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

13051 N 70th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,699,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,586 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755937
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the coveted Desert Estates neighborhood, this charming ranch-style home sits on a sprawling half-acre lot with striking curb appeal. The mature desert landscaping and expansive front ramada offer the perfect setting to relax and take in the stunning evening sunsets. Inside, the home boasts recent updates, incl interior paint, new kitchen featuring granite countertops, ample cabinetry, a buffet bar, extra storage, & renovated bathrooms. Addt'l upgrades include a re-coated roof, new lighting, and so much more! The spacious family room & an impressive laundry/pantry room are sure to delight any buyer. The main living area flows seamlessly into an open-concept kitchen & family space, w/ large windows throughout the home showcasing backyard views and breathtaking sunrise moments. The primary suite features an oversized walk-in closet, dual sinks, and private access to the backyard oasis, while the secondary bedrooms are generously sized, including one with an ensuite, perfect for guests. Designed for entertaining, the backyard is a true desert paradise with an expansive covered patio for outdoor dining, a built-in BBQ, a synthetic lawn, a sparkling diving pool, a fire pit, and beautiful desert landscaping. An additional storage room is conveniently located on the south side of the property. With no HOA and located within the top-rated Scottsdale school district (Sequoya, Cocopah, and Chaparral), this home offers unbeatable value. Enjoy easy access to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, as well as proximity to premier events like the Barrett-Jackson car auction and the WM Phoenix Open. Plus, you're just minutes from the 101 and 51 freeways, providing quick routes to Sky Harbor Airport and Downtown Phoenix. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional, turn-key desert estate!

17458 N 97th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,699,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,130 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755649
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Windgate Living! This spacious residence welcomes you with an impressive foyer that seamlessly flows into an open-concept main living area, where the kitchen serves as the heart of the home. High ceilings and abundant natural light fill the expansive living room and adjacent casual dining area, while a large formal dining room provides the perfect setting for intimate gatherings. The first floor features a luxurious primary suite with a generous walk-in closet and beautiful primary bath. Upstairs, an airy loft connects two sizable bedrooms, a large bathroom with dual vanity and private water closet, and a cozy corner flex space ideal for a coffee bar. Walk out to your resort style backyard with no one behind you and enjoy the Windgate Ranch life style.

7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 1012 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,699,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,461 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6724171
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
LUXURY HOME UPGRADES, AMENITIES, LOCATION, & SPECTACULAR VIEWS! This unit has it all, look no further. Owner added an additional $140k of upgrades. Lutron lighting & motorized shade system throughout the unit, Cove & down lighting in Great Room, Custom designed Primary Closet from California Closets, Wood paneled wall in Kitchen, & Backlit mirrors in both bathrooms, just to name a few (see full upgrade list in document tab). Enjoy stunning mountain views by day & twinkling city light at night from every window of this unit. A Neutral color pallet throughout this unit will delight the most discriminating buyer. Enjoy an open floor plan with ample seating for gatherings, or move your guests to any of the amazing amenities Optima Kierland has to offer. Gathering rooms, Kitchens, Game Rooms, Outdoor BBQ area, & of course the infamous Rooftop Pool & Spa appointed with BBQ's, Dining tables, Lounge chairs. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool while taking in the scenic views of Scottsdale, whether it be Mountains or City lights. Optima is the ultimate in Luxury Highrise living & located near Fantastic shopping & Dining.

2936 E Cashman Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,699,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,121 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758900
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Voted best home on tour! Prepared to be amazed at the stunning home with designer finishes throughout, located within the gated community of Astarea. With an extensive list of exquisite upgrades completed AFTER the home was built, including decorative lighting, wood beams, stylish wall accents and the list goes on. The split floorplan features 3 spacious bedroom suites, plus an office, great room and chef's dream kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, built-in fridge, massive island, granite counters, gas double oven/range & pot filler, two pantries plus butler's pantry. The owner's suite stands as a serene sanctuary, featuring an expansive shower and a custom walk-in closet with a secondary entrance directly connected to the laundry room. The expansive great room seamlessly connec ts to the backyard with a vast wall of glass providing access to the large covered patio & outdoor BBQ and entertainment area where you'll also enjoy the beautiful landscape, pool & spa. All this plus a 4 car garage, one complete with a mini-split!

9908 E Cavalry Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,699,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,655 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746544
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the highly desirable gated community of Legend Vista Estates at Legend Trail. Imagine stepping into this bright and airy home, where every corner invites the beauty of the outdoors inside. The multiple oversized picture windows frame stunning garden, sunset and mountain views, transforming each glance into a captivating piece of live art on the private oversized lot. This property is perfect for entertaining with high ceilings, an open floor plan, and chef's kitchen with Wolf & Subzero appliances. The home is move-in ready with desirable finishes & updated systems maintained by meticulous owners. The resort backyard boasts expansive undercover with a pool, water feature, built-in BBQ, updated landscaping, & professionally designed landscape lighting. 3 car garage has storage Legend Trail features a public golf course and community center with pool, spa, fitness, tennis, and pickleball located close to hiking, biking, restaurants and shopping. This is Arizona living at its best!!!

1314 E Las Palmaritas Drive Phoenix, AZ 85020

$1,699,000 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Echo Mountain Terrace, Phoenix
Open House
$1,699,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,615 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742512
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Take pride in residing in this unique haven nestled on a hilltop cul-de-sac with panoramic 360° views! Exquisite curb appeal, a brand new roof, and a 3-car garage with glass doors are just the beginning! Come inside to discover recessed lighting throughout, ledger stone accents, custom railing, and a custom steel floating staircase. The large living room showcases new wood-look porcelain tile flooring, wide sliding glass doors to the back patio, and a stacked stone electric fireplace. The magazine-cover kitchen is a delight, offering pendant lighting, a walk-in pantry, white cabinetry with crown moulding, a waterfall island with breakfast bar, and high-end SS appliances such as a wine cooler, electric cooktop, & a wall oven.Grand owner's retreat stands out with its plush carpet, direct outdoor access, elegant ensuite with dual sinks & freestanding tub, and walk-in closet. HUGE bonus room on the lower level can be used as a recreational center! The backyard provides a covered patio, paver seating area, and new artificial turf! Highly updated with ALL NEW HVAC including ductwork & handlers, new electrical, new plumbing, new drywall, spray foam insulation, custom showers, and all new dual pane Low-E windows! This gem is sure to captivate you! Hurry and act NOW!

10243 N 58th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,696,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,693 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6727530
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Turn-key offered fully furnished. Country Estates w/private large yard & new pool! 4 bedroom with 3 baths. Double bedroom that could easily be split for a 5th bedroom! BRAND new pool remodel just completed! Spacious open split floor plan w/ 2 master suites, high ceilings, skylights & lots of natural light. Expanded custom chef's kitchen w/ beautiful custom cherry cabinets, 3 sinks, 2 refrigerators, top of the line appliances- wolf, subzero, gas cooking & built in steamer. Quality luxury finishes- tile & Berber carpeting throughout, thermo pane windows, sophisticated lighting & sound systems, central vacuum, . Resort style mature landscaping w/ sparkling pool & lawn.

52312 N 461st Avenue Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$1,695,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,794 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733592
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream estate! Custom-built home sits on a 5-acre property in the desirable Wickenburg/Forepaugh area perfect for horse enthusiasts, here's what makes this property truly exceptional- tile floors elegant and easy to maintain wood shutters adds a touch of classic charm, pantry, utility sink in laundry room, bar area for entertaining, master suite walk-in closet, luxurious shower with double heads, knotty alder doors, tile baseboards, tongue & groove patio ceilings, full-size roping arena, ideal for practicing, priefert roping chute, 2 RV plug-Ins, 4 stall free style horse walker ,wash rack ,custom tack room with pavers, automatic waters, 12 covered stalls, 4 (30x40) pens, 3 (60x40) pens, 2 (50x 100) pens, hay shed, custom entry, quarter minus driveway, top notch facility,

6939 E Chaparral Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$1,695,000
6 Beds
4 Baths
2,673 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776773
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new Heated pool in NOV 2024! PV home on almost half acre lot with NO HOA restrictions. Incredible Camelback Mountain views, walking distance from world-class Old Town Scottsdale restaurants/nightlife, & even fashion square mall. This 6 Bed, 4 Bath home with easy maintenance turf yard, putting greens, volleyball court w/ 2 hot tubs. This home has 2 kitchens and masters making it perfect for house hacking/investment or a mother-in-law suite. Home has separate entrances and ability to close off door to create two 3 bed, 2 bath living quarters.This home can can be used as a Air BNB, Behavior Health, Assisted Living, Sober Living; sky is the limit with this remodeled home in Desirable Rancho Vista PV neighborhood

13439 N 79th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,695,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776801
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Phoenix Home & Garden Cover Home July 2022! This beautifully restored mid-century modern gem is so special and unique, you don't want to miss it! The main living room features original exposed beamed ceilings, gorgeous stacked stone fireplace, floor to ceiling & clerestory windows and opens to the new vibrant custom kitchen and dining space. Handmade Moroccan tiles adorn the kitchen backsplash with custom glass shelving and eco-friendly terrazzo countertops add a timeless appeal. In addition to the great room, there is an oversized bonus/game room with stone faced fireplace and vaulted exposed beams. Rounding out this 3 bedroom home is a bonus office/den space. All of this, plus located on a 32,000+ square foot lot with horse privileges in the heart of Scottsdale!

3846 E Crittenden Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,695,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,356 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780584
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous home with 4 bedroom/3.5 baths plus separate den & bonus room, nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in a gated Arcadia community! This incredible home has Camelback Mt. views along with a luxurious kitchen with a walk-in pantry & butlers pantry, built-in fridge, high-end stainless appliances, huge island and tons of cabinet space. A highly desired open floor plan with luxurious wood floors & water softener system with R/O drinking water. On top of all that, it also has a beautiful, well-manicured, extremely low-maintenance outdoor space with heated pool and spa, artificial grass, brick pavers, built-in BBQ and fire pit. Even the garage is amazing with easy to clean epoxy floor, plus more storage! Located close to restaurants, entertainment, easy access to freeways & airport.

309 E Georgia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

$1,695,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,526 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6764499
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 4 bed, 2.5 bath Tuscan inspired home in the heart of Uptown Phoenix has everything you've been looking for! Bursting with curb appeal, you are welcomed with lush landscaping and Chicago reclaimed brick walkways that lead to an open patio with gas fire pit at the entryway and as you step inside enjoy a thoughtfully designed floor plan split between two stories. The open concept kitchen features granite countertops, an island with a breakfast bar, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including a Viking range. The kitchen seamlessly flows into a tucked away eating nook and the open living room which includes a gas fireplace. The primary bedroom features its own fireplace, a separate seating area, a private entrance leading to the backyard, and a spa-like ensuite with a large walk-in shower, jetted tub, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet with custom built-in shelving. The first floor also includes a full bar that connects a formal eating space to the kitchen and living room, a convenient powder bath for guests, a full-sized laundry room, a private office, and a wine cellar tucked beneath the stairs, showcasing a custom arched iron door. Upstairs, you'll find a den, along with three additional bedrooms. One bedroom has been thoughtfully remodeled with rubberized flooring, ideal for a yoga or workout space. Step outside into your own backyard oasis designed for both relaxation and entertainment. The lush landscaping surrounds a shaded patio, pool, and multiple pergolas. You'll also enjoy an outdoor shower and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen that includes a bar top with seating for 10, making this the perfect space for outdoor dining and hosting friends and family. The 3-car garage features ample built-in storage, additional racking system, a fridge and 2 Tesla charging stations. This home truly has it allluxury, style, and functionality. Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours!

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