Club is open to everyone with two leading public courses, several dining options, rentable spaces, and beautiful views! This home is located within 10 minutes of many Scottsdale shopping, dining, and entertainment venues!!

11312 E Greenway Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,190,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,393 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782700
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

10430 N 82nd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$2,190,000 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Paradise Park Trails, Scottsdale
New
$2,190,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,290 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787039
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home to this 4bed/3.5bath McCormick Ranch gem, offering the quintessential McCormick Ranch setting inside the Arabian Loop. The home sits on a cul-de-sac, with greenbelt access allowing easy walk/ride to sought-after 3C schools. This fully renovated home embodies character and charm with designer finishes throughout, including engineered white oak flooring, limestone fireplace, wood beams, wall moldings, hand selected tile, luxury lighting, and black iron double entry door. The kitchen is light and bright with butler's pantry, plenty of storage, wine fridge, stainless appliances, and quartz countertops. The primary suite is a true retreat, boasting a large ensuite bath with a make-up vanity, fluted free standing tub, and plenty of storage, along with an oversized walk -in closet with storage island. Step Outside to enjoy a spacious .30 acre lot featuring a pebble tec pool, sport court, mature landscaping, and ample grassy area for children to play. New roof, new garage door, and new exterior paint ensure years of maintenance free living.

9825 E Sharon Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$2,190,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,555 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726874
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located on a cul-de-sac lot in a gated collection of newer luxury homes in the heart of North Scottsdale, this 6 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom basement home features 14 foot ceilings, energy-efficient 2x6 construction, oversize garages with huge storage cabinets, and is available fully furnished and decorated, with all housewares, for a turnkey experience as a second home. Owner suite is 75 feet long and over 1,000 square feet, with huge closet, office/sitting room, and fireplace. Basement wet bar and booming Dolby Atmos 4K home theater with huge custom sectional. Private guest suite with walk-in closet and full bath. Heated pool, hot tub, waterfall, misters, gas grill, and in-ground trampoline. Dog door with 50-foot dog run. Large front courtyard with fireplace. Large Smart Home package included: Mesh Wi-Fi and wired Gigabit Fiber Internet, with App-controlled Thermostats, Pool, Garage Doors, LED Lights, and Fans. Home's exterior painted in June 2024, and entire home interior painted. Two new 5 Ton AC + Gas Furnace units in 2022. Neighborhood is adjacent to a park with lighted tennis, basketball, baseball, and sand volleyball. The elementary school (Redfield) ranks #4 out of over 1,300 Arizona K-8 schools.

10952 E North Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,190,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,656 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756082
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This sophisticated home is the jewel you have been waiting for! Easy lock n' leave, virtually maintenance free resort style living! Perfect for part time or full time enjoyment. Gated private 9 home community. Close to freeway, dining, schools, shopping and health care. Primary bed on main level with fab walk in closet!. Kitchen is beautifully appointed with stainless appliances and quartz counters.Oak Hardwood flooring throughout home. Wide open living space with soaring 15' high windows& 40' of glass on south side. Sliding doors open wide to south facing serene private backyard oasis. Custom pool with edgeless design & luminar lighting Retractable patio awnings. For more...please see feature sheet in Doc tab. Art work on back exterior wall does not convey.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.